Posted at 10:08 a.m., Friday, June 8, 2007
Volcano Rotary names Ira Ono Business Man of the Year
Advertiser Staff
The Volcano Rotary has named artist and educator Ira Ono as its 2006-2007 Business Man of the Year.Ono was acknowledged for his commitment to supporting young artists through education. Throughout the year, Ono has offered his time and materials to classes for young artists at many of the Big Island's secondary schools.
An environmental activist, Ono uses recycled materials in his artwork.
"Artists educate. It's their kuleana to care for the planet and do it in a way that is fun and beautiful," Ono said.
Originally from New York, Ono moved to Maui in the late 1960s and then to the Big Island in 1980. He founded the Volcano Garden Arts, a private art school and contemporary gallery in Volcano Village.
