Maui has long been a magnet for artists seeking sun, tranquility and sky high prices. Thankfully, Maui Hands helps these creative souls monetize their vision and handiwork. This company, which has galleries on Maui in Makawao, Paia, Kaanapali and Lahaina, is pretty much the cream of the crop when it comes to local artwork. Michigan native Panna Spears founded the for-profit collective in 1992 as a place for her friends and other artists she had met while living on Maui to market their wares.

At the time, there were few venues for Hawaii art aside from the copious offerings of really bad marine art in the worst airbrushed "museum quality" style. Panna's troupe of 300 or so artists runs the gamut from traditional painting to glasswork to jewelery to ceramics to fine woodwork. Every piece on the galleries is conceived and created in Hawaii. I am, of course, partial to woodwork and Maui Hands has some of the best, (pictured here is a gorgeous koa wood bench by Bechara Bassil). This is one of the best ways to purchase local, support local artists and get something that is truly top-quality. Not all of the artists at Maui Hands live on Maui but most do and it shows in the imagery captured (it definitely hews towards the Valley Isle). Maui Hands also has a lot of nifty events the bring artists out of their studios and into the public limelight -- each Maui Hands runs a Friday night "Meet the Artist" program. These are also good stores to buy localesque tchotkes (koa bangles, postcards, etc). In short, if you like cool local art and have a yen to spend, don't miss.

Related Links: Nohea Gallery

Image via Maui Hands / Bechara Bassil

—Alex, 04/01/07