Tiki Public Dedication Ceremony: Keoni will present the tiki to the Mayor and people of Evanston as a gift
on September 12. The event (from 2-4pm at the Dawes Park Lagoon) will include a blessing ceremony and ancient hula dancing.

* Sept. 12, 2009, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
* Dawes Park Lagoon, 1700 Sheridan Rd, Evanston
* bring a chair and your raw food to share

Come see Keoni carve:

* Aug. 17 - Sept. 11, 2009
* 11am - 3pm weekdays
* Dawes Park Lagoon, weather permitting

A Little Aloha Comes to Evanston

Tiki Being Carved at Evanston Lakefront

Hawaiian artist Johnnie "Keoni" Durant is spending his summer vacation visiting friends and carving an elaborate tiki in Centennial Park along Evanston's lakefront. Durant is well-known for his traditional Hawaiian sculpture and jewelry, which can be found in private collections and galleries, and on hotel properties and movie sets. This summer he is drawing daily crowds as he carves the larger-than-life-size tiki, which he plans on giving to the City of Evanston as a gift.

A tiki is a large wood (or stone) carving that embodies the human figure. In Polynesian mythology, it represents a deep connection to the spiritual realm. Historically tikis reminded ancient Hawaiians of their values, including respect for family, appreciation of nature and belief in the power of knowledge. Today, tikis serve as symbols of humanity and creating a better life among all peoples.

The Evanston tiki represents the god of sportsmanship and recreation and will watch over families and the community as they engage in such activities. Durant named the sculpture “'Ohana,” which means family (and community) in Hawaiian, and is a reminder that no one should be left behind or forgotten. To pay tribute to the residents of Evanston and the City's commitment to the health and well-being of its residents, Durant is incorporating the City's logo into his carving.

Durant's creation is being carved from white oak, the Illinois state tree, and will take approximately a month to complete. When finished, the tiki will stand approximately eight feet tall.

The public is invited to watch the tiki being created. The major carving is being done at Centennial Park, between Church and University Place. Once this work is completed, the tiki will be moved south, closer to the lagoon in Dawes Park for the finer carving and finishing touches. The best time to see Durant work is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. Durant plans on presenting the finished tiki to Evanston Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl and the City Council. The final indoor location for the completed sculpture has yet to be determined.

For more information about the tiki or Keoni Durant, call Heather Shadur at [masked] or go to www.kauaicarver.com

About the artist

A life-long resident of the island of Kaua'i, Johnnie “Keoni” Durant is deeply rooted in the Polynesian culture. Standing in the crossroads of the past and the present, Keoni is known throughout the world for his traditional Hawaiian sculpture and jewelry.

Keoni is deeply committed to honoring the way of life created by his ancestors—the high chiefs (Ali’i Nui) of the Kānaka Maoli nation—the original caregivers (and settlers) of the Polynesian archipelago now known as Hawaii.

This is Keoni’s second visit to the mainland and Evanston. His first was last winter, when he experienced snow and extreme cold (11 below zero) for the first time. His sweetheart (kuipo), who he met while carving a four poster bed on a beach on Kaua’i, grew up in Evanston and lured him back to Chicago for a summertime visit with the promise that he would love the trees, not to mention the unmatched culture and diversity of her home town.