HANAPEPE — It’s no secret that Hanapepe is home to one of the most flourishing artist communities on the island. Its plantation-style buildings are home to artists and gallery owners who regularly celebrate their craft and the spirit of “Kaua‘i’s
HANAPEPE — It’s no secret that Hanapepe is home to one of the most flourishing artist communities on the island.
Its plantation-style buildings are home to artists and gallery owners who regularly celebrate their craft and the spirit of “Kaua‘i’s biggest little town” through a weekly art walk night, which runs from 6 to 9 p.m. every Friday.
For artist Angela Headley, opening her two art galleries is a way to preserve Hanapepe’s charm while offering a slice of old Hawaiiana.
“I really like trying to portray the old stuff that is here before it’s gone,” Headley said standing in the middle of her gallery filled with original oil paintings of plantation homes, beach scenes and tropical landscapes. “I enjoy architecture, landscapes and I really enjoy painting the people — lei-makers, hula dancers and fisherman.”
Headley opened the doors to her first gallery, Angela Headley Island Art, eight years ago.
The building used to be a Japanese laundromat, which dates back to 1918.
Originally from California, Headley visited Hawai‘i 35 years ago before moving full-time to Kaua‘i nine years ago with her husband, Tim.
During her visits to the Big Island, Headley became ensconced in Hawaiian culture, soaking up hula, slack key concerts and backyard parties.
“It really influenced my paintings,” she said. “I got to paint these old people doing hula and playing music, and seeing the Hawaiian side of life.”
As an avid painter for 25 years, Headley’s primary medium was watercolors until she lost vision in her right eye.
“I was really frustrated, and spent a year getting used to having depth perception in one eye,” she said. “I decided to start painting with oils because you can wipe it off and make changes — something you can’t do with watercolors.”
As a plein air artist, Headley uses her talent to capture the essence of old Kaua‘i.
“I’ll be at the store when I see the light off an old building, and I say ‘Oh, I have to come back at this time to paint that,’” she said. “I’m always inspired. There’s not enough hours in the day to paint in Hawai‘i.”
Last November, Headley opened a second gallery next door. The building used to be Moscosco Sun Studio & Pascua Manila Art Studio, a photography studio dating back to 1922.
In the open and airy space, Headley chose to display works from Kaua‘i artists.
“They really focus on Hawai‘i and the energy of their islands,” Headley said about the artists she displays.
Works range from furniture made from driftwood to glass and shell jewelry, from metal sculptures to abstract pieces representing the intensity of the island.
In addition, Headley features fair trade items benefiting the women of Uganda and the Maasai women of Kenya.
Angela Headley Island Art Gallery is located at 3878 Hanapepe Rd., Hanapepe. For more information call 335-0591.
• Andrea Frainier, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681, ext. 257 or afrainier@ thegardenisland.com.
