Along with launching our Indiegogo campaign, December has been chock full of more research as we fine tune our program to fit the restrictions of an island. We had the privilege of touring two fine establishments with wildly different approaches. The first one is Hui No'eau in the heart of the island of Maui.

Caroline Killhour, the executive director of Hui No'eau (means artistic alliance) graciously agreed to meet with us and share some wisdom from her years at this amazing art center.

I was immediately encouraged by her laid back demeanor. Running a center of this size has to be challenging, and the remote rural location means there are unique ways in which one brings art to the public. The facility, grounds, and programs were all impressive. What was really unique about the center is it was originally founded by a woman silversmith.

What are the odds of that?

What a treat to check out their studio space. Talk about the toys! While we were in the studio there were some high school age students working on various projects under a teacher's instruction. But what I really took note of is some of the facilities they had outside.

Most of their ceramics studios were open air with just an overhanging shelter. This is a similar concept we have for Exnihilo. We call it the ceramics courtyard and it will be constructed using recycled shipping containers. But being open the the elements raises certain problems that we wanted to address.

Other aspects of the grounds and facilities were the expanse. There were walking paths to studio and classroom spaces as well as the residency. The main building housed a reception area and a gallery (another things our plans have in common).

What was really great was the time that Caroline took to share some of what makes an art center like this important. Hui No'eau has a large education program that exposes children to different art forms that they wouldn't normally have exposure to.

Wow... again sound familiar?

Thanks again to Caroline for her graciously meeting with us and giving us input on what it is to run an art center "island style".

Check out more info about Hui No'eau.