EXECUTIVE CHAMBERS HONOLULU
GEORGE R
ARIYOSHI GOVERNOR
MESSAGE FROM GOVERNOR GEORGE R. ARIYOSHI Hawaii is proud to join the Museum of American Folk Art in celebrating the Statue of Liberty Centennial by participating in the Great American Quilt Festival. The heritage of American textiles encompasses the traditions of many cultures, including that of the Hawaiian people. Through the beautiful art form of Hawaiian quilting, cultural and spiritual values are passed down and preserved through generations of Hawaiian families. Recently, Mealii Kalama--Hawaiian quilter, teacher, and assistant pastor at Kawaiahao Church in Honolulu--was recognized nationally as one of 12 outstanding folk artists, receiving the coveted National Heritage Fellowship from the Folk Arts Program of the National Endowment for the Arts. Mrs. Kalama will be present at the festival to share her talents and experiences. "The Hawaiian Quilt--A Cherished Tradition," a 30-minute documentary, will premier at the festival. An oral history of quilting in Hawaii, the film was created under the auspices of Hawaii Craftsmen, with primary funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, General Telephone and Electronics Foundation, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. It was this volunteer group of artists which first brought national attention to the art of Hawaiian quilting by nominating Mealii Kalama for the N.E.A. award. Through the cooperation of the Honolulu Academy of Arts, Bishop Museum, Daughters of Hawaii, and many private collectors, 16 of the finest examples of historic and contemporary Hawaiian quilts will be exhibited. Mrs. Ariyoshi will be sharing a very special Hawaiian quilt which was made for our Queen Liliuokalani. It is unique because it is the only known quilt in existence stuffed with animal hair. Our special style of quilting will be demonstrated by four outstanding quilters: Mealii Kalama, Deborah Kakalia, Gussie Bento, and Hannah Apo. On Friday evening, April 25, Hawaii will highlight the evening reception with an original chant in honor of the Statue of Liberty, as well as a traditional chant of welcome performed by Kau'i Zuttermeister. Throughout the evening, the "spirit of aloha" will pervade with Hawaiian music, food, and special events. Mrs. Ariyoshi and I fully support efforts to bring the true meaning of Hawaii to people everywhere. Events such as this one are a fine example of working and sharing together--the meaning of our word "kokua." Many volunteers, state agencies, corporations, and foundations have given generously of their time, energy, enthusiasm, and funding to enable Hawaii to be a significant part of this great event. Roots of folk art lie in the spirit of the people--a need to express, share ideas, pass on traditional messages, and sometimes fill a utilitarian need. The spirit of the Statue of Liberty embodies the most valued privilege of all--freedom. The human spirit is nurtured and allowed to develop in an atmosphere of respect and love. Everyone working on this project has established a unified effort both in New York and in Hawaii. We join together in thanking the Museum of American Folk Art for giving Hawaii the opportunity to share our cultural heritage through our quilts, music, dance, and above all, to hopefully demonstrate through this experience the true meaning of "aloha."
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