My involvement with The Volcano Art Center goes back nearly 5 years. At first just by attending their art classes and their various Fundraisers.
I was first introduced to this organization while under different leadership and CEO. Somehow things did not work out that well ,until our current CEO (Mike Nelson) took over the helm during the past 4 years or so.
This Center and its main Gallery which is located in the Volcano National Park is of a highly cultural significance with its proximity to the National Park, its active volcanoes and it's many blessings from Madame Pele surrounded by all the magical elements; water, fire and rare forest creatures.
The Niaulani Campus is where the art ClAsses take place, the bautiful Hula is performed and
the annual Gala called "Love The Arts' takes place.
I have had the privilege of participating in the annual fundraiser for the past 3 years by bringing in Live and silent auction items as well as cash donations.
Each year the Volunteers which includes the BOD work very hard to make this event a fabulous success and such a great addition to this intimate community up in the 4000 foot elevation of the Big Island Of Hawaii.
I am proud to be a part of this organization and community where everyone works together to embrace the beauty of this magical setting.
I am in my first year of being on the Board Of Directors and I am impressed with how they have managed to grow in the quality of their employees and the many artistic and cultural offerings they have been able to add over these years in spite of the Pandemic!
This is an organization that adds tremendous value to Hawaii Island and it's many cultural
venues for visitors and locals alike and deserves your support!
We visited Volcano Art Center on our wedding trip. As a photographer and artist, I was impressed with the variety of local artists and the beautiful work. We purchased several pieces that now hang in our home in South Carolina.
Volcano Art Center (VAC) is the heart of the Volcano community, welcoming residents and visitors alike to appreciate art inspired by the Kilauea Volcano region as well as learn new art skills. The main gallery, located in the historic 1877 Volcano House at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, vibrantly represents 180 local artists. The Niaulani campus of VAC abounds with visual art, performances, and art classes offered for all ages and abilities. In addition, VAC volunteers steward an old growth native rainforest on campus as well as a sculpture garden, both of which are open daily for all to explore .
I have been a member and supporter since approximately 1980 and served on the Board through the 1990s for about 12 years. Volcano Art Center is an amazing organization which beautifully supports and highlights the arts of Hawaii Island, and Hawaii, in all their forms. A great variety of workshops are presented, as well as many wonderful events. It is one of the cultural mainstays of Hawaii Island, and continues to grow and become even better in all it undertakes. Its Gallery in our National Park is excellent in content and presentation, being housed in a delightful historic park building. The Volcano Art Center is a jewel of our Island!
I've taken many classes and events at VAC -- long prior to my being a board member -- and my children have as well. VAC is the hub of most things cultural in our community, and people travel far to attend events and classes, which in my view, attests to the uniqueness (and sometimes a lack of cultural opportunities) in other, sometimes bigger, areas.