OCEAN OF PEACE
Dec 6, 2025 - Jan 29, 2026
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The “Ocean of Peace” represents a framework that was endorsed by Pacific Island leaders in 2025, envisioning a future for the Pacific region as a space of harmony and cooperation drawn from traditional values and cultural customs. The exhibition features six contemporary artists of Micronesian heritage: James Bamba (Guåhan/Northern Mariana Islands), Carol Ann Carl (Pohnpei), Gillian Dueñas (Guåhan), Kalany Omengkar (Belau/Northern Mariana Islands), Anthony Watson (Belau), and Lissette Yamase (Chuuk). These artists integrate the beliefs and practices of their Micronesian cultures with lived experiences in the Hawaiian Islands to build connections across island chains, expressing ways we can collectively realize this future.
FREE Public Events:
OBSERVE & PLAY FAMILY DAY – In Honor of Shirley Yokouchi
Saturday, December 6 from 10 am – 12 pm
We invite families to visit the gallery and meet each of the artists at activity stations exploring various forms of Micronesian artistry! No pre-registration needed.
Remathau: People of the Ocean
Wednesday, January 14 at 7 pm in McCoy Studio Theater
In this documentary film, Nicole Yamase, a young marine biologist from Micronesia, ventures to the deepest part of the ocean and reconnects with her people’s oceanic roots. A talk panel with the exhibiting artists will follow.
Ticketed reservations required via MACC Box Office. (Reservations open January 2)
ACTIVATIONS: After Hours at the Gallery
Friday, January 16 from 5 – 8 pm in the Gallery and Yokouchi Pavilion & Courtyard
Activations of dance, music, and poetry unfold throughout the night, expanding on the exhibition’s themes of Pacific Island connections. Food and beverage offerings are available for purchase during the event.
Ticketed reservations required via MACC Box Office. (Reservations open January 2)
James Bamba
Balakbak (purse)
weaving
Carol Ann Carl
Mehn Madau
watch video HERE
Gillian Dueñas
The Women Who Saved Guam
digital media
Kalany Omengkar
Fall of the Giant
digital media
Anthony Watson
Messenger
carved wood
Lissette Yamase
The Legend of Rokeroke and Mwesisiar
charcoal on paper
This exhibition is presented by Maui Arts & Cultural Center in partnership with the East-West Center Arts Program and the Pacific Islands Development Program, with support provided in part by the Center for Pacific Island Studies, Medical-Legal Partnership for Children in Hawai‘i, and County of Maui – Office of Economic Development.
The “Ocean of Peace” represents a framework that was endorsed by Pacific Island leaders in 2025, envisioning a future for the Pacific region as a space of harmony and cooperation drawn from traditional values and cultural customs. The exhibition features six contemporary artists of Micronesian heritage: James Bamba (Guåhan/Northern Mariana Islands), Carol Ann Carl (Pohnpei), Gillian Dueñas (Guåhan), Kalany Omengkar (Belau/Northern Mariana Islands), Anthony Watson (Belau), and Lissette Yamase (Chuuk). These artists integrate the beliefs and practices of their Micronesian cultures with lived experiences in the Hawaiian Islands to build connections across island chains, expressing ways we can collectively realize this future.
FREE Public Events:
OBSERVE & PLAY FAMILY DAY – In Honor of Shirley Yokouchi
Saturday, December 6 from 10 am – 12 pm
We invite families to visit the gallery and meet each of the artists at activity stations exploring various forms of Micronesian artistry! No pre-registration needed.
Remathau: People of the Ocean
Wednesday, January 14 at 7 pm in McCoy Studio Theater
In this documentary film, Nicole Yamase, a young marine biologist from Micronesia, ventures to the deepest part of the ocean and reconnects with her people’s oceanic roots. A talk panel with the exhibiting artists will follow.
Ticketed reservations required via MACC Box Office. (Reservations open January 2)
ACTIVATIONS: After Hours at the Gallery
Friday, January 16 from 5 – 8 pm in the Gallery and Yokouchi Pavilion & Courtyard
Activations of dance, music, and poetry unfold throughout the night, expanding on the exhibition’s themes of Pacific Island connections. Food and beverage offerings are available for purchase during the event.
Ticketed reservations required via MACC Box Office. (Reservations open January 2)
James Bamba
Balakbak (purse)
weaving
Carol Ann Carl
Mehn Madau
watch video HERE
Gillian Dueñas
The Women Who Saved Guam
digital media
Kalany Omengkar
Fall of the Giant
digital media
Anthony Watson
Messenger
carved wood
Lissette Yamase
The Legend of Rokeroke and Mwesisiar
charcoal on paper
This exhibition is presented by Maui Arts & Cultural Center in partnership with the East-West Center Arts Program and the Pacific Islands Development Program, with support provided in part by the Center for Pacific Island Studies, Medical-Legal Partnership for Children in Hawai‘i, and County of Maui – Office of Economic Development.