James Jack (2017)
Ava Fedorov (2018)
Alison Beste (2018-2019)
Jamie R. Allen (2019)
Lynnette Beers (2019)
Lynn Schuette (2020)
Anne Leilehua Lanzilotti (2022)
Melody Cooper (2022)
Rafael Lamas (2022)
Some reflections offered by our past artist in residence in regards to their experience here on Molokai:
Jamie Allen:
My three week Artist in Residence program through the Molokai Arts Center was a gift. Being able to spend an extended amount of time on Molokai really had a profound effect of my art as well as my soul. It is hard to pinpoint a specific thing but rather it was the combination of all my experiences and conversations. A typical day may consist of walking around Kualapuu, visiting the Land Trust or Hui nursery, painting in my studio at the church, reading, volunteering near Mokio, drawing on location at Mo’omomi, meeting the local community, learning about the culture, attending Hula Piko, picking up my organic veggies from Sustainable Moloka’i, visiting Kalaupapa, or talking story with new friends I made. Doesn’t it sound perfect?
During my residency I created a body of work that consists of twelve 11×14” and three 11×30” mixed media paintings that focus upon the energy of the land and the numerous endangered and endemic plants I met while I was in Molokai. My intention is to use the smaller works as studies for larger works that I will create within the coming year. The collection as well as all my work is sold at the Halele’a Gallery (www.haleleagallery.com) on the island of Kauai. To see more images please contact Anna Ulmer at anna@haleleagallery.com.
The Molokai Artist Residency program is truly a rare opportunity where the artist can not only have a quiet sanctuary to create artwork but actually be a participant in creating a residency of their dreams. I am grateful it became my reality.
Thank you, Molokai, for embracing me with open arms.
A hui ho!
Rafael Lamas (2022):
My Molokai: Reflections of an artist-in-residence
I write these lines both looking back and ahead, while waiting at the Honolulu airport. Seven weeks have
passed since I arrived in Molokai, generously invited by the Molokai Arts Center as an artist-in-residence.
I will comprehend the depth of this experience only after several months have passed, or maybe years.
Today I can only guess the impact that the island has had in my life.
For a Spaniard, Hawaii is one of the farthest places on Earth, Molokai being the farthest of the farthest.
Despite the distance, I found myself at home. My hosts will always be remembered and close to my heart.
I have not enough words to thank them for their generosity, support, and enchanting love. I will also miss
many other new friends, whose warmth made my stay a cheerful one.
An abundance of memories come to my mind, disorderly but distinctly: the dinners at home, the MIME
rehearsals with the string group, the kanikapila meetings, the Thursdays nights at the Cookhouse, the
painting at Halawa, the Hiro’s restaurant, the West End beaches, the visits to Kalaupapa and Mo‘Omomi…
I did accomplish what I intended to do. In addition to work on my writing and music, I learned from
locals and taught young talented musicians. At the library, I read about Hawaiian history, Molokai’s
ancient legends, and the inspirational figure of Father Damian. I even had the privilege of speaking with
some of those who devote their lives to follow his example.
I have visited many countries, lived in many cities, and met a variety of people around the world. Molokai
and its friendliness will stand as a wonderful time in my life. I would like to thank the Molokai Arts
Center for making my visit possible. I hope to give back to the island, or elsewhere, a portion of what I
have received.
