G L A D Y S   K U K A N A   G R A C E

“Lauhala weaving is a connection with the past. You need to learn the skills. You also need to learn the values of our culture. If you do that, weaving lauhala can change your life. It will make you a better person.”

Renowned weaver Aunty Gladys is perhaps best known for her specialty in weaving the two color ‘anoni pattern. She has fulfilled her personal mission to teach lauhala weaving throughout Hawai‘i. Her students range in age from eight year old keiki to ninety year old senior citizens, with some coming from as far away as Japan. She has always welcomed them into her home -- whenever they had a burning desire to learn that one special technique, needed additional instruction, or had a weaving problem that did not appear fixable.

In 1997, Aunty Gladys co-founded with Uncle Frank Masagatani (one of her longstanding students), the weaving support group, Ulana Me Ka Lokomaika’i, which means “weaving with goodness and kindness from within.” The group continues to flourish and is considered the primary weaving organization on the island of O’ahu. It meets twice a month and Aunty Gladys is there to share her expertise, encouraging others to do so too.

 

B O B   F R E I T A S

“As a contemporary sculptor I am excited that internationally, museums, galleries and critics are recognizing contemporary Hawaiian art. This contemporary cultural diversity adds to a rich international culture. Modern art has gone full circle.”

Bob Freitas’ artistic roots evolved while living in Germany in the late 1960s, with his experiences at Documenta and other European art shows. He was also drawn to the Sculptural Abstract Expressionist Style of New York. While attending the University of Hawai’i in the 1970-80s, Freitas studied art, architecture, anthropology, engineering, political science and law. Since that time, he has been featured in scores of exhibitions, both locally and abroad, and has actively organized and curated many shows.

His artistic style is abstract, involving 3-D compositions that contrast carefully selected materials and incorporate structural elements, which are based on anthropometric relationships to achieve a unique visual and spatial balance.