Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center is located on the beautiful estate of Harry and Ethel Baldwin, also known as Kaluanui, along Baldwin Avenue near the town of Makawao.  The main complex rests within a semi-formal landscaped setting extensively planted with indigenous and exotic plants and trees.  The residence, designed by architect C. W. Dickey in 1916, is one of the few early California Mission-style residential buildings remaining in Hawai‘i and is listed on the State Register of Historic Places.

Today, the Arts Center serves as an excellent example of how preservation and adaptive reuse can transform an existing property into a beloved community resource.  Historic Hawai‘i Foundation was able to assist with this process, facilitating grant funding in 2015 to complete the renovation of the historic garage into the Print Studio.  In addition to the cleaning, repair and repainting of the structure, the grant enabled the removal of hazardous materials from the Studio and the adoption of proper waste disposal practices.

The renovation ushered in a new series of screen printing classes for teens and adults to boost the Print Studio’s existing repertoire.  The Studio has served over 800 youth, 100 adult students and 300 community artists since its inception.  Classes range from intaglio, woodcut, collagraphy, monotype printing and more, enhancing the diverse array of art produced by the Maui community.

At left, the Print Studio in 2015, before renovation. On right, the renovated Print Studio in 2016.

In addition to its wonderful art classes, the Hui actively promotes the value of preservation through guided and self-guided walking tours of its historic campus.

“There is so much to be gained by creative use of historic sites without tearing down existing buildings…Housing our art studios and fine art gallery on a historic site elevates the whole experience for our students and visitors…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.” – Caroline Killhour, former executive director of Hui Noeau

To learn more Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center, please visit these additional resources:

Aerial photo at top courtesy of Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center (photographer: Pezzillo)

By Beth Iwata, Director of Development