The 31st annual Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival is scheduled to take place on Feb. 3. The event will feature the artwork of Patti Pease Johnson and will include a variety of activities for attendees.
A recent press release revealed that the festival, which is set to occur in Waimea, Hawaii Island, will present a rich tapestry of cultural activities and performances. The festival’s official artwork, “Cherry Blossom Days” by Johnson, a local artist, will be showcased during the event. This acrylic painting depicting cherry blossoms in bloom was chosen as the winner among 11 submissions.
The press release further states that from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., festival attendees can partake in an array of performing arts, demonstrations, and various craft and food stations. Replicas of “Cherry Blossom Days” will reportedly be available as collector’s posters at the “Waimea Arts Council’s Firehouse Gallery”. According to the release, Johnson aimed to capture the beauty of cherry blossoms through thick palette knife strokes while creating this piece. It also mentions that there will be a free shuttle service connecting key locations during the festival and parking spaces available for attendees.
This year’s festival is organized by the county’s Department of Parks and Recreation along with local community members. It honors the Japanese tradition “hanami”, which translates to “cherry blossom viewing party”, and celebrates the blooming of Church Row Park cherry trees. The release indicates that festival-goers will have access to an activity lineup and a souvenir program to guide them through the event.
Johnson’s website reveals her passion for nature and artistry across mediums such as liquid dye on silk, watercolor, soft pastels; she also teaches art in Hawaii. With a background in graphic design and marketing, she has exhibited her art globally and remains committed to lifelong learning and creativity.
