Seisaburo Taba, an 84-year-old World War II veteran, has been painting for years, but he's never had a chance to put his works up for sale. Until now.

Taba, along with other veterans and dozens of 100th Infantry Battalion family members will display their pieces at the first-ever Gallery One Puka Puka art show today and tomorrow in Mo'ili'ili.

Proceeds from the event will go to a new learning resource center planned for the 100th Battalion clubhouse on Kamoku Street. The event will also feature a silent auction with one-of-a-kind art pieces.

"It's not about the money," said Amanda Stevens, office manager and grants specialist at the 100th Battalion headquarters. "This is an opportunity to let the public know these veterans are talented."

The show features veterans such as Ed Ikuma, who makes intricate flower arrangements out of nylon and wire, Bernard Akamine, who constructs picture frames and napkin holders out of scrap wood and other materials, and Robert Sato, a calligraphy expert.

Taba, whose 13 works in the show range from abstract to realist, said he started painting when he was young, but got his first formal training at Leeward Community College when he was 65 years old.

Most of his pieces cost about $200.

The show also has less expensive creations — like crochet work for as little as $3 or ceramic pots for $25. Ikuma won't be selling his flower arrangements, but he may put on a demonstration if asked.

"This is the first time these handicrafts have been on display," said the 88-year-old, pointing to his real-to-life orchids, torch ginger, plum blossom and other flowers in the show — all made of nylon and wire and touched up with paint.

Mimi Nakano, whose father was in the 100th, said she will be at the show today with her dad.

"Americans owe a great deal to the 100th, not only for what they accomplished in battle," Nakano said. "They've helped the community in a whole lot of ways through the years."

The 100th Infantry Battalion, nicknamed "One Puka Puka," was activated in 1942 and later absorbed by the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. It was the first all Japanese-American team made up of volunteers from Hawai'i and had more than 1,400 soldiers. Today, about 450 are alive.

The 100th Battalion vets got $1 million from the state to construct the learning resource center at its clubhouse, and renderings of the new facility will be unveiled before the art show today. The center will include a "living memorial" that will include memorabilia and oral history displays.

A multipurpose room will have a place where about 20 people — mostly students and visitors — can interact with veterans and work on projects.

Reach Mary Vorsino at mvorsino@honoluluadvertiser.com.