MEDIA RELEASE

‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai‘i will host The Aloha Art Festival 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, August 2, 2015. There will be art creation stations, keiki activities, star talks, educational booths, and guest speakers. The festival includes an art contest in search of a piece to represent culture, natural environment, and innovation on Maunakea. Art contest winners will be displayed at the Visitor Information Station at Halepohaku on Maunakea and at ‘Imiloa.

Admission to ‘Imiloa’s exhibit hall and planetarium will be free of charge with submission of one art piece per person on that day. All contest art must be submitted at ‘Imiloa on Sunday, August 2, either completed or prepared on-site. Art creation stations will be available for participants of all ages at ‘Imiloa, including supplies for painting, coloring, textiles, etc.

‘Imiloa’s exhibit hall will feature interactive displays and special exhibits for all ages. Additional activities will be outdoors. Guest speakers will be presenting in the Earl and Doris Bakken Moanahōkū Hall, including Luana Busby-Neff on Kapu Aloha, Michael Kumukauoha Lee on Traditional Hawaiian Astronomy, Larry Kimura on Maunakea’s esteemed summit, and Mark Chun on his experience as an astronomer on Maunakea. Special programs will also be part of the planetarium schedule.

Visit www.facebook.com/AlohaArtFestival for more details and program updates.

‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai‘i is a cultural science center located on the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo campus. ‘Imiloa is a place of life-long learning where the power of Hawai‘i’s cultural traditions, its legacy of exploration and the wonders of astronomy come together to provide inspiration for generations. The Center’s interactive exhibits, 3D full dome planetarium, native landscape, programs and events engage families, and visitors in the wonders of science and technology found in Hawai‘i. It is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays). For more information visit the website at www.imiloahawaii.org.