GALLERY
On View In The Islands
Dozens of local artists gave portraiture a try for their chance to claim a $15,000 prize. The winner will be named next Sunday at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center.
The faces of friends
The winner of the $15,000 Juror's Choice Award -- one of the largest prizes ever for a visual arts competition in Hawaii -- will be named at 5 p.m. next Sunday during the opening of the Schaefer Portrait Challenge at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center.
The statewide juried art exhibition will feature portraits of subjects who have distinguished themselves in the eyes of artists statewide.
In addition to the Jurors' Choice Award, there will be a second $5,000 Marian Freeman People's Choice Award, based on viewers' votes through Feb. 12. The winner will be named at a second reception at 5 p.m. Feb. 13.
The exhibition marks the launching of a new initiative by the MACC to raise interest in the art of portraiture in Hawaii while honoring those who have contributed to the community. Among those chosen are a judge, a fireman, business people, humanitarians, educators, entertainers, scientists, a politician, musicians, a kumu hula (hula master), and, to be quite clear about just who's important, there are a few self-portraits.
One of the requirements was that the person whose portrait was painted or sculpted had to sit with the artist at least once for a work "created from life."
An inaugural exhibition Schaefer Portrait Challenge
Where: Schaefer International Gallery, Maui Arts & Cultural Center, One Cameron Way, Kahului
When: Opens 5 p.m. next Sunday, continuing 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays to Sundays through Feb. 23
Admission: Free
Call: 808-242-2787"The Schaefer Portrait Challenge is a unique opportunity for Hawaii's artists to experience an age-old process," said MACC gallery director Darrell Orwig. "Portraiture is deeply rooted in many cultures throughout the world, both Eastern and Western."
Of the 221 entries received, jurors Momi Cazimero, Cynthia Conrad, Tom Klobe and Shige Yamada selected 52 works of art from artists on six islands to be exhibited. They looked for portraits that communicated visually and conceptually. Also essential was the artist's ability to go beyond likeness and capture the spirit of the portrait subject.
Artists were asked to submit a written statement about themselves and the portrait subject, including why the subject is worthy of recognition. Each artist's narrative will be displayed with his or her portrait. The artists also had to verify that they had at least one live sitting with their subject. All portraits were created during the 12-month period prior to the entry deadline, and none have been previously exhibited.
The Schaefer Portrait Challenge was first proposed in 1999, based on a similar competition in Australia. The competition and exhibition became a reality after several years of discussions and planning, and the commitment of two donors who stepped forward to fully underwrite the awards.
The Jurors' Choice Award is made possible by the support of Carolyn Schaefer Gray, while the Marian Freeman People's Choice Award is made possible by Gage and Lettie Schubert. Additional support was received from the County of Maui and the Hawaii Tourism Authority.
Star-Bulletin staff
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