The Tiapapata Art Center in Samoa was founded by Wendy and Steven Percival in 1989. Their mission of the center was to provide an accessible and dynamic learning environment that facilitates the achievement of educational, professional and personal goals of students, artists in residence and teaching staff in an atmosphere that fosters creativity, diversity and innovation. By 1992, the art center was in a position to move to the next level and a grant was received from the Canadian Government to provide equipment and art supplies for the growing studio. As years passed, students and media grew to create what the art center has become today.

To celebrate their 25th Anniversary the center is hosting an exhibition titled, The Colors of Samoa (1991-2016), from May 14-21, 2016. The exhibit will feature works from local artists and ones from around the world who have visited Samoa over the years. The international works on display include artists from Australia, Austria, Canada, England, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, and the USA, respectively.

According to the organizers, “Samoa is a country of great natural beauty with a rich and distinguished culture. Intense colors can be found in marine and terrestrial environments of the islands — from the brightly colored sega‘ula (blue-crowned lorikeet) to the equally vibrant fuga gutumu (parrot fish). The rich colors in nature complement hues found in an array of cultural expressions — from be-sparkled ceremonial headdresses to the green and red feathers adorning ‘ie sae or fine mats, and to the strong earth tones found in siapo (bark cloth). Perhaps, this is one reason why so many artists are attracted to Samoa.”

If you happen to be visiting Samoa in the coming week, take some time and engage yourself at this wonderful exhibit.

For more information, feel free to visit the Tiapapata Art Center’s Website.