HŌLUALOA, Hawai’i – On Saturday, September 24, the Donkey Mill Art Center will hold its 15th Cool Fusion: Festival of 1000 Bowls at the Mill’s campus in Hōlualoa from 11am – 5pm. The beloved community event allows guests the opportunity to handpick “their very own perfect bowl” from a variety of over 1,000 one of a kind locally made ceramic bowls and other hand thrown wares.
This year’s event honors Hawaiʻi Island’s ties to the Korean community. In celebration, all attendees will receive a helping of freshly made bibimbap served in a ceramic bowl of their choice which they may keep. This Korean gluten free, vegetarian meal includes white rice topped with vegetables, kimchi, savory sauce and an egg. Those looking for a vegan option can skip the egg. The traditional staple dish will be made using a recipe from volunteer chef and Korean cultural advisor, Grace Jang. Mama Grace is the mother of Donkey Mill board member and local architect designer, Miran Jang.
The family-friendly event will feature live music by Blue Jade starring Ann Hoku Lynn featuring Binti Bailey with additional music provided by DJ Moose. There will also be a live ceramic demo by visiting artist-in-residence Yeonsoo Kim.
”It’s been nearly three years since we’ve been able to gather and hold this event in its original form. Local artists have spent countless hours producing these one-of-a-kind ceramic bowls for the event. We cannot wait to see the wide assortment of bowls lining the tables (my favorite part!) and the many faces deciding which bowl to choose, or better yet, which bowl will choose you!” said the Mill’s Interim Executive Director, Ashley Raymond.
Join the Festival!
Timed-entry tickets are currently available for purchase online at www.donkeymillartcenter.org. This event is sure to sell out, however a limited amount of same day tickets may be available. Prices are $35 for adults and $20 for keiki 10 years and younger. All event proceeds benefit the Mill. Parking will be available nearby at the Hawaiʻi Island Humane Society with free shuttle service to and from the event.
A special VIP Soju Mixer and artist reception will take place on Friday, September 23 from 5:30pm – 8pm. This intimate gathering allows guests the chance to mingle with Cool Fusion artists and get a sneak peak at the next day’s sale items while musical guest Shina Romero performs. The VIP mixer ticket includes catered pūpū and a specialty soju cocktail served up by Spirited Cocktail Catering. All guests will receive handmade soju bowls as keepsakes. VIP ticket holders will also have the opportunity to attend the Saturday event during any time slot.
Artists & Sponsors
Noted Cool Fusion ceramic artists include: Suzanne Wang, Claire Seastone, Will and Kate Jacobson, Setsuko Morinoue, Bella Freedman, Peter Durst, Susan Raber Bray, Jill Backus, Gerald Ben, Vera Omestad, Sandy Sater, Amber Aguirre, Cory Lum, Erin Skelton, Emily Gleason, Allison Tan and Jake Boggs.
Cool Fusion is made possible by generous support from The Hiroaki, Elaine & Lawrence Kono Foundation and Laila Twigg-Smith Art Fund of the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation and proudly sponsored by Peter Durst & Ellen Seale, Kokua Roofing, 365 Hawai’i, Hawai’i Trust & Estate Counsel, Gypsea Gelato, and Studio 7 Fine Arts.
About the Mill
The Donkey Mill Art Center, located at 78-6670 Mamalahoa Highway in Hōlualoa on Hawaiʻi Island, is home to the Hōlualoa Foundation for Arts and Culture, a 501(c)(3) non profit arts education organization within the state of Hawaiʻi. The Donkey Mill is a place of convergence for the exploration of arts and culture to inform, inspire and strengthen individual and collective well-being. Hours of operation are Wednesday – Saturday from 10am – 6pm. Admission is free and open to the public with a suggested donation of $5.