Cartwright

The Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Schaefer International Gallery featured the prestigious Art Maui exhibit from March 7 to April 2 this year. All Maui County resident artists are eligible to compete for the honor of displaying their work in this annual exhibit.  

Tess Cartwright’s submission titled “Transmit” was among the fortunate chosen this year by practicing artist Kenneth Bushnell (with studios in New York City, the south of France and Honolulu) who was the juror for submitted works. The exhibit usually features approximately 100 new pieces, but the 2010 show featured 145 pieces by 125 Maui artists. Visit artmaui.com/am2010.html to learn more.

Tess discovered her passion for transforming ordinary household plastic containers into creative art in 1994 and has been chosen for Art Maui six of the eight years she has submitted works. Her work this year is a transformed laundry detergent jug and measures approximately 15” x 20” x 6”. Its size may vary depending on how excited it is at the time of viewing! Only kidding…

Tess has also written an original musical. Quoting Publisher Leil Koch in a 1994 issue of Real Estate Maui Style (Profiles, Our Advertisers, “Other Side”): “Through an original musical entitled ‘The Garden of BE,’ Tess’s creative talents have flourished. The art and story of the musical speaks to children and adults, revealing nature’s recycling messages in a novel manner. The vision began with Tess. The production began with a sign, ‘Free Art Classes.’ Children from the neighborhood flocked into the classes.” 

Now, 16 years later, Tess is collaborating with Maui OnStage and the Iao Theater in Wailuku to bring “The Garden of BE” to life again. The stage and costume design will incorporate artfully transformed plastic, such as this year’s Art Maui selection. To join Tess in her creative quest, you may contact her at tess@vacation-maui.com.

“Transmit” is a transformed plastic container.

Tess is the wife and business partner of Robert Cartwright. The pair met in 1981 and teamed as realtors when Tess joined Robert at Whalers Realty Inc. in 1983. The two purchased the firm in 1993 from founder John E. “Jack” Kelley. Whalers Realty has consistently dominated the Kaanapali/West Maui real estate market from its Whalers Village and Fairway Shops offices and is the largest independent real estate firm on Maui.  Their slogan is “Ask for the Best.”

Contact Whalers Realty Inc. at (808) 661-8777 (Whalers Village Office above the ABC Store) or (808) 661-7887 (Fairway Shops at Kaanapali), visit www.WhalersRealty.com or e-mail info@whalersrealty.com.