“Meditation In Green” was made from medium sculptured plastic containers.

KAHULUI — When the bell rings from the shadows, light springs forth to spark hearts and minds. The set changes; the eternal dance renews.

2011 marks the 33rd annual Art Maui exhibit at the Schaefer International Gallery located at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului.

The juror for the show this year was Hiroki Morinoue, a native of Holualoa, Hawaii. Morinoue holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from the California College of Arts and Crafts. He studied Sumi-e (Japanese Brush Painting) from K. Ito sensei and Moku-hanga (Japanese Woodblock Printing) from T. Okubo sensei in Japan.

Morinoue made his selections from the 377 Maui artists who submitted 592 works. In all, 139 works by 126 artists were chosen to be featured in the exhibit.

Tess Cartwright’s “Meditation In Green” (measures approximately 14” by 14″), which was sculptured from plastic saved to bring more joy to the world, shares the honor with those selected. Be sure to visit the Schaefer Gallery until April 2. You will delight in what your Maui neighbors are doing with their precious moments. Visit www.artmaui.com for more details.

Tess discovered her art of plastic container sculpturing in 1994 as she sat at her desk writing her joyful musical fantasy, “The Garden of BE.” She dreamed of what the set design would look like as she lifted a clear plastic water bottle to take a sip of water. The shimmering convolutions of a daisy in the bottom of the container seemed to speak to her, “I’ll be your Garden.” Tess lifted the shears from a cup on her desk to release the flower she saw locked within the bottle. She said, “I suppose you might say I am addicted to conversations with plastic jugs and jars!”

“The Garden of BE” started at the Kahana Gateway Professional Building, when Tess invited neighborhood children to join the free art classes she offered there in the 1990s. The Garden is now growing with plans for a gala opening at the historic Iao Theater Sept. 23. The production will also play Sept. 24, 25 and 30 and Oct. 1-2. Kahana music teacher Joe DeRose has written the musical score. The energetic Maui OnStage member and staff are bringing their talents to breathe life into the work.

All proceeds from “BE” will go for the benefit of Maui OnStage and the Iao Theater. Tess’ husband and business partner, Robert Cartwright, and the crew at Whalers Realty Inc. and Whalers Realty Management Co. Inc. have helped Tess grow her garden. Your contributions to Maui OnStage help keep live theater alive on Maui. You my learn more at www.mauionstage.com.