Welzie Art x Two Crows Surfboards Fine Art Collection Debuts at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina announces the Artist-in-Residence series, a monthly fine art gallery exhibition showcasing Hawaii artists. Launching the series is Welzie Art, Hawaii’s premiere resin artist based on the North Shore.  The inaugural Four Seasons collection includes original works by Welzie such as his signature fiberglass resin and ink, giclees, and hand made sculptures.  The Welzie Art collection will be on exhibit at Four Seasons in Ko Olina until September 30, 2017.

“Art is an integral part of life, fostering creativity and perpetuating culture,” says Sanjiv Hulugalle, General Manager at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina.  “Four Seasons Oahu Artist-in-Residence program is an incredible platform for both emerging and established artists here in Hawaii to cultivate their creativity, particularly on the west side of the island.  Our goal is to connect our guests and the community through the arts.”

One of Oahu’s most innovative artists, Welzie is a pioneer in the adaptation of surf material into fine art. His signature style of layering until a sculpture or painting becomes a finished piece is a craft he has mastered over 15 years.  Surfboards and art collided when he and surfboard shaper Carl Olsen started Two Crows Surfboards, a collaboration that allowed for complete artistic freedom, bringing the inspiration of surf board art from the waves to gallery walls. 

In his gallery debut at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, Welzie showcases two life-size hand-made dolphin sculptures, created in collaboration with Two Crows Surfboards.  The one-of-a-kind sculptures were created by master craftsman and surfboard shaper Carl Olsen from reclaimed surfboard foam, fiberglass and resin and finished in Welzie’s signature freestyle, with whimsical bursts of warm ocean colours. Olsen has decades of experiencing hand shaping surfboards without the use of molds. The combination of his clean surfboard lines and Welzie’s abstract colour work provides a happy balance of opposites, inspired by the two craftsmen’s deep affinity for the ocean.

"I believe the right piece of art has the ability to transform a house into a home,” says Welzie. "Creating a vibrant atmosphere with art while being surrounded by the ocean is one of the many ways Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina has been able to transform their Hotel into a space of inspiration. I am so happy we can both share our appreciation of colour and art with their guests through the Artist-in-Residence program."

Four Seasons Resort Oahu’s Artist-in-Residence gallery is an extension of ART WALK, a monthly reception featuring Hawaii’s leading artists. ART WALK showcases myriad unique works of art ranging from paintings and photography, to printmaking and illustrations.   As with the Artist-in-Residence gallery, ART WALK is open to the community and features a cocktail reception and opportunity to meet the artists.

The upcoming ART WALK schedule for 2017 includes:

• Friday, October 13, 5:00–7:00 pm
• Friday, November 3, 5:00–7:00 pm
• Friday, December 1, 5:00–7:00 pm