History, Art and Island Culture Inspire a Community of Artists of All Ages
The Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center in Makawao provides a gathering place to foster creativity and connection that is rooted in the history and architecture of Maui. The site, the former Kaluanui Estate, designed in 1917 by C.W. Dickey, features Mediterranean-inspired architecture with a decidedly local expression. The original owners, Harry and Ethel Baldwin, first started a “club” for artists there in 1934. Caroline Killhour, Executive Director of the Hui, feels the thrill of working in such a beautiful historic setting.
We recently sat down with Caroline to get her take on history, art, preservation and the unique, inspiring magic of Hui No‘eau’s legacy.
Executive Director, Caroline Killhour
Historic Hawaii Foundation: What is the most fascinating/interesting/intriguing story about this estate that you know?
Caroline Killhour: On an adventurous afternoon in the 1970s, our on-site caretaker and artist in residence, Darrell Orwig, climbed near to the top of the stunning 150 year old Norfolk Island Pine tree located next to the main house of Kaluanui. From his vantage point, the view was incredible, but as he felt the swaying of the tree—almost as if on the deck of ship—he said that he became a “real tree hugger.”
HHF: What’s it like working at No‘eau and how does the history infuse your experience?
CK: Every day of work at Hui No‘eau is filled with creative energy! I enjoy seeing students learn new skills in our professional art studios—many of which are historic buildings that have been converted into artist spaces. For example, the former garage is now a printmaking studio and a cellar in the main house is now a photography darkroom. The Hui’s history is also an influential part of my daily experience because our administrative offices and fine art gallery are located in the Hui’s historic Kaluanui home, which was built in 1917 by architect CW Dickey. From our offices, we look out across the beautiful landscape of Kaluanui, which brings all of the staff, artists, and students at the Hui tremendous joy and creative inspiration.
HHF: Why is Hui No‘eau special?
CK: Hui No‘eau is such a special place. On the small island of Maui, we are a haven for creativity. We believe everyone has creativity inside them—and whether that creative impulse is bursting at the seams or is more deeply hidden, the Hui offers a tremendous amount of resources to help people of all ages discover their artistry and express themselves through the visual arts. When you combine our art classes, workshops, artist presentations, outreach programs, open studios, and fine art gallery with our stunning historic setting, magic happens! As a non-profit organization, the Hui is very forward thinking; we are constantly innovating and creating new programs that will inspire our community. At the same time, we are rooted in history. We have had great respect for and allegiance to our past, Ethel Baldwin and her daughter who started this “club” for artists back in 1934, and preserving the beautiful Kaluanui Estate for future generations to enjoy. The Hui is very uniquely positioned in past, present, and future! We are proud that Hui No‘eau has inspired creativity in our community for many generations and we are thrilled to remain a home and a gathering place for our community to grow, explore, and create today!
HHF: Why is it important to save Hui No‘eau and other historic sites?
In the late 1940’s, Hui No‘eau founder, artist and art enthusiast Ethel Baldwin utilized the cottage behind the Main House at Kaluanui as her metal working studio. Today, the Hui’s Artist Cottage provides accommodation to over 20 visiting artists annually who visit the Hui to teach classes and host lectures in all media. Artists share their knowledge and new visual arts techniques with our Maui community, while creating and being immersed in the magic and inspiration of Kaluanui! (Photo/content courtesy of Hui No’eau)
CK: Because there is tremendous knowledge to be gained from the stories of the past. By learning about historical events, places, and people, we better understand the circumstances that shape and influence our world today. It is also fascinating to walk around the Kaluanui Estate, take a journey back in time, and imagine what the property might have looked like—or what it would be like to live in the Hui’s grand Mediterranean style home—around a hundred years ago!
HHF: Based on your own experience at Hui No‘eau, what would you say to convince someone who wants to tear down a historic site to consider rehab and adaptive re-use instead?
CK: There is so much to be gained by creative use of historic sites without tearing down existing buildings. Hui No‘eau is a perfect example of integrating the current needs of the community into an existing historic property. Housing our art studios and fine art gallery on a historic site elevates the whole experience for our students and visitors. Students, artists, and visitors treat the studios and grounds with great respect because when you are at the Hui’s Kaluanui Estate, you can’t help but feel a sense of regard for all that came before you.
All photos courtesy of Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center