Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 5, Number 6, 1 June 1988 — Brilliant Colors, Eye-Catching Designs [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Brilliant Colors, Eye-Catching Designs

Artistry of Quilters Boldiy Displayed in Exhibit

By Deborah Lee Ward, Assistant Editor Ka Wai Ola O OHA With brilliant colors and eye-catching designs, over 50 miniature to king-size traditional Hawaiian quilts featured in the "1988 O'ahu Quilt Festival" May 14 and 15 testified boldly to the wealth of knowledge and talent among Hawaii's quilters. On the first day alone 565 visitors enjoyed the show. The many beautiful designs were familiar — breadfruit, hibiscus, crown flower, rose and laua'e — yet there were new ideas in evidence too. Unusual color combinations, mixtures of fabric types (such as eyelet on chintz), and modern-style designs all reflected creativity going beyond traditional ways. On display at Likeke Hall, Kawaiaha'o Church, were quilts made since 1980 by some of Oahu's finest contemporary quilters. Participants in this year's festival were: Elizabeth Akana, Deborah Kakalia, Rossie M. Frost, Daisy Fujimoto and her students, Hui O Waimanalo (City Department of Parks and Recreation), Carol Kamaile and her students, Meali'i Kalama and Launa Aloha from Kawaiaha'o church, the quilt class of Pearl City Recreation Center, Poakalani's, Quilts Hawai'i, and Darlene Tom. The relaxed atmosphere made it enjoyable to stroli through and admire the fine handiwork, to talk to the quilters and see them demonstrate their art. While only a few quilts were for sale at a price reflecting the hours of labor, many quilters did have on sale how-to books, patterns, kits, even ready-made pillows and hangings for those who decided to make their own. The idea for the O'ahu Quilt Festival began two years ago when a group of Hawaii quilters participated in the Great American Quilt Festival in New York in 1986. Planning began back at home for a show of Hawaiian quilts and the organizers settled on Likeke Hall for their first show. The event was coordinated by Wendell K. Silva, planning chairperson, under the sponsorship of the Kalihi-Palama Culture & Arts Society ine. for the purpose of providing organizations and individuals interested in preserving and perpetuating the art of Hawaiian quilting with the opportunity to eome together to share their expertise, artistry and aloha. Committee members included Gussie Bento, Dorris Farrell, quilter Mealii Kalama, Lee Wild and Elaine Zinn. Mrs. Bento said the group hopes to hold another quilt festival in two years' time, whieh would give quilters time to complete new quilts. She said the festival shows that the art and tradition of Hawaiian auiltinq thrives as a livinq art.

Elizabeth Akana, right, widely and affectionately referred to as the Quilt Lady, with her flag handiwork hanging to the right. Some of her patterns ean be seen just below the flag. Here she is talking with some of those who visited her display.

This striking design in off-white and green by Meali'i Kalama was quilted by owner Kahili Wann, and incorporates her namesake kahili design and the mokihana of Wann's home island. Kaua'i.

"Na Lei Ona Ho'ailona Ali'i," a stunning 108"x108" quilt in vivid red on yellow was a showpiece entry by Deborah U. Kakalia, here with her handiwork.