About Maui Arts League

…putting art in the hearts of people.

Founded in 1975 as the West Maui Cultural Council, the Maui Arts League is expanding into a fine arts membership organization, focusing on painting, sculpture, and photography.

Maui Arts League’s organization is an all volunteer 501(c)3 nonprofit organization – TIN 99-0181159. Our Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational Committee is comprised of the 30 volunteers that dedicate innumerable hours to organize, manage the various activities throughout the 9-day art event.

Mission

To showcase, cultivate, and build appreciation for Visual Fine Arts while creating unique opportunities for people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds to embrace the experience of art.

Vision

Be a vibrant and enthusiastic organization providing enriching opportunities for our island community and visitors to experience world class Visual Fine Arts through our museum, exhibitions, events and educational programs.

Values

Our values include Integrity, Excellence, Diversity, and an Appreciation for Visual Fine Arts. We wish to foster honesty, distinction while welcoming all people as members.

"Watching the sensational plein air artists interpret the beauty of Maui on canvas or paper is a visual experience like no other. It’s an event we look forward to each year, and one we are proud to support."
The Makana Aloha Foundation
sponsor

Our Team

LOIS REISWIG

President & Secretary

Lois was a Maui resident 1999-2020. Recently moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico. A retired executive from IBM, she’s been an active supporter of numerous nonprofits for decades. Before moving to Maui, she served on the board of the Austin Lyric Opera and the Austin Symphony. In 2015, she received the Maui Mayor’s Women of Excellence Award and has led the Hui Hoaloha Ladies Luncheon Group since 2002. She has been involved with the Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational since 2006. She took over the President’s position of the Maui Arts League, formerly known as the West Maui Cultural Council, in 2009. She maintains management positions with both organizations. She is leading the effort to build a fine arts museum on West Maui. Her passions are art, cooking, reading and visiting galleries/museums.

BRYANT NEAL

Director

Bryant, originally from Arkansas, received his BA from Hendrix College in 1979. Since moving to Maui in 1982 he has served as Vice President of Lahaina Printsellers, is the founder of 501c3 Arts Education for Children Group and Jazz Maui, and owner of Story of Hawaii Museum Exhibit. He is known for his presentation on ‘Telling Hawaii’s Story’. He has a vast collection of vintage antique maps and documents used to present the Story of Hawaii in chronological sequence. He is a serious Jazz enthusiast and enjoys all musical and related art events.

KAREN DEFEO

Treasurer

Since 2012, Karen and her husband Ty split their time between Lake George NY and Kapalua, Maui. Karen has a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from the University at Albany and served in numerous roles that range from Programmer to Project Management for major system, healthcare and vision companies. She enjoys volunteering on Maui as a second career and shares her enthusiasm and energy ensuring the success of large events on Maui, including the Sentry Tournament of Champions, the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Maui Jim Basketball Tournaments when held on Maui, and of course, all Maui Arts League events. She is very energetic, creative, and a dependable team member for the groups she supports.

Her passions beyond volunteering include travel and enjoying the summer with her family and grandchildren.

RONALDO MACEDO

Advisor

Ronaldo was born in Rio de Janeiro and has lived on Maui since 1989. He earned his BFA in Illustration, Cal State University Long Beach. He studied virtually all aspects of painting with George Allan after arriving on Maui. One of Maui’s best known plein air painters, Ronaldo is represented by Lahaina Galleries and is a co-founder of the Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational event. He loves the outdoors and his paintings reflect his connection to nature. He lives with his wife and two children in Lahaina.

JEAN STERN

Advisor

Jean Stern was born in Casablanca, Morocco and came to the United States 1955. He is a recognized authority on California Impressionism. He is Director Emeritus, of The Irvine Museum. He has authored or written in over 25 books, appeared in 4 PBS art documentaries, presented over 250 lectures, and judged more than 75 art shows. Many here will know Jean from his long-standing participation in the Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational as a Guest Lecturer and Juror. His extensive experience in the art community as a scholar will be a guiding force in helping Maui Arts League develop plans for the West Side Fine Arts Museum.