Mark Ellman (center) receives the painting from Tom and Debbie Woehler.

WEST MAUI – The phrase “Practice Aloha” is exemplified by Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational sponsors Mark and Judy Ellman and avid art collectors Tom and Debbie?Woehler.

Mark and Judy have been generous in donating gift cards to the 25 artists who participate in the invitational, held recently in West Maui.

As a tribute to their generosity and community spirit, Debbie and Tom of Kaanapali purchased Oahu artist Mark Brown’s painting and gifted it to the Ellmans.

Frequent customers of Mark and Judy’s restaurants in West Maui, the Woehlers felt the painting captures the spirit of aloha and was the perfect way to recognize the couple’s contributions to the West Maui community.

“This is a great story of aloha,” said Lois Reiswig, president of the West Maui Cultural Council and one of the event sponsors, about the Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational.

“The generosity of our sponsors and art collectors make hosting the event possible. This gift couldn’t go to a more deserving and honored couple of our Lahaina community.”