Stone carvers demonstrate their skills

Advertiser Staff

Local artists who create pieces sold at Native Books/Na Mea Hawai'i stores will offer free demonstrations at the Ward Warehouse location through April. It's an effort to give customers a chance to meet those behind the locally-made products and learn about their trades.

Among the dozens of artists who will offer demos and an opportunity to "talk story" are a cartoonist, an artist who paints gourds, a brass and copper jewelry artist, a stained-glass artist, a wood painter, a bowl turner and a glass sculptor.

A special demonstration, "Men Who Work in Stone," features carvers Solomon Apio and Michael Mauricio, noon to 4 p.m. March 21.

Apio, known as Uncle Sol, will have a group of his students on hand, working on their poi pounders and 'ulu maika stones. Mauricio will focus on his specialty, using a stone adz to create ki'i imagery. Customers are welcome to join in the process.

Native Books/Na Mea Hawai'i also has stores downtown and at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. For details or a schedule of demonstrations, call 783-2612.