Faces of Hawaii 2009

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photo by James Rhodes

The Faces of Hawaii opening reception at the Wailoa Center was a great success, attended by photographers and subjects, family and friends from Kauai, Oahu, Maui and The Big Island. With music by Hilo's own Ben Kaili, gourmet pupus, and 160 portraits to enjoy and stories to read from across our islands, a good time was had by all.

Mahalo to all of you who contributed your time and talents to this year's competition and exhibition. For those who where not able to attend, here is a sampling of the evening's festivities. Hope to see you next year!

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Emily Naeole posing with her portrait taken by first place winning photographer Karen Mortensen.

Members of the Yamanaka family share the spotlight with the second place winning photo of Aaron Kazuo Yamanaka and his son, taken by Steven Garon.

Dr. Garon could not attend the reception as he is currently on a medical mission in Burma. The Yamanaka's graciously accepted his award in his absence.

photo by Aubrey Hord

While making his selections for the Faces of Hawaii book, James Jensen noted his surprise at the inclusion of animal faces among the photos. He was particularly moved by two portraits of dogs and decided to honor them each with a 3rd place award.

Rita Coury receiving a 3rd place award for her portrait of Luna from
Stephen Freedman & Patti Millington
of HI Art Magazine & idspace

Christina Heliker accepting a 3rd place award for her portrait of Mai'a.

photo by James Rhodes
Shonisti proudly shows off her portrait
by Norman Negre

photo by James Rhodes
Members of the Red Legion Motorcycle Club displaying the camaraderie captured in their portrait (upper left) taken by Chris Butcher

photo by James Rhodes
Leina’ale with her portrait titled "Playing For Beans"
by Aaron Castillo Jr.

photo by James Rhodes
Charlene Asato and her portrait of
Graham Wood, hybridizer and grower of orchids

Faces of Hawaii Vol.II, 2009
Curated by James F. Jensen,
Deputy Director for Exhibitions and Collections at The Contemporary Museum, Honolulu

Faces of Hawaii Vol. II is 8 1/2" x 11", 56 pages, including 48 full color portraits.

Cover photo: EMILY by Karen Mortensen

Faces of Hawaii
BOOKS
published by HI Art Magazine

Faces of Hawaii Vol.I
Curated by Darrell Orwig, artist and retired Director of the Schaefer International Gallery at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center.

Faces of Hawaii Vol. I is 8 1/2" x 11", 56 pages, including 41 full color portraits.

Cover photo: MARK by Steven Garon

The Faces of Hawaii series is a collection of photographs and stories of the inhabitants of our islands. Compelling, humorous and poignant, the stories told by the photographers about their subjects create a diverse and beautiful portrait of Hawaii.

Available through our online store.

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