Our first artist's showcase: Alden Heglund
Closets N Things featured artist for the month of July is Alden Heglund. His works will be displayed at the store located at 74-5626 Alapa St. in the Old Industrial Area. An artist reception is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 5. Everyone is welcome.
Kona resident Heglund has been creating art since the age of 12. Throughout his school years he studied art, art history, painting and crafting including leatherwork, jewelry and pottery. He always went back to painting, first in oils and then changing to acrylics, he said. Originally from Portland Ore., his paintings have been displayed in many venues.
After his first visit to Maui, more than 18 years ago, his subject matter changed. The vibrant colors, landscape and relationship with the ocean were irresistible, he said. In 1999, Heglund picked up an airbrush and now incorporates that into creating backgrounds and special effects. “I feel that with the airbrush I can create effects that give my paintings a unique and vibrant feel to them.” As an amateur astronomer his paintings frequently display his love of the celestial wonders in the night sky.
After discovering the many varieties of hardwoods found in the islands, his attention turned to making furniture and turning wooden bowls. He has created many bowls, vessels, countless wood creations and furniture pieces.
Heglund has artworks in private residences across the mainland, Canada, Japan and England. Wood turnings are currently displayed at the Rumley Gallery and are featured at Closets N Things in Kona.
