The Volcano Art Center has moved in! After many years of planning and preparation, our Niaulani campus is now in use, with our 4,400 sq. ft. Administrative offices and Gallery support space up and running. The building is single story, with a varied roof line and Volcano's distinctive deep porch overhangs. We designed the building to angle around a particularly cherished old 'ohi'a tree, and provide a 1,000 sq. ft. sheltered lanai for outdoor functions. We worked closely with our architect Paul Morgan (of Suzuki / Morgan Architects) to master plan the site so that the buildings, parking areas, and driveways have a minimal impact on existing trees. Inside, a 'Great Room' provides an area for small gatherings, as well as a place to showcase artwork by students, instructors, and featured Gallery exhibitors. The public is invited to come by to take a look at our new building, as well as sign up for classes and workshops, buy tickets for events, and get information on local happenings. We hope you'll drop in soon!

Now that our parking lot is finished, we have broken ground on our two educational buildings and hope to have them both finished by the end of 2011. The Education Center -- being built first -- will provide a flexible classroom, lecture, and meeting space that will also be perfect for literary readings or small concerts. Like our Phase One building, it will have deep porch overhangs, and be sited to take advantage of the forest behind it and the open area in front. This building will also serve as a gateway to the forest trails. Linked to it via a pathway will be a Hot Glass and Ceramics Studio building. Outside, a spacious partially covered outdoor work area facing the forest will allow students to take advantage of Volcano's clear, crisp days.

Once we have our new campus up and running, we hope to provide dormitory facilities for visiting students as well as a visiting artists' residence. Additional classroom space will be added as the need arises. We haven't yet set a timeline for Phase Three, but these additions are definitely in our long-term plan.

View our photo history archives of Niaulani's evolution