LAHAINA – Forty-seven years ago, a group of enthusiastic and talented local artists created an organization to support emerging artists.

Initially, the group consisted largely 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, it 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 on Maui and throughout the world in both private and corporate collections.

This month, Lahaina Arts Society will assemble a show featuring some of the initial founders and other wellknown artists with 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 1 through July 5, 2015.

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 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Banyan Tree Gallery. Come view the art, meet the artists and enjoy complimentary wine and pupus.

Participating artists include former Lahaina Arts Society (LAS) founders, members and friends, including George Allan, Joe Fletcher, Joel Heinz, Vladimir Kush and many others.

These accomplished artists have agreed to donate the majority of each sale to Lahaina Arts Association’s Maui Youth Art Outreach Program, which serves the children of Maui County through 13 free weekly art classes. Classes are held in public schools, housing and youth centers. According to Lahaina Arts Association, arts education is a powerful means for building artistic skills, enhancing academic skills and cultivating lifelong appreciation for the arts.

For more information, call 661-0111.