MEDIA RELEASE

Paradise Ponies, Inc., a nonprofit corporation, intends to construct and operate a unique Hawaii-themed carousel, called the “Carousel of Aloha,” along the Volcano Heritage Corridor.

Paradise Ponies is offering a workshop “Introduction to Carving” for anyone who wants to be part of this Statewide Art Project.

The first workshop is 1-4 p.m. Sept. 30
at the Volcano Art Center – Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village.

Yen Chin, project manager for Hawaii Island, and Juanette Baysa, founder of Paradise Ponies, Inc., will introduce the project and carving techniques used in this age-old art form.

The class cost is just $30. Space is limited. Enrollment forms are on the website www.CarouselOfAloha.org

“This workshop is one of three we will hold to get people informed and involved,” said Chin, who has recently returned from a three-week carving class given by Master Carousel Carver Ken Means, in Oregon.

Baysa has been studying under Means for 15 years.

“Ultimately, the Carousel of Aloha will be the focal point of a bigger park and pavilion that will serve our community and bring everyone together,” Baysa said.

Future workshops are planned for Keaau and Pahoa.

The Carousel of Aloha will feature hand-carved Hawaii-themed menagerie figures like a
monk seal, a green sea turtle, pa‘u style horses and a “nightingale,” (the coffee-bean toting donkeys once used on coffee plantations island-wide).

It will feature seating benches, scenic panels, mirrors and other colorful carousel amenities carved and painted by volunteer artisans throughout Hawaii.

An expansive pavilion will house the carousel, gift shop and other indoor spaces available to the community for art and cultural activities, recreation and entertainment.

An adjacent park will add outdoor space for cultural events, and activities for families, residents and visitors to the east side of Hawaii Island.

Volunteers, donations, corporate sponsors and major benefactors are needed.

An informational display, including carousel figures in progress, is shown 8 a.m.-1 p.m. every Saturday at the Hilo Coffee Mill in Mountain View.

For further information, call Katherine Patton at 315-1093 or visit: www.CarouselOfAloha.org