The “Maui Masters” include Sue Thomas, Jack Hamilton (center) and Carlton Kincaid.

LAHAINA – Forty-six years ago, a group of enthusiastic and talented local artists created an organization to support emerging artists. Initially, the group largely consisted of artists from the greater Lahaina area, but later included members from throughout Maui County. The organization became known as Lahaina Arts Society, and in the present remains a thriving part of the Maui art scene.

Many of the LAS founding members and those who followed through the years became well-established artists with collectors not only on Maui but throughout the world in both private and corporate collections.

This June, Lahaina Arts Society will assemble a show featuring some of the initial founders and other well-known artists with former ties to the organization.

The show, entitled “Maui Masters Invitational Art Show and Sale,” will be held at the Banyan Tree Gallery in the Old Lahaina Courthouse from June 2 through July 6, 2014. Proceeds from sales of the artwork will benefit Lahaina Arts Association, the charity founded by Lahaina Arts Society.

A reception for the participating artists and the general public will be held Saturday evening, June 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the gallery located under the Banyan Tree in Lahaina. Come view the art, meet the artists and enjoy complimentary wine, beer and pupus.

Participating artists include former Lahaina Arts Society (LAS) founders, members and friends, including George Allan, Betty Hay Freeland, Carleton Kinkade, Jack Hamilton, Fred Lorenzo, Sue Perry, Jim Kingwell, Bob Terrebonne, Mike and Monica Sweet and many others.

These accomplished artists have agreed to donate the majority of each sale to the Lahaina Arts Association’s Maui Youth Art Outreach Program, which serves the children of Maui County through 13 no-cost, weekly art classes. Classes are held in public schools, low-income housing and youth centers.

Lahaina Arts Association provides valuable arts education programs to the children of our community. Arts education is a powerful means for building artistic skills, enhancing academic skills and cultivating a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

Lahaina Arts Association wishes to thank the “Maui Masters” for their continued active support of arts programs for the children of Maui County.

The public is encouraged to join each of the masters in their support by attending the art show and purchasing artwork to add to their collections.

Lahaina Arts Association is a 501(c) (3) charity dedicated to providing Maui County youth access to the creative arts through education and artistic opportunities.