MEDIA RELEASE

Jim Skibby and Bob Male

Jim Skibby, Bob and Nancy Male, members of the Waimea Bonyu Kai Bonsai Club will share a bonsai presentation on Friday, September 10, 2010 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Donkey Mill Art Center.

The free evening activities include a slide show and live tree demonstrations. Bonsai combines the artistic and horticultural skills to create the illusion of great age in a small potted tree. It is living art that, with proper care, will survive through many lifetimes.

Jim Skibby
Skibby was recently featured in the “At Home” supplement in West Hawaii Today and has enjoyed bonsai for over 20 years on the mainland and Hawaii. Skibby joined the Waimea Bonyu Kai Bonsai Club in the early 1990’s. There, he expanded his knowledge of bonsai with Sensei Isami Ishihara, a bonsai master for over 50 years.

Bob and Nancy Male
Originally from Oregon, Bob worked with koi and bonsai for many years before moving to the Big Island six years ago. The Male’s became members of the Waimea Bonyu Kai Bonsai Club where they were fortunate to be able to learn from Sensei Isami Ishihara before his passing. Bob serves as the current Waimea Bonyu Kai Bonsai Club president. Nancy primarily documents the artistic creations through photography and record keeping. She is the current secretary for the Waimea Bonyu Kai Bonsai Club.

Holualoa Foundation for Arts and Culture

The mission of the Holualoa Foundation for Arts and Culture believes that art education enriches the lives of persons of all ages and abilities. Its vision is to provide a stimulating environment that helps individuals discover, develop, and expand their artistic abilities.

The Holualoa Foundation for Arts and Culture was established in 1994 by a diverse group of individuals who shared a vision to develop and expand opportunities in the community to enrich lives through art and culture.

In 2001, the Foundation renovated the old Donkey Mill steeped in the history of Kona coffee and re-opened in 2002 as the Donkey Mill Art Center. As the foundation grew, it brought new programs to the community, implementing an ‘Artist in Residence’ program and adding studios for ceramics and printmaking. Its gallery provides a venue for faculty and children exhibitions, features music and dance performances plus a wide range of art and cultural events.

For more information, call 808-322-3362.