Firehouse Gallery
The Firehouse Gallery is the most visual project of the Waimea Arts Council. It is strategically located in the heart of downtown Waimea in South Kohala’s historic old fire station.
The Firehouse Gallery serves as a venue for Big Island artists by providing a place for them to exhibit and sell their work, as well as educational opportunities through workshops and the sharing of creative ideas with other members. Artists donate a percentage of any sales to the organization. All artwork on display is created by the artist member or donated to the organization by art supporters. The gallery is run by artists and local volunteers and offers mixed media from watercolor, acrylic and oil paintings to glass, sculpture, woodwork, photography and jewelry. Stop by and take home some local art.
To see a description of the current show and past shows, click here.
Hours:
Thursday through Sunday from 11:00 – 3:00.
Open additional days dependent on availability of docents. Call 808-887-1052 to confirm.
Current and Upcoming Events:
“Portal 2”, All-Island Juried Fine Art Show
November 4 – December 31, 2023
Zodiac
January 4 – 28, 2024
31st Annual Cherry Blossoms Art Show
February 1 – 25, 2024
Abstraction & Distractions
March 1 – 31, 2024
40th Annual Na’opio Youth Art Show, Virtual
March 2024
Fiber & Quilts
April 4 – 28, 2024
Orchids
May 2 – 26, 2024
Celebrating National Trails Day/Ancient, Historic, and Modern trails
June 1 – 30, 2024
Through the Lens
July 4 – 28, 2024
Still Life
Aug 1 – 25, 2024
Hawaiian Guides & Protectors
September 5 – 29, 2024
40th Annual Founders Juried Art Show
October 3 – 27, 2024
All-Island Juried Fine Art Show
November 1 – December 29, 2024
Annual Art Shows
- The Na ‘Opio Youth Art Show is held every year in the month of March. This competition is open to grades 6 through 12 in the North and South Kohala and Hamakua districts – public and private schools as well as home-schooled children. Prizes are awarded in each grade. Since 2021 the show is held virtually and can be found on the Waimea Arts Council YouTube channel.
- Founders’ Juried Art Show is held every year in the month of October. This show is open to members of the Waimea Arts Council in any medium and any subject. Historically, we have had visits from the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and they have purchased artwork for their Art in Public Places program.
Workshops and Classes
- Workshops in many media – watercolor, pastel, silk painting, photography and more are offered when an instructor is available. For information on any upcoming workshops, go to Events/Workshops.
Public Art
A large mural on the side of our building (above) was completed by the students at Kanu O’Ka Aina school and their teacher Scott Plunkett, along with additional assistance from Tom Mehau, well-known local artist and founder of the Waimea Artists’ Guild.
Murals on display on other outside walls were donated to the council in the 90s and painted by students of St. Joseph’s School in Hilo.
In July of 2017, our newest mural was added on the west outside wall, featuring a horse looking out of his stall. This mural was painted by Terry Bensch, a long time member of the Waimea Arts Council, and honors the paniolo tradition of the Waimea area.
Community Collaborative Projects
- First Saturday Free Art Class at Thelma Parker Memorial Public Library – held on the first Saturday of the month starting April 1, 2023. WAC provides a member artist and all materials for a fun filled and free monthly class hosted by the Thelma Parker Memorial Library. For information on upcoming classes and to register, contact the library at 808-887-6067.
- Free Keiki Art Club at Big Island Art Fair – held on Saturdays alongside the Big Island Art Fair in Waimea, WAC supplies materials and an instructor who can adjust the complexity of the art project based on the individual abilities of the participants. Both children and parents can view professional, visit with artists, and then engage in an art project. This program has been ongoing since 2022.
- Cherry Blossom Festival – held in February each year, Waimea celebrates the blooming of the cherry trees and WAC features art related to cherry blossoms during that month, as well as participating on the day of the celebration.
- Healthy Keiki Fest – held in April each year at the Parker Ranch Shopping Center and WAC has had a booth there for many years, stirring up an interest in art with a project for the kids.
Special Projects
Humane Society
In July of 2016, WAC featured artwork of pets of all kinds and donated a percentage of all sales for that month to the Hawaii Island Humane Society. There was a reception that featured sketches done onsite of any pets brought it and adoptable animals brought by the Hawaiian Island Humane Society, Waimea branch.
Aunt Betty Sunglass Project
In March 0f 2015, WAC opened their doors for 8 days to anyone in Waimea who would like to come in and have their photo taken wearing a pair of Aunt Betty Webster’s sunglasses to assist her in documenting her collection for the Guinness Book of Records. It was very successful, and her collection of over 1500 sunglasses was certified as a Guinness record. WAC took all the photos and helped her submit them to Guinness, as well as throwing a big party to celebrate when it was all official.