Waimea to host 3-day art fair featuring ‘Signs of Spring’ contest

The Big Island Art Fair will return to Kahilu Town Hall in Waimea, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to purchase locally made artwork and participate in a community art contest.

The three-day event is scheduled for April 23 to 25 and is expected to feature about 20 local artists each day, along with live demonstrations showcasing a range of creative techniques.

Organizers said the fair is designed to connect patrons with artists while allowing attendees to observe the artistic process firsthand.

A centerpiece of the event is the “Signs of Spring” art contest, which invites local artists to interpret the seasonal theme through their work.

Fairgoers will be encouraged to view the submissions and vote for their favorite pieces. Winners will be announced Saturday, with cash prizes awarded at 3 p.m.

Scheduled demonstrations of seed bead weaving by Shannon Guzzo, collage by Blanka Holmes, and wood and gourd burning by PuaMaka Müller will take place each day of the event.

Artwork available for purchase will span a variety of media, including acrylic and oil paintings, mosaics, ceramics, jewelry, digital art and photography.

Food vendor Mochinga Hawaiʻi will be on-site Thursday and Friday, offering Greek dishes such as spanakopita and Hamakua macadamia nut baklava.

The fair will be held at Kahilu Town Hall, located next to the Parker Ranch Center in Waimea. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.