Four Seasons Maui follows humpback whales for Artisan Showcase

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is showcasing the underwater photography of Dan and John Cesere as part of its ongoing Artisan Showcase series.

The Artisan Showcase series currently rotates between 42 artists that are pulled from the local community. Six different media ranging from jewelry, ceramics, woodworking, glass, painting and and textiles will be featured every day to ensure that the series remains as fresh as possible.

"Bringing in local artists gives guests a chance to connect with a vibrant part of Maui's culture," said Carol Nafus, account coordinator at Four Seasons Resort Maui, Maui, HI.

"The program also allows the resort to give back to the community by providing a space for these talented individuals to sell their artwork," she said.

Whale watching

The Cesere brothers will display their work every Thursday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. throughout the whale season, which is roughly from November through April.

Cesere brothers photography

For this project, the brothers concentrate on photographing and filming the native humpback whale and its environment. The photographers hope to raise awareness of the potential plight that faces the whales if their environment is further disturbed.

Additionally, their photography helps researchers by collecting data such as gender, body size, behavior and special identification markings. The Keiki Kohola Project will receive 20 percent of the proceeds from each photograph sold.

Cesere brothers photography

The brothers travel all over the world to capture underwater life. Their work can be viewed at https://www.c3submerged.com/home.asp.

Cesere photography at Four Seasons Maui

Inviting the best

Local artists who are interested in the Artisan Showcase can send an email with their work and a bio to the hotel. When a slot opens up, a selection committee reviews the candidates and invites certain artists for an interview.

Finally, if both parties deem the occasion optimal, the artist will be invited to showcase her or his work.

Through this process, artists are able to gain exposure, while Four Seasons Maui gains a unique and culturally authentic experience for guests.

Four Seasons has showcased the work of local artists before.

For instance, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai attracted art collectors and enthusiasts with special Art Week events and an auction dedicated to the work of Indian artist Francis Newton Souza.

The “Francis Newton Souza: Works from the Collection of Keren Souza Kohn” was hosted in conjunction with the auction house Saffronart and featured more than 100 lots. Helping to illuminate India’s art scene with a breakthrough auction likely earned the respect of Indian consumers and pique the interest of cosmopolitan travelers (see story).

While most art displays will invigorate a property, bringing together local artists adds the touch of authentic cultural energy that many travelers seek.

"Our guests love meeting the young men," Ms. Nafus said. "Their work is fantastic and they are such a joy to meet.

"I have seen them ask children what they think a picture should be called and end up naming the piece after the suggestion," she said.

"They also have a video of them at work underwater which makes for a wonderful visual of them in action with the finished product on display here at the Four Seasons."

Final take
Joe McCarthy, editorial assistant on Luxury Daily, New York