“Abstract 001” was created with sculptured plastic containers.

2012 marks the 34th 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 Tom Klobe, one of the original founders of ART MAUI. Klobe is professor emeritus and founding director of the University of Hawaii Art Gallery. During his 29-year tenure at U.H., he organized and designed over 200 exhibitions.

Klobe made his selections from the over 327 Maui artists who submitted 513 works. In all, 144 works by 128 artists were chosen for the show.

Tess Cartwright’s “Abstract 001” (measures approximately 15” by 30″ by 8“), sculptured from colorful household plastic containers saved from the landfill, shares the honor of having been chosen. The exhibit has been running since March 25. You must visit the Schaefer Gallery before the show closes Friday, April 20. Visit www.artmaui.com for the list of selected artists and photos of their works. The gallery is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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 love conversations with plastic containers!”

“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, having completed a successful run at the historic Iao Theater in Wailuku last fall with a cast of 25 singers, dancers, actors and puppeteers with Maui OnStage, Maui Community Theater. The very colorful set design featured a garden of – you guessed it – household plastic containers transformed into flowers!

The performances were videotaped by Akaku: Maui Community TV producers led by Alberto Rojas Jr. “BE” is now streaming on the web by way of Video On Demand at Akaku at www.akaku.org. Your tax-deductible contributions to Maui OnStage and Akaku will help keep our community connected.

Tess’ husband, Robert Cartwright, and the crew at Whalers Realty Inc. support Tess’ work in the Garden. Whalers Realty Inc. is celebrating its 36th anniversary located in Whalers Village in Kaanaapli Resort, West Maui. For all your real estate needs, visit www.whalersrealty.com or call (808) 661-8777.