2020 Hui No‘eau Angel Award
Hui No‘eau’s Angel Award was established to recognize outstanding talent and exceptional leadership contributing to the advancement of the arts in our Maui community. Hui No‘eau was thrilled to present the 2020 award to Deborah Zaleski.
Deb Zaleski says that Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center can be summed up for her in one word: community. When she first came to the Hui in 1980 to work in the ceramics studio, she immediately felt a strong connection to the place and the people working there. By the end of that year, she became the head of the ceramics department, started the first youth ceramics program, and forged lifelong friendships with other artists.
Deb’s dedication to the arts community continued to grow as she went on to co-found the Maui Crafts Guild, work in a commercial gallery in Lahaina, and run her own regional gallery in Makawao for almost 12 years. During this same time, she also started a family with husband Robert. Together, they raised three amazing children who are her greatest love and joy.
“In a very real sense, I owe my existence to the art community in which my mom is such an amazing permanent figure,” says son David Zaleski. “She met my father at an art exhibit on Maui, and our family has been embedded in the arts for decades. I am constantly in awe of her process, love, care, and humility toward the art she creates. It very much reflects how my brother, my sister, and myself were raised. It reflects the wayshe teaches others and interacts with the world—deep knowledge, steady hands, patience, skill, and originality. She follows her heart, never marching to the beat of any other drum. It’s an inspiring way I’ve seen her create and teach over the years. She has a genuine, deep rooted sense of self, which is reflective of her creations—our family included. She creates boldly, lives passionately, teaches respectfully, and loves unconditionally her family and artistic craft.”
When Deb returned to the Hui in 2006 after raising a family and focusing on the business side of art, she was ready to get back to supporting visual arts education. She became the Ceramics Studio Manager and every day since then, Deb has diligently worked to create a space where ceramics students and artists of all levels can learn, create, and share their enthusiasm for art. Whether she is loading a kiln, teaching a student a new technique, or carefully checking for proper glazing on a youth sculpture, Deb’s passion and love for ceramics is tangible in every small detail of the Hui’s ceramics studio.
“Besides being a ceramic artist and a great teacher, Deb is the matrix of the ceramic program,” says Teaching Artist Bob Flint. “She is hardworking, dedicated and conscientious. These attributes have contributed to the growth of the ceramic program, which benefits the many, many students who have taken classes over the years.”
Executive Director Anne-Marie Forsythe says, “Deb is a wonderful teacher, artist, and friend. She has been a huge help to me since the very beginning and over the last 13 years of working together, we have developed a great appreciation and caring for one another. I greatly admire the love she has for ceramics and the Hui. I can’t imagine the Hui without her.”
In addition to her role as studio manager, Deb is an exceptional teacher. Her passion for ceramics radiates to all her students. She puts in extra time to help advance their skills and to get to know her students as individuals—with the goal of helping them to succeed and feel confident in themselves both as artists and as people. “As a teacher, it’s especially rewarding to see the ‘light bulb’ go on when people conquer an obstacle and progress to another level. It’s empowering for them to overcome their fear of failure—and it serves as a metaphoric lesson in life,” Deb explains.
Deb’s work ethic and values have guided the Hui’s ceramics studio into becoming a thriving space for students and artists. And Deb does it all with great humility and a pure and simple appreciation for the arts community. “And now, once again, I’ve forged new friendships with people here, beyond the scope of our shared love of clay work and the arts,” Deb shares. “So while I am very grateful for receiving this award in recognition of a job well done, it is all the people here, my friends and coworkers at the Hui who helped me through one of the toughest times of my life with their kindness and love—they’re the real angels—my angels.”
It is with great joy that we present the 2020 Angel Award to Deb Zaleski in honor of her passion, hard work, leadership, and dedication to Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center. We thank you, Deb, for sharing your love of art and ceramics with the community and for being such an incredible and vital part of our Hui ‘ohana!
Deb Zaleski says that Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center can be summed up for her in one word: community. When she first came to the Hui in 1980 to work in the ceramics studio, she immediately felt a strong connection to the place and the people working there. By the end of that year, she became the head of the ceramics department, started the first youth ceramics program, and forged lifelong friendships with other artists.
Deb’s dedication to the arts community continued to grow as she went on to co-found the Maui Crafts Guild, work in a commercial gallery in Lahaina, and run her own regional gallery in Makawao for almost 12 years. During this same time, she also started a family with husband Robert. Together, they raised three amazing children who are her greatest love and joy.
“In a very real sense, I owe my existence to the art community in which my mom is such an amazing permanent figure,” says son David Zaleski. “She met my father at an art exhibit on Maui, and our family has been embedded in the arts for decades. I am constantly in awe of her process, love, care, and humility toward the art she creates. It very much reflects how my brother, my sister, and myself were raised. It reflects the wayshe teaches others and interacts with the world—deep knowledge, steady hands, patience, skill, and originality. She follows her heart, never marching to the beat of any other drum. It’s an inspiring way I’ve seen her create and teach over the years. She has a genuine, deep rooted sense of self, which is reflective of her creations—our family included. She creates boldly, lives passionately, teaches respectfully, and loves unconditionally her family and artistic craft.”
When Deb returned to the Hui in 2006 after raising a family and focusing on the business side of art, she was ready to get back to supporting visual arts education. She became the Ceramics Studio Manager and every day since then, Deb has diligently worked to create a space where ceramics students and artists of all levels can learn, create, and share their enthusiasm for art. Whether she is loading a kiln, teaching a student a new technique, or carefully checking for proper glazing on a youth sculpture, Deb’s passion and love for ceramics is tangible in every small detail of the Hui’s ceramics studio.
“Besides being a ceramic artist and a great teacher, Deb is the matrix of the ceramic program,” says Teaching Artist Bob Flint. “She is hardworking, dedicated and conscientious. These attributes have contributed to the growth of the ceramic program, which benefits the many, many students who have taken classes over the years.”
Executive Director Anne-Marie Forsythe says, “Deb is a wonderful teacher, artist, and friend. She has been a huge help to me since the very beginning and over the last 13 years of working together, we have developed a great appreciation and caring for one another. I greatly admire the love she has for ceramics and the Hui. I can’t imagine the Hui without her.”
In addition to her role as studio manager, Deb is an exceptional teacher. Her passion for ceramics radiates to all her students. She puts in extra time to help advance their skills and to get to know her students as individuals—with the goal of helping them to succeed and feel confident in themselves both as artists and as people. “As a teacher, it’s especially rewarding to see the ‘light bulb’ go on when people conquer an obstacle and progress to another level. It’s empowering for them to overcome their fear of failure—and it serves as a metaphoric lesson in life,” Deb explains.
Deb’s work ethic and values have guided the Hui’s ceramics studio into becoming a thriving space for students and artists. And Deb does it all with great humility and a pure and simple appreciation for the arts community. “And now, once again, I’ve forged new friendships with people here, beyond the scope of our shared love of clay work and the arts,” Deb shares. “So while I am very grateful for receiving this award in recognition of a job well done, it is all the people here, my friends and coworkers at the Hui who helped me through one of the toughest times of my life with their kindness and love—they’re the real angels—my angels.”
It is with great joy that we present the 2020 Angel Award to Deb Zaleski in honor of her passion, hard work, leadership, and dedication to Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center. We thank you, Deb, for sharing your love of art and ceramics with the community and for being such an incredible and vital part of our Hui ‘ohana!
2020 Board of Directors Recognition Award
The Board of Directors Recognition Award was established to honor the extraordinary contributions of individuals to Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center. The 2020 award was presented to George "Keoki " Freeland.
George “Keoki” Freeland’s dedication to Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center is rooted in his great appreciation for Maui’s history, culture, and the local arts community. It was back in the 1990s when Keoki was approached by his longtime friend and Hui supporter John Hoxie
to become part of the Hui’s Board of Directors —and as Keoki says, “the rest is history!” Since that time, Keoki has been a vital contributor to the Hui’s Board of Directors as well as to the Business Expansion and Facilities Committees.
Born and raised in Lahaina, Keoki developed an ethic of hard work and respect for local people through his 34-year career in the sugar industry. Keoki then became the Executive Director of the Lahaina Restoration Foundation. His deep understanding of business, historic preservation, nonprofits, and our local community make him a most treasured Hui advisor and supporter. He is a regular and committed presence at meetings, a powerful listener and contributor, a kind supporter of the Hui staff—and he even travelled to the State legislature to champion the Hui!
“Although Keoki is a man of few words, his direction, focus, and dedication to the Hui have been invaluable. He manifests a passion for the Hui that all directors envy and wish to emulate,” says Board Member Bob Rowland.
In the community as well as in his family, Keoki is a strong supporter of the visual arts. Both his wife Betty Hay and his daughter Denby are professional artists who have been involved at the Hui for decades. “My dad is the tall, quiet, attentive person that was always there supporting all of our activities,” says Denby. “When he and my mom married, she was not an artist. His support of her artistic journey over the years is evident by his attendance at every art opening, the countless stretcher bars he has pounded together, and the numerous paintings he still helps to deliver.”
Keoki is a man of strength, vision, and integrity with a passion for helping people. “My grandmother referred to him as our Rock of Gibraltar,” Denby explains. “He’s a man of few words. Yet when he talks each word has great value. A true Maui boy born and raised on island, he has contributed to our community for decades. He has served as a board member at several nonprofits. He encourages organizations to stay true to their mission. At the same time, his strong business mind provides sustainable methods.”
When asked about the Hui and receiving this award, Keoki said, “It is an honor for me to be given the Hui No‘eau 2020 Board of Directors Recognition Award. Hui No‘eau is a special cultural place that has much to offer. Art classes, art shows, historical grounds and buildings are excellent items that people can see and experience. We need to continue to expand the work that is being done for future generations to experience and enjoy. Mahalo nui ka kou.”
It is with great honor and our deepest gratitude that we present the 2020 Board of Directors Recognition Award to Keoki Freeland in honor of his dedication and commitment to Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center. He has guided the Hui in the past, supports us in the present, and believes in our future. Mahalo nui loa, Keoki!
George “Keoki” Freeland’s dedication to Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center is rooted in his great appreciation for Maui’s history, culture, and the local arts community. It was back in the 1990s when Keoki was approached by his longtime friend and Hui supporter John Hoxie
to become part of the Hui’s Board of Directors —and as Keoki says, “the rest is history!” Since that time, Keoki has been a vital contributor to the Hui’s Board of Directors as well as to the Business Expansion and Facilities Committees.
Born and raised in Lahaina, Keoki developed an ethic of hard work and respect for local people through his 34-year career in the sugar industry. Keoki then became the Executive Director of the Lahaina Restoration Foundation. His deep understanding of business, historic preservation, nonprofits, and our local community make him a most treasured Hui advisor and supporter. He is a regular and committed presence at meetings, a powerful listener and contributor, a kind supporter of the Hui staff—and he even travelled to the State legislature to champion the Hui!
“Although Keoki is a man of few words, his direction, focus, and dedication to the Hui have been invaluable. He manifests a passion for the Hui that all directors envy and wish to emulate,” says Board Member Bob Rowland.
In the community as well as in his family, Keoki is a strong supporter of the visual arts. Both his wife Betty Hay and his daughter Denby are professional artists who have been involved at the Hui for decades. “My dad is the tall, quiet, attentive person that was always there supporting all of our activities,” says Denby. “When he and my mom married, she was not an artist. His support of her artistic journey over the years is evident by his attendance at every art opening, the countless stretcher bars he has pounded together, and the numerous paintings he still helps to deliver.”
Keoki is a man of strength, vision, and integrity with a passion for helping people. “My grandmother referred to him as our Rock of Gibraltar,” Denby explains. “He’s a man of few words. Yet when he talks each word has great value. A true Maui boy born and raised on island, he has contributed to our community for decades. He has served as a board member at several nonprofits. He encourages organizations to stay true to their mission. At the same time, his strong business mind provides sustainable methods.”
When asked about the Hui and receiving this award, Keoki said, “It is an honor for me to be given the Hui No‘eau 2020 Board of Directors Recognition Award. Hui No‘eau is a special cultural place that has much to offer. Art classes, art shows, historical grounds and buildings are excellent items that people can see and experience. We need to continue to expand the work that is being done for future generations to experience and enjoy. Mahalo nui ka kou.”
It is with great honor and our deepest gratitude that we present the 2020 Board of Directors Recognition Award to Keoki Freeland in honor of his dedication and commitment to Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center. He has guided the Hui in the past, supports us in the present, and believes in our future. Mahalo nui loa, Keoki!
Hui No‘eau’s Angel Award was established to recognize outstanding talent and exceptional leadership contributing to the advancement of the arts in our Maui community.
Hui No‘eau was thrilled to present the 2019 award to Anne-Marie Forsythe!
Anne-Marie Forsythe describes Hui No’eau as an “inspiration” and a “haven where all can engage in the visual arts, explore their creative self-expression, and discover and master new skills.”
Anne-Marie’s leadership and passion for arts education have been instrumental in creating this “inspirational haven" in our Maui community ever since she began her work at the Hui nearly 13 years ago. She joined the team as the Hui’s Registrar and quickly transitioned into program management, where she has served as the Programs Manager, Senior Programs Manager, Programs Director, and now Deputy Director. From planning and organizing new and exciting visiting artists from around the world to coordinating groups of 100 1st graders on a field trip and truly everything in between, Anne-Marie has helped make it possible for thousands of Maui residents and visitors of all ages to experience the arts at the beautiful and historic Kaluanui estate.
Anne-Marie’s roots at Hui No’eau and her strong connection to Kaluanui and the arts were planted long before she began working at the Hui. “Fran Cameron - the daughter of Ethel Baldwin and one of the founders of the Hui - was my hanai grandmother,” shares Anne-Marie. “Auntie Fran had the most beautiful garden and we used to have tea and draw together amongst the trees and flowers. I also took ceramics classes at the Hui when I was a young girl.”
It’s no coincidence that much of Anne-Marie’s efforts have been geared toward ensuring that Maui’s keiki have access to the visual arts – and especially underserved children who are unable to benefit from participation in the arts if not for the Hui’s programs. “Youth field trips are my favorite days at the Hui,” Anne-Marie shares. “Seeing the joy on a child’s face when they open new art supplies for the very first time or when they beam with pride at the artwork they’ve created—these moments are magical for me. I remember one of the first large field trips we did for nearly 100 1st graders. After their art class, the kids played on the hill in front of the Hui filled with pure happiness to experience the beautiful grounds of the Hui after a day of art. It’s difficult to find words to describe the feeling I had watching them playing and knowing that we gave the gift of arts education to these students – many of which do not have access to the arts and some of which had never been upcountry.”
Anne-Marie’s contributions to the community are recognized both within the workplace and the community. “I've had the great joy of working with Anne-Marie for the past ten years,” shares Program Director Lana Coryell. “As my manager, she is a model of kindness and strength. She leads with grace, empathy, encouragement, and a steadfast commitment to arts education. She follows her heart and intuition, regularly helping others and giving of herself beyond the call of duty without seeking any recognition in return. I am grateful for her incredible support, guidance, friendship, and sense of humor in my life every day! Often behind the scenes, Anne-Marie is truly a Hui Angel and beyond deserving of the spotlight with this honor.”
Hui Board member and family friend Bob Rowland shares: “The Hui simply would not be the vibrant, continually developing visual arts experience that it is today without the presence of Anne-Marie. Her infectious smile; pleasant, can-do-attitude and approach, has significantly contributed to everyone’s enjoyment of the Hui and its success.”
Hui Board member Cheryl Tipton shares: “Anne- Marie has the record for being the employee who has worked at the Hui the longest. As a Member and Officer of the Board, including President, I have had the pleasure of working with her for much of that time on various committees and projects. Time and time again, she has demonstrated her knowledge and common-sense approach to working with others. When I stop in to visit the staff, she is always cheerfully sharing news of the latest projects. Anne-Marie embodies the name Hui Angel!”
Hui No’eau is excited to recognize Anne-Marie’s hard work, passion dedication, and innovation with this year’s Angel Award. We thank you, Anne-Marie, for your commitment to visual arts education for all on Maui. Mahalo nui loa!
Hui No‘eau was thrilled to present the 2019 award to Anne-Marie Forsythe!
Anne-Marie Forsythe describes Hui No’eau as an “inspiration” and a “haven where all can engage in the visual arts, explore their creative self-expression, and discover and master new skills.”
Anne-Marie’s leadership and passion for arts education have been instrumental in creating this “inspirational haven" in our Maui community ever since she began her work at the Hui nearly 13 years ago. She joined the team as the Hui’s Registrar and quickly transitioned into program management, where she has served as the Programs Manager, Senior Programs Manager, Programs Director, and now Deputy Director. From planning and organizing new and exciting visiting artists from around the world to coordinating groups of 100 1st graders on a field trip and truly everything in between, Anne-Marie has helped make it possible for thousands of Maui residents and visitors of all ages to experience the arts at the beautiful and historic Kaluanui estate.
Anne-Marie’s roots at Hui No’eau and her strong connection to Kaluanui and the arts were planted long before she began working at the Hui. “Fran Cameron - the daughter of Ethel Baldwin and one of the founders of the Hui - was my hanai grandmother,” shares Anne-Marie. “Auntie Fran had the most beautiful garden and we used to have tea and draw together amongst the trees and flowers. I also took ceramics classes at the Hui when I was a young girl.”
It’s no coincidence that much of Anne-Marie’s efforts have been geared toward ensuring that Maui’s keiki have access to the visual arts – and especially underserved children who are unable to benefit from participation in the arts if not for the Hui’s programs. “Youth field trips are my favorite days at the Hui,” Anne-Marie shares. “Seeing the joy on a child’s face when they open new art supplies for the very first time or when they beam with pride at the artwork they’ve created—these moments are magical for me. I remember one of the first large field trips we did for nearly 100 1st graders. After their art class, the kids played on the hill in front of the Hui filled with pure happiness to experience the beautiful grounds of the Hui after a day of art. It’s difficult to find words to describe the feeling I had watching them playing and knowing that we gave the gift of arts education to these students – many of which do not have access to the arts and some of which had never been upcountry.”
Anne-Marie’s contributions to the community are recognized both within the workplace and the community. “I've had the great joy of working with Anne-Marie for the past ten years,” shares Program Director Lana Coryell. “As my manager, she is a model of kindness and strength. She leads with grace, empathy, encouragement, and a steadfast commitment to arts education. She follows her heart and intuition, regularly helping others and giving of herself beyond the call of duty without seeking any recognition in return. I am grateful for her incredible support, guidance, friendship, and sense of humor in my life every day! Often behind the scenes, Anne-Marie is truly a Hui Angel and beyond deserving of the spotlight with this honor.”
Hui Board member and family friend Bob Rowland shares: “The Hui simply would not be the vibrant, continually developing visual arts experience that it is today without the presence of Anne-Marie. Her infectious smile; pleasant, can-do-attitude and approach, has significantly contributed to everyone’s enjoyment of the Hui and its success.”
Hui Board member Cheryl Tipton shares: “Anne- Marie has the record for being the employee who has worked at the Hui the longest. As a Member and Officer of the Board, including President, I have had the pleasure of working with her for much of that time on various committees and projects. Time and time again, she has demonstrated her knowledge and common-sense approach to working with others. When I stop in to visit the staff, she is always cheerfully sharing news of the latest projects. Anne-Marie embodies the name Hui Angel!”
Hui No’eau is excited to recognize Anne-Marie’s hard work, passion dedication, and innovation with this year’s Angel Award. We thank you, Anne-Marie, for your commitment to visual arts education for all on Maui. Mahalo nui loa!
The Board of Directors Recognition Award was established to honor the extraordinary contributions of individuals to Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center.
The 2019 award is presented to Lee Hoxie in memory of John Hoxie!
John Hoxie devoted his retirement years to a variety of civic causes, but especially to his passion: Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center and the Kaluanui Estate. John was instrumental in the successful campaign to purchase Kaluanui in 2005. He served as Board President and Vice President and chaired numerous committees. John worked tirelessly to ensure that Hui No‘eau remains accessible to the entire community so that everyone may experience the “WOW” moment that he felt the first time he took a woodworking class at the Hui so many years ago.
In addition to John’s hard work and dedication as a board member, committee member, and leader of the organization, John was a woodworker, patron, and generous supporter of all of the Hui’s programs. He donated his own handmade artwork to be auctioned at Art Affair every year. John generously and humbly taught people how to “Make a Table” in his personal wood studio each year. He and Lee made and continue to make generous and numerous contributions to all Hui programs, and especially, to support Hui No’eau’s capital efforts. John also always made himself available to Hui staff and always picked up the phone – even when he was on the golf course.
“John Hoxie was a natural leader and a wonderful friend,” shares Hui Executive Director Caroline Killhour. “He went out of his way to make everyone at the Hui feel welcome and engaged in our cause. Each time he came to the hui for a committee meeting or to volunteer to work on the grounds he stopped in to say hello to each and every staff member. He valued and recognized each persons’ unique contribution to the Hui from weeding the flower beds to our million-dollar contributors.”
John’s fellow Hui ambassador and friend Sandi Stoner shares: “My dear friend, John, played a major role in creating today’s Hui No’eau. His leadership and vision will never be forgotten.”
Hui board member and friend Bob Rowland shares: “John always exhibited a special enthusiasm and passion for the Hui – whether dealing with building and grounds issues; financial matters; keeping the board on track; or simply day-to-day concerns - his boundless energy, dedication and input to the Hui was invaluable and truly remarkable.”
It is with great honor and our deepest gratitude that we present Lee Hoxie with the 2019 Hui Board of Directors Recognition Award in memory of a great man and the Hui’s most dedicated ambassador and friend, John Hoxie.
The 2019 award is presented to Lee Hoxie in memory of John Hoxie!
John Hoxie devoted his retirement years to a variety of civic causes, but especially to his passion: Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center and the Kaluanui Estate. John was instrumental in the successful campaign to purchase Kaluanui in 2005. He served as Board President and Vice President and chaired numerous committees. John worked tirelessly to ensure that Hui No‘eau remains accessible to the entire community so that everyone may experience the “WOW” moment that he felt the first time he took a woodworking class at the Hui so many years ago.
In addition to John’s hard work and dedication as a board member, committee member, and leader of the organization, John was a woodworker, patron, and generous supporter of all of the Hui’s programs. He donated his own handmade artwork to be auctioned at Art Affair every year. John generously and humbly taught people how to “Make a Table” in his personal wood studio each year. He and Lee made and continue to make generous and numerous contributions to all Hui programs, and especially, to support Hui No’eau’s capital efforts. John also always made himself available to Hui staff and always picked up the phone – even when he was on the golf course.
“John Hoxie was a natural leader and a wonderful friend,” shares Hui Executive Director Caroline Killhour. “He went out of his way to make everyone at the Hui feel welcome and engaged in our cause. Each time he came to the hui for a committee meeting or to volunteer to work on the grounds he stopped in to say hello to each and every staff member. He valued and recognized each persons’ unique contribution to the Hui from weeding the flower beds to our million-dollar contributors.”
John’s fellow Hui ambassador and friend Sandi Stoner shares: “My dear friend, John, played a major role in creating today’s Hui No’eau. His leadership and vision will never be forgotten.”
Hui board member and friend Bob Rowland shares: “John always exhibited a special enthusiasm and passion for the Hui – whether dealing with building and grounds issues; financial matters; keeping the board on track; or simply day-to-day concerns - his boundless energy, dedication and input to the Hui was invaluable and truly remarkable.”
It is with great honor and our deepest gratitude that we present Lee Hoxie with the 2019 Hui Board of Directors Recognition Award in memory of a great man and the Hui’s most dedicated ambassador and friend, John Hoxie.
Art Affair 2019 Jewelry
Art Affair 2019 5x7
Art Affair 2019 Main Gallery
Art Affair 2019 Live Auction
2016 Main Gallery
2015 Jewelry Auction
2015 Main Gallery Auction
2015 5 x 7 Auction
Scroll down for 2014 auction items. Browse previous year's items on the "ARCHIVE" page.
Past Catalogs & Event Programs
Click to download 2013 event program & auction catalog (size: 12.6 MB)
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2013 Postage Stamp Auction
2013 Fine Art Auction
2013 Fine Jewelry
2012 Fine Art Auction
2011 Silent Auction: Fine Art
