Years ago, before professional photographer Mary Goodrich fully recognized the awesome power of Pele, she hiked to the end of Chain of Craters Road, camera in hand.

Standing atop a huge lava tube, she watched magnificent plumes of steam rise as a river of molten lava flowed into the sea. Mesmerized, she didn't realize she was in grave danger until a bit of lava hit her just above her ear. Her hair immediately caught on fire.

Goodrich extinguished the flames with her hands, then noticed her shoes were melting. “;At that moment I knew I'd better get out of there fast,”; she recalled. “;In retrospect I believe the lava that struck me was a kiss from Pele, a warning not to come too close.”;

Such dramatic tales are common in the spectacular wilderness of Volcano, which has attracted artists of all persuasions.

“;Some are drawn by the energy of the volcano,”; said Goodrich. “;Others say the peace and remoteness give them clarity of mind. As artists we're inspired by the mists, rain forests and volcanic forms. Nature is our muse.”;

Each Thanksgiving weekend for 22 years, the Volcano Village Art Studio Tour and Sale has offered visitors the opportunity to step into artists' private studios, chat with them about their work and make fabulous finds in many mediums, including paintings, pottery, sculpture, hand-blown glass and photography. Prices run the gamut from a few dollars to several thousand.

Sponsored by the 18-member Volcano Village Artists' Hui, the event started in 1986, when fiber artist Pam Barton, ceramist Chiu Leong and Ira Ono, who specializes in ceramics and mixed media, decided to host a Thanksgiving weekend tour and sale at their studios.

The success of that open house spurred the three friends to form the hui with other Volcano artists.

Goodrich serves as the group's secretary. “;We provide each other with advice, support and feedback,”; she said. “;The hui enables us to associate with like-minded individuals in pursuit of what we love best: fine art!”;

At the tour and sale, visitors are encouraged to ask the artists about the materials and processes used for their work, and the subjects that intrigue them.

“;We create in the spirit of personal discovery and enthusiasm for our chosen art forms, as opposed to just making things to sell,”; said Goodrich. “;Each piece adheres to a high standard of excellence and truly represents the artist. The most rewarding part for us is greeting visitors and seeing their appreciation of our art. Many people come and finish all their Christmas shopping in one day.”;

  The event also enables visitors to catch a glimpse of what life is like in rural Volcano, far from the Big Island's principal towns and resorts.

“;It's a beautiful area with giant tree ferns and ancient ohia trees,”; said Goodrich. “;Kilauea Volcano in nearby Hawaii Volcanoes National Park exudes an aura of power and mystery. The legends of Pele are alive here.”;

To be sure, it takes a certain kind of person to live in this remote region where temperatures often dip to the 50s, there's constant rain and there is no trash pickup or mail delivery service. Still, in addition to artists, Volcano is home to more than 2,200 people from diverse backgrounds, including writers, scientists and flower growers.

“;It's a close-knit community where people know their neighbors and help each other out,”; said Goodrich. “;Other artists and organizations in Volcano put on their own art events at the same time as our Studio Tour and Sale. ... It supports the fact that Volcano is the place to be on Thanksgiving weekend for people who like to peruse and buy art from local artists.”;

Hui members relish the opportunity to meet newcomers and to show and discuss the meaning behind their creations.

“;When you go to a gallery, you seldom are able to meet the artists whose work is displayed there,”; said Goodrich. “;At our event you can interact with the artists; you can linger as long as you like in their creative space and get to know them. Having that personal connection deepens your enjoyment and understanding of their work.”;