Kaua‘i is putting its feathers on full display this week with an art exhibit dedicated to raising awareness of the island's native forest birds, some of which are on the brink of extinction. The exhibit, "Wings and Woodlands: A Tribute to Native Birds and Forests," is part of the concluding celebrations for the Makahiki o Nā Manu Nahele, a year-long initiative drawing attention to these avian treasures, found nowhere else but in Hawai‘i's lush forests. And the best news? The access to the exhibit, which runs until Friday, won't cost you a dime.
The Kaua‘i Society of Artists (KSA) Gallery at Kukui Grove Center is the scene for this vibrant showcase, featuring paintings and photographs from artists hailing from within the island to distant shores of New York and California. Spectators can expect a sensory tribute to the eight species of Kaua‘i's forest birds, with special attention paid to six endemic species, four of those being endangered or threatened. The 'akikiki, for example, is teetering on the edge of functional extinction, as reported by the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
At the helm of the Kaua‘i Forest Bird Recovery Project (KFBRP), Dr. Julia Diegmann couldn't contain her excitement not only about the art exhibit but also the significant participation of student artists. According to her statements during the opening night event last Friday, "First and foremost, we are trying to celebrate our birds. We are trying to celebrate their beauty and when you look at all the beautiful art pieces here, you can see that they are inspiring," Diegmann told the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Amid the celebration, a note of somber reality echoes through the gallery, as attendees remember the fragile state of these birds facing the relentless threat of avian malaria. In an incredibly personal revelation, Justin Hite, former field coordinator for KFBRP and now a planner with the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), shared intimate details about the lives of the last known ‘akikiki in the wild. "I watched the forest empty out of ‘akikiki. I watched them all disappear. When I first got here, the valley (where Pakele lives) was fully occupied with ‘akikiki everywhere," Hite remarked during the event, as mentioned by the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
The KFBRP and collaborators are waging a war against the mosquitoes that bring avian malaria to these birds' high-elevation havens. Meanwhile, critical efforts continue to catch and relocate these feathered inhabitants to conservation centers. The ultimate goal is clear: creating a world where the birds are safe and their songs fill the forests once again. To follow up on this initiative or learn more, one can check further details at the exhibit or explore the rich array of workshops offered throughout this week, as stated in the event's announcement.
