Paintings by Shay Niimi Wahl & Students

Kona Frame Shop is hosting a show of watercolors and silk paintings by Waikoloa artist Shay Niimi Wahl and two of her students.  Shay grew up here on the Big Island, in the small plantation town of Paauilo.  Her country upbringing on the slopes of Mauna Kea, surrounded by majestic sugar cane, soft trade winds, and lush tropical landscape, shaped her awareness and appreciation of the beauty of her island home. 

Shay received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Chapman University in California, then returned to Hawaii, where she received a teaching certificate and a Master of Arts degree in Education.  Throughout her career, Shay emphasized the creative and artistic development of young children's personalities.  She retired from a career in education, and now devotes her full attention to painting.

Through private tutoring Shay learned the traditional Chinese art of watercolor on silk.  As she began to focus on this technique her art took on a representational style uniquely her own.  Gradually she transferred this technique to quality watercolor paper.      

Shay Niimi Wahl's students, Rita Grove and Leila "Betsy" Atkin, take private lessons in her Waikoloa studio.  Rita Grove is originally from Colorado, and has lived on the Big Island for the last fifteen years .  Ms. Wahl awakened her love of watercolor painting, and Rita "finds great joy in painting the beautiful, tropical flowers of Hawaii".   Betsy Atkin is a local artist, photographer and scuba instructor.  "The vibrant landscape and the beauty of the people inspire my work".    Along with her recent focus on watercolor, she prints large black & white photos in her darkroom, finishing them with sepia and paint.

The work of the three artists will be on display at the Kona Frame Shop, in the old Industrial Area, through January, 2011.  Hours: M-Thurs.  9 am – 5 pm, and Fri. 10 am – 4 pm.  For more information call 329-1722.