Featherwork of Hawai`i

by Lyman Museum
(Hilo, Hawai`i)

The Lyman Museum invites you to experience an artistic tradition unique to Hawai`i as it proudly presents an exhibition of featherwork and demonstrations by Lei Hulu of Hilo from May 1 through May 15, 2010.

For the past five years, Aunty Doreen Henderson and her students, collectively known as Lei Hulu of Hilo, have enchanted Lyman Museum visitors with a display of feather masterpieces such as lei hulu (feather lei), kahili (royal feather standards), `uli`uli (feather gourds and rattles), and `ahu`ula (feather capes).

In celebration of Lei Day (May 1), the artists return with a 2-week exhibition complete with daily demonstrations. Visitors will be dazzled by an extraordinary colorful array of finished pieces and willing participants will also learn how to make a feather flower to keep. This special exhibit is sponsored in part by the Hawai`i Tourism Authority. Regular Museum admission prices do apply.

Lei Hulu of Hilo was founded by Hilo native, Aunty Doreen Henderson, who has dedicated her life to the preservation and perpetuation of Hawaiian featherwork and has been practicing the art for over 30 years. She studied under Master Kumu Mary Kahihilani Kovitch, a student of Aunty Mary Lou Kekuewa who is considered one of the foremost featherwork teachers in Hawai`i.

The nationally accredited and Smithsonian-affiliated Lyman Museum showcases the natural and cultural history of Hawai`i to tell the story of its island and people. The Museum, located in historic downtown Hilo at 276 Haili Street, is open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. For additional information on this special exhibit and Museum admission, call (808) 935-5021 or visit www.lymanmuseum.org.