“For an artist in Hawaii, there is no greater honor (than this acquisition),” said Mary Ann Leigh, with her fan palm artwork.

LAHAINA – Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center in Makawao is currently hosting “Malama Wao Akua” (Caring for the Realm of the Gods), the East Maui Watershed Partnership’s annual juried art exhibit.

All artwork selected celebrates the native species of Maui Nui.

Lahaina artist Mary Ann Leigh’s entry, presented in ceramic medium, was selected to become part of the State of Hawaii Collection of Art, becoming part of the “Art In Public Places” program.

Excited and honored to have sold the art piece to the state, Leigh explained why she chose that subject for her artwork.

“I chose to represent a fan palm that Ted and I planted in our gardens. We found it at a Maui Nui Botanical Gardens plant sale shortly after we moved to Launiupoko. It is a very rare Pritchardia forbesiana and originated in the West Maui Mountains at Mount ‘Eke, which is less than seven miles from our home.”

She has two other pieces that were selected and purchased by the state, both placed into two-year exhibits in the Hawaii State Art Museum. One of them currently is on exhibit in one of the offices of the Hawaii State Capitol Building.

Leigh is a longtime and celebrated member of Lahaina Arts Society.

Most weekends, you will find Leigh and her husband, Ted Loberg, also a member, at the Lahaina Cannery Mall Art Festival showing her creative ceramic art.

More information on her work can be found at www.lahainaarts.com.

Now celebrating its 52nd year, Lahaina Arts Society showcases, markets and mentors Maui County artists. In addition to holding art festivals at Lahaina Cannery Mall each weekend, LAS operates two galleries in the historic Old Lahaina Courthouse – featuring all local Maui artists – that are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.