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Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhornm of Thailand receives a gift at the East-West Center's annual fundraiser, "An International Affair"


Steve Turnbull and the Honorable Mrs. Jean Ariyoshi with gift sculpture

The Princess of Thailand, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhornm, came to Oahu on behalf of her father, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, to accept an Asia Pacific Community Building Award and to dedicate a new "sala" for the University of Hawaii. Former Hawaii First Lady, Mrs. Jean Ariyoshi contacted the Hawaii Craftsmen to put out a "call to all island artists" proposing an abstract elephant as a gift for the Princess. Steve Turnbull was the artist selected to create the elephant out of Koa wood.

This was a beautiful opportunity for art to serve its place in international relations, and for a Hawaii artist to have his work in the royal collection. Steve said, "It was an honor and quite an experience to be in the presence of Her Royal Highness. I am proud to be chosen as the sculptor to create such a special gift from our state and The Honorable Mrs. Jean Ariyoshi. It was an evening I will never forget. My gratitude goes out to the Hawai'i Craftsmen, Mrs. Ariyoshi, and the East West Center for their gracious hospitality for the event."

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhornm on right

The Honorable Mrs Jean Ariyoshi presented the gift saying, "Our famous sculptor from Maui, Steve Turnbull, created this beautiful Koa Elephant for your royal collection. We chose an elephant because I know of your collection and love of elephants and what they represent to your country." Her Royal Highness graciously accepted the gift.

Steve and Christine visiting with Rose Anne Jones, Executive Director of The Hawai'i Craftsmen and standing before portraits of the King and Queen of Thailand.

At our table we were honored to be seated with Kamaki Kanahele, the priest that brought in the Royal Highness with a hawaiian chant and his mother the Martriarch of Hawaii, Aunty Agi.

Steve Turnbull's sculpture "Go Fish" was chosen to appear in Art Maui 2008.

The work is in Cedar on Alabaster, 14" x10" x 32" and is priced at $4,500.

The show runs from March 2-April 6, 2008. Don't miss it.

This annual exhibit offers a rare opportunity to see works done by several native Hawaiian artists, as well as celebrated local artists. It opened with a traditional hawaiian blessing, a chant and a ti leaf blessing of all the work. Pupus were served with a delicious array of lau lau and haupia. Not only was the chant magical, but also the hula that followed. Don't miss out next year on this annual event.

Christine has three pieces on display. Here she is above with "Generations"

"Kulia i Ka Nu'u" means "strive to the highest". This piece is available to be cast in bronze for $12,000. The bust is also available in bronze without the skirt for $6,000.

For more information and a larger picture, click here: Kulia

Closeup of "Kulia"

This sculpture is made from ceramic and palm fronds. Christine worked with her dear friend, Makamai, a kumu of hula and hawaiian studies, to learn the art of palm frond sculpting...how to soak and knead the frond in your hand to make it pliable. When you have it at the right position, it will dry that way. The pose is reminiscent of a hula pose, not an exact, but almost as if the dancer is getting ready to start her hula.

"Generations", Manzanita wood and ceramic, asking price is $2,500

For more information and a larger picture, click here: Generations

Christine's third piece in the show is a new work in bronze on a rare naio wood base. For more information and a larger picture, click here:Dance of the I'iwi Birds