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“How Nature Restores Me” Group Exhibition Showcases Works of The Nature Conservancy, Hawai‘i and Palmyra, August 1-31, 2024

Painting of a man standing on rocks overlooking the ocean; the sky is painted in vibrant purples, pinks, and oranges.
“Everbright” Artist: Toni Parras, TNC Director of Marketing & Communications. Hand-painted black and white photograph printed on fine art paper. © Courtesy of Toni Parras

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Abstract painting showing two different types of ferns.
“Kupu ke Ao, Kupu ka Pō” Artist: Kau'i Podlewski, spouse of TNC Maui Terrestrial Team’s Koa Plauche. Acrylic Painting. © Courtesy of Kau'i Podlewski

The Nature Conservancy, Hawaiʻi and Palmyra and Downtown Art Center (DAC) are pleased to present “How Nature Restores Me,” an exhibit featuring the artwork of The Nature Conservancy, Hawai‘i and Palmyra, on display in the DAC Courtyard Gallery at 1041 Nuʻuanu Ave., Second Floor, from August 1 through August 31, 2024.

The exhibit includes a diverse collection of work, including ceramics, kapa, wood carvings, paintings, photography and more, and aims to showcase the significant link between art and nature. These works highlight TNC’s staff, trustees and their ʻohana who express their connection to nature through art.

“We’re thrilled to partner with the Downtown Art Center to share about our people and our work on a more personal level,” says Toni Parras, TNC’s director of marketing and communications for Hawai‘i and Palmyra.

During the month, TNC staff will give special presentations to talk about their work across the islands, and artist Jana Ireijo will paint a “vanishing mural” of an endangered Hawaiian forest bird that will be washed away during a special closing reception at which TNC Executive Director Ulalia Woodside Lee will talk about the cultural and natural significance of these birds and the organization’s work to help save them.

A large ceramic sculpture of a manta ray stands on a deck outdoors.
“Hihimanu” Artist: Emily Fielding, TNC Director of Marine Conservation. Ceramic and coral. © Courtesy of Emily Fielding

“This exhibit is a unique way to bring a critical message about the importance of nature to our daily lives,” says Lee. “We have a kuleana to care for the natural world in reciprocity for all we receive from nature which sustains us.”

The exhibition is free and open to the public, on view during regular gallery hours:
Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The First Friday Opening Reception will be held on Friday, August 2, at which TNC artists and guests will be present.

During the month, special presentations from TNC staff during include:

Sun., Aug. 4, 12:00 p.m.
“How Nature Restores Us on Maui & Lānaʻi”
Keoki Kanakaokai, Maui Natural Resource Manager

Wed., Aug. 7, 12:00 p.m.
“ʻĀina Reflections on Collaboration at Heʻeia”
ʻAlohi Nakachi, Oʻahu Marine Program Manager

Sat., Aug. 17, 11:00 a.m.
“Preserving Hawaiʻi’s Native Forests”
JC Watson, Terrestrial Conservation Director

Sat., Aug. 17, 12:00 p.m.
“Partnering with Nature: Palmyra Atoll”
Dana Sabine, Palmyra Science Coordinator

Sat., Aug. 24, 12:00 p.m.
“Exploring the Concept of ʻĀina & Aloha ʻĀina”
Sam ‘Ohu Gon, Senior Scientist & Cultural Advisor

Sat., Aug. 31, 4:00 p.m.
“Hawaiʻi’s Vanishing Forest Birds” presentation and closing reception
Ulalia Woodside Lee, Executive Director

Images of artwork for media use available here.

 

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About The Nature Conservancy, Hawai‘i and Palmyra

The Nature Conservancy, Hawai‘i and Palmyra (TNCHP) is a local nonprofit that has forged partnerships to manage 14 preserves and support other sites in Hawai‘i and Palmyra Atoll, working with government, private parties and communities to protect Hawai‘i’s and Palmyra’s forests and coral reefs for their ecological value and for the many benefits they provide to people. Informed by science and guided by traditional values and practices, TNCHP is part of a global organization that applies innovative, nature-based solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive. Visit nature.org/HawaiiPalmyra.

About Downtown Art Center (DAC)

Located in the Chinatown Gateway Plaza building at 1041 Nuʻuanu Ave., Second Floor, the nonprofit Downtown Art Center is an exhibition gallery and educational space for Oʻahu's arts scene. DAC is a thriving center for the arts, providing display space to showcase local artists and art organizations, classrooms for arts instruction and more. DAC is dedicated to the revitalization of Downtown/Chinatown Honolulu through culture and the arts.

Parking for DAC is located at nearby municipal parking lots (onsite at Chinatown Gateway Plaza, parking entrance off Bethel Street) or at Mark's Garage (entrance at 22 S. Pauahi St.). DAC is easily accessible by public transit as well; get directions, routes and timetables at www.thebus.org.

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 77 countries and territories (41 by direct conservation impact and 36 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit nature.org or follow @nature_press on X.