Craft in America explores threads of culture

7/9/26

An exhibition highlighting the work of Hawaiian artist and cultural practitioner Marques Hanalei Marzan recently opened at Craft in America with an artist talk and reception.

“Marques Hanalei Marzan: Entwine” examines the artist’s use of traditional Hawaiian fiber techniques alongside contemporary interpretations of body adornment and sculptural form. Inspired by childhood curiosity about the construction of his grandfather’s lauhala hat, Marzan pursued instruction in weaving and related fiber arts passed down through generations of Native Hawaiian practitioners.

The exhibition features works created with hand-cut pandanus leaves and incorporates techniques including weaving, knotting, twining, and looping. Marzan also works with materials such as coconut fiber, cotton and wire.

Born and raised in Kāneʻohe, Hawaiʻi, Marzan is recognized as a Hawaiian cultural practitioner, educator and contemporary visual artist. He trained with master weavers Julia Minerva Kaʻawa and Esther Kakalia Westmoreland and has become known for promoting sustainable gathering practices, perpetuating Hawaiian fiber techniques and mentoring students within his community.

Marzan currently serves as cultural advisor and the Wayne Pitluck and Judith Pyle Curator for Cultural Resilience at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu. In that role, he works to integrate Indigenous perspectives and practices within museum settings while supporting cultural practitioners and community engagement with traditional knowledge and artistic expression.

The exhibition is also part of “Handwork 2026,” a nationwide semiquincentennial collaboration focused on the significance of handmade artistic practices and the diversity of American craft traditions.

Craft in America is located at 8415 W. Third St.

For information, visit craftinamerica.org.