Wayne Levin has been photographing the land and oceans since the early 1970s. Widely exhibited, his photographs are in major public collections, including the Museum of Modern Art, New York; Museum of Photographic Art, San Diego; The Contemporary Museum, Honolulu; and the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. His photo of dolphins is on display at The Outlets of Maui in Lahaina.

LAHAINA – The only outlet center in the world with an oceanfront location in a historic resort town is now home to some of Hawaii’s most unique public works of art.

The Outlets of Maui features works by Sally French, George Woollard, Wayne Levin and Keith Tallett.

These highly experienced and innovative contemporary arts professionals each have exciting, permanent works of art located throughout the public spaces of The Outlets of Maui.

The artist installations include a six-panel mural by French with imagery that presents a large, one-eyed he’e (octopus) embracing a golden egg with a large tentacle, while deferring several ominous man o’ war jellyfish with another.

“The golden egg is being protected by the all-seeing he’e, which represents our island values. The style of the mural draws from influences of Japanese Ukiyo-e woodcut traditional imagery, anime drawing and tattoo art. I have presented veiled meanings, hoping that the viewer will find their own inspiration within the story,” said French

George Woollard’s playful “Going Places” is featured at the center’s entrance.

At the forefront of The Outlets of Maui’s entrance is a commissioned installation by Woollard entitled “Going Places.” These sculpted pieces suggest play and adventure and are inspired by the spiritual qualities sensed in the natural environment, which refer to the sense of movement and whimsy.

The piece is made of sustainably harvested lychee wood (incredibly durable; almost stone-like in its hardness) with several coats of marine penetrating epoxy sealer covering the surfaces. Finally, the deeply weathered colors are achieved by alternating layers and layers of cashew lacquer paint and wet sanding.

Tallett, a mixed-media artist, second-generation surfboard shaper and tattoo practitioner of traditional Polynesian patterns, created the trio entitled “Flying Hawaiians.”

“The process of making art is a way of creating dialogue between my cultural knowledge and practices, and my investigations as a contemporary artist. My intent is to explore the blurred lines that define authenticity, where the merging of contemporary culture with that of the natural world becomes a metaphor for native versus non-native. The works in the ‘Flying Hawaiian’ series are done on wood panels and incorporate enamel paint, epoxy resin, vinyl and fiberglass,” said Tallett.

The oversized pieces of underwater photography by Levin showcase spinner dolphins at play in shallow waters off Hookena Beach in South Kona, reminding viewers of their ocean surroundings.

“Our revitalized center is home to 25-plus world-class brand name outlets, restaurants and entertainment venues. To complete the vision, we commissioned artworks, added gathering areas and opened up the expansive ocean-island views for guests to enjoy this one-of-a-kind outlet shopping experience,” said Mona Abadir of The Outlets of Maui.

The Outlets of Maui, located at the former Lahaina Center on Front Street between Papalaua and Wainee streets in the heart of Lahaina Town, provides an easy stroll throughout the center with a village-style circulation plan, teak furniture, large cafe umbrellas, new directional signage, public art throughout and the iconic clock tower all fully integrated as part of the overall design.

Hours of operation are Monday to Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (except holidays). For more information, visit www.TheOutletsofMaui.com and follow the center on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at TheOutletsMaui.