Categorized | Entertainment, Featured

Martha Greenwell’s ‘Mouse House’ on display through Jan. 10

MEDIA RELEASE

The magic, memories, and gifted artistry of Martha Lowrey Greenwellʻs “Mouse House” Christmas Village wonderland returns to Isaacs Art Center this season.

The Christmas Village, affectionately known as “The Mouse House,” and a special Christmas tree decorated with Greenwellʻs handmade Emgee ornaments will be on display at Hawaii Preparatory Academyʻs Isaacs Art Center through Jan. 10, 2015.

The exhibit also includes selected photographs and brochures of Greenwellʻs remarkable Emgee business that for decades produced beautifully-crafted, clever, and cheerful ornaments still adorning homes today.

Greenwellʻs superb sense of organization and creative vision are evident in each unique artwork.

“This is a perfect time to remember Martha Greenwellʻs remarkable life and friendship and celebrate the many talents of this beloved island painter, who shared her art with such generosity and humility,” said Mollie Hustace, director of the Isaacs Art Center.

Keiki and the young-at heart will enjoy the hand-made mice in their miniature shops and homes that Greenwell fully decorated with tiny ornaments, wreaths, candies, and her paintings.

Visitors who have experienced “The Mouse House” before return year after year to find something new to delight them.

The Christmas Village made its first Hawaii Island appearance in December 2005 at the Kona Historical Society when the village returned to Greenwell from Oahu after more than 20 years of being part of an annual holiday tradition at the Queen’s Hospital Auxiliary’s “Festival of Trees.”

All of the artifacts featured in the display are from the attic and tool shed of Greenwell’s in-laws, Frank and Violet Greenwell of Palani Ranch. It took Greenwell eight years to assemble the village.

The Isaacs Art Center at Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Admission is free.

The Center will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and between Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

For information, or to arrange group visits, call 808-885-5884.

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HANDBELL CHOIR SCHEDULE

The Hawaii Preparatory Academy Middle School Handbell Choir, under the direction of Georgia Poláková, will offer a series of free public performances to welcome the holiday season:

* Thursday, Dec. 4, 5 p.m., Parker Ranch Tree Lighting at Puuopelu, Waimea

* Friday, Dec. 5, 6-7 p.m., Waikoloa Kings’ Shops

* Saturday, Dec. 6, 9-10 a.m., Waimea Town Farmers Market, Parker School, Waimea

* Sunday, Dec. 7, noon-1 p.m., Parker Ranch Food Court, Waimea

The handbell choir, offered as a Middle School elective, has been part of the HPA Middle School experience for more than 25 years. The choir consists of 12-18 students who play for seven weeks, usually performing after only four weeks of rehearsal.

“What I like best about the handbell choir is the group dynamics that must happen to have a successful performing handbell choir,” said Polakova. “The members must be positive and supportive of their fellow handbell players. There must be unity among the group or the music just doesn’t come together. It’s quite exciting to see the students’ faces when they realize they can contribute to the group and bring forth beautiful music.

“It is pure joy to share the magic of handbells with Hawaii Island communities,” she continued. “Giving is what this holiday season is all about and our students love sharing their handbell music with others.”

The Middle School Handbell Choir’s first CD, A Ka Makani Christmas, is available for $10 at all HPA Handbell Choir performances, at the HPA Bookstore, HPA Village Campus office, Isaacs Art Center, and online at www.hpa.edu.

All proceeds benefit the HPA Middle School Handbell Choir.

For more information about the group’s holiday performances, call 885-2500 or 885-2501.

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