Meet the Artists at the Maui Open Studios Event

Artists and art collectors will be glad to hear that the second annual 2012 Maui Open Studios Event has returned to the island. This event extends through all 4 weekends of February, involving artists and galleries across the entire island. If you choose to attend any one of the event venues, you may meet the artists and "talk story," see live art demonstrations, enjoy refreshments, browse the many unique types of art on display and perhaps purchase a piece of original work that speaks to you. The concept of uniting the art of a region in an annual event is one that has been successfully practiced in California for decades.

On February 4th, the Maui Tropical Plantation will be hosting the Opening Celebration and Preview Exhibition. This active plantation is set upon 60 beautiful acres of Waikapu land and is viewed by many as a work of art in itself. The Opening Celebration is the perfect chance to see most of the participating artists in one place and experience an array of samples from their galleries. Attending this event is a great way to get information on the art venues for the next 3 weeks to come, and plan which, if not all, of them that you would like to visit. The festivities for the Opening Celebration and Preview begins at 6:00pm and ends at 9:00pm.

The Opening Celebration and Preview is free to the public and will provide live music. Drinks and pupus (appetizers) will be available for purchase. The talented musicians entertaining for the evening are part of the 2012 Maui Invitational Music Festival, which is produced by the Arts Education for Children Group. The event is sponsored by the County of Maui and the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

Weekend One is February 11 and 12 will involve open studios in West, Central and South Maui from 11:00am to 6:00pm. Weekend Two takes place on February 18 and 19, and includes North and Upcountry Maui open studios from 11:00am to 6:00pm. Weekend Three begins on Friday, February 24 with an Artist Reception at Travaasa (once Hotel Hana, Maui) from 5:00pm to 7:00pm and continues on February 25 and 26 with open studios on the road to Hana, Hana itself and East Maui from 11:00am to 6:00pm.

For more information on this event, the artists involved, and for a map of the open studios, visit www.mauiopenstudios.com.

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