LIHUE — The works of Big Island artist Laka Morton will be up for auction, and proceeds will be donated to the artist, who recently suffered a pair of strokes. Nikki Bockwinkel remembers when Morton, who grew up on Kauai,
LIHUE — The works of Big Island artist Laka Morton will be up for auction, and proceeds will be donated to the artist, who recently suffered a pair of strokes.
Nikki Bockwinkel remembers when Morton, who grew up on Kauai, created some of his art pieces with the help of her mother.
“He had the music going, and my mother and he would be talking about the developing piece,” Bockwinkel said. “I would just be out there, surfing.”
Bockwinkel was called in to help “enhance” some of the Laka Morton pieces, which will be on display starting Friday at the Fine Art Show and Auction at Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club in Lihue.
“Laka suffered two strokes, and all of the proceeds from the Laka Morton portion (of the auction) will go back to him,” said John Genovese of Malama Auctions and Appraisals. “This is a rare opportunity for people to view his pieces because we just got back from picking up the artwork from his home on the Big Island.”
Doors to the Friday preview open at 5 p.m. and remain open until 8 p.m. with complimentary appetizers and cocktails during the first hour.
Saturday morning, doors open at 9 a.m. with an international live auction starting at 11 a.m.
“People from around the world will be able to bid on these items,” John said. “The auction will be simulcast across the globe. During our last auction, there were people bidding from at least five countries.”
Joining the Laka Morton collection, which will include two mandalas, three necklaces, three lei, two haku hat lei and dozens of eggs, will be a piece created by Thomas Christian Wolfe for the Moss family on Kauai.
Malama Auctions and Appraisals opened in November of 2012.
“This is one of the few times where we have so many world known Hawaiian artists,” John said. “Americo and Eva Makk, who had the honor of doing presidential portraits, will also have pieces in the auction.”
John’s father, John John Genovese, said one of the most enjoyable aspects of being in the auction business is the connection one makes with people who are made happy through the auction.
“We met Ed Stump, Laka’s neighbor, through Tammi Andersland and John Lydgate who used to have the Ship Store Gallery,” John John said. “When we got to Laka’s house, it was amazing — his entire house should be a museum. Our hearts go out to him. He has decades of his amazing work.”
More detailed pieces of Morton’s work as well as Thomas Christian Wolfe, and Americo and Eva Makk, can be viewed at www.MalamaAuctions.com.
Call 639-1380 or 634-2300 for more details.
