As we prepare for our Maui Art Show, we’re spotlighting a selection of the artists whose work will debut on our limited-edition Quick-Dry Towels. Each piece was chosen with intention, created exclusively for this event, and reflects the spirit of the island.
In this preview, the artists share what inspired the piece they selected, what being part of a Maui-focused giveback means to them personally, and how they define their creative point of view.
A first look at the stories and perspectives behind the collection, before our show on December 6th.
TASHA JAHRMARKT
What inspired the piece you chose for this event?
I am always inspired most by the beauty of my home here on Maui; the colors, the feelings, the balance of power and simplicity. I think that shows in the piece I chose for this event, the softness of the orchid against the strength of the chartreuse, yin and yang.
What does being part of a Maui-focused giveback mean to you personally?
This means so much to me for many reasons, but above all because Maui is my home and all I’ve ever known, so being able to give back through my art is a dream come true.
Even more special is the organization that this show is supporting, Maui Sports Foundation. I grew up doing surf contests, and now facilitating and judging at the same events, many of which are run and funded by Maui Sports Foundation and its founder, Kim Ball. Kim has been such an important figure for so many of Maui’s young surfers and athletes, myself included. Knowing the funds donated from this event will go to allowing the next generation the same experience I had growing up means everything to me.
How would you describe your artistic style / what you’re drawn to in your work?
I think the overarching theme in my photography work is nostalgia. Maui has always been my biggest muse and I hope to convey the unique experience of growing up in such a special place through my photographs.
We’d love a short quote about what this specific piece means to you — anything you’d want people to know or feel when they see it on the towel.
I hope this piece is a gentle reminder of the beauty in balance and the power in simplicity.
FAITH JONES
What inspired the piece you chose for this event?
My design was inspired by one of my floral arrangements that is very on brand for me . I love using bright, punchy colors and I almost always incorporate orchids or anthuriums. It was important for me to choose an arrangement with local flowers. I try to use local varieties as much as possible and many of them happen to be my favorites!
What does being part of a Maui-focused giveback mean to you personally?
This event is so special to me because many of my friends and community are featured as well. Susanna is my hānai family and Cece is one of my close friends who I do shoots with. I love how the creative community in Maui is so connected and supportive of each other.
How would you describe your artistic style / what you’re drawn to in your work?
My style for florals is modern tropical. I like to incorporate tropical flowers with varieties not grown here to make unique structures and pairings.
We’d love a short quote about what this specific piece means to you — anything you’d want people to know or feel when they see it on the towel.
Florals are always a fleeting beauty. My arrangements last for about a week so having one of my designs on something permanent like a towel is really special.
MAX ROSS
What inspired the piece you chose for this event?
My Kurt Cobain piece is inspired by the impact grunge music—especially Nirvana—had on my identity as an artist. During a dark chapter of my life, I leaned heavily into that raw sound, and it helped me stay connected to who I was as an “artsy outcast” trying to make sense of myself. Their music gave me the freedom to create without needing to fit into anything.
When I painted this piece about a year ago, I was listening to Kurt’s music again and found myself wondering who he might have become if he were still around today. I’ve had moments in my past where I felt trapped in depression and hopelessness, believing there was no way out except through alcohol or substances. His story hits differently when you’ve walked close to that edge.
But my path led me to recovery. My sober date is Cinco de Mayo, 2019, and since then I’ve been living a life far greater than anything I thought was possible back then. This artwork is both a tribute to the music that helped me hold on and a reflection of the distance I’ve traveled. It represents resilience, transformation, and the creative freedom grunge helped unlock within me.
What does being part of a Maui-focused giveback mean to you personally?
Being part of a Maui-focused giveback means a lot to me, especially as someone who grew up on this island. I was raised with the quote, “The best help you get is helping others.” I’ll be honest — that didn’t make much sense to me the first time I heard it… or the second, or even the third :D. But I’m grateful I listened to my mentors and practiced that principle long before I fully understood it.
Now, as the Drawing & Painting teacher at Maui High School, I get to see the meaning of that quote every day. Helping my students reminds me that there’s no limit to our potential when we show up for each other. Being part of this giveback connects everything full circle: my upbringing, my recovery, my art, and my belief that we grow by lifting others along the way.
How would you describe your artistic style / what you’re drawn to in your work?
People always ask me, “So… what’s your art style?” and honestly, I’ve given every answer from surrealism to pop art to contemporary to celebrity-focused work. It’s hard for me to choose just one because my style is constantly evolving. I’m always experimenting, pushing myself, and letting my work shift as I learn from the art of the past and the visions I have for the future.
I stay inspired by the masters who came before us and by the artists today who are thriving in their own lanes. I don’t believe any style is ever truly original—we all build from the examples, techniques, and breakthroughs of those who paved the way. What stays consistent for me is the motivation to grow, to challenge myself, and to turn the images and ideas in my head into something real. My style is less of a category and more of a journey toward becoming the artist I’m meant to be.
We’d love a short quote about what this specific piece means to you — anything you’d want people to know or feel when they see it on the towel.
In his chaos, I found my clarity.
MARLA TOMORUG
What inspired the piece you chose for this event?
This piece is an ode to hope. It captures a small stretch of coral surrounding Chumbe Island—a tiny place off the coast of Zanzibar where a dedicated team has built and sustained one of the most inspiring marine protected areas I’ve ever seen.
Through their care, commercial fishing has stopped, tourism is limited, and the reef has been given room to breathe again. Today, it’s a thriving biodiversity hotspot and an essential nursery for juvenile fish, helping restore healthier, more sustainable fish stocks for the communities that depend on them.
Chumbe is also a living classroom, where students and researchers come to learn what’s possible when people choose to protect what they love. This image is a glimpse into that possibility—a reminder that with intention and collective care, ecosystems can recover and flourish.
What does being part of a Maui-focused giveback mean to you personally?
Growing up near Santa Cruz, the ocean has always been home for me. But it was through diving and surfing on Maui that my relationship with the sea deepened into something life-shaping. That connection became the thread that wove together some of the most meaningful years of my life—from an 18-month global diving expedition across 27 countries to the incredible people, projects, and purpose that have come from those experiences.
Being part of a Maui-focused giveback feels like a chance to honor the place that has given me so much. My hope is that, in some small way, this contribution helps someone else find their own thread—the one that brings joy, purpose, and the defining experiences that shape a fulfilling life.
How would you describe your artistic style / what you’re drawn to in your work?
I’ve been told my visual personal style is dark and moody, and when I look at my work collected over time, I can definitely see it. People are often surprised, maybe because it contrasts with my usually optimistic personality. I never set out to make dark images—I just create what I find beautiful.
There’s so much beauty in people’s life stories, and many of the most incredible people I’ve met have walked through really hard things. That darkness shapes them. It’s part of what makes them who they are—and part of what makes them beautiful.
The same is true for our planet. Our environments have endured so much adversity, and they can’t tell their own stories. So maybe showing the beauty held within the darkness is how I tell the stories of the ecosystems that have endured so much.
We’d love a short quote about what this specific piece means to you — anything you’d want people to know or feel when they see it on the towel.
Stay curious—there’s often magic on the other side of curiosity. Maybe it reveals the thread that weaves together the defining experiences of your life, connects you with your people, or helps you see the beauty held within the darker places.
NOA EMBERSON
What inspired the piece you chose for this event?
I created this pattern years ago for a personal project, and I’ve always kept it in mind for future use. When I was approached to submit artwork for this show, it felt right to include it. It was a lot of fun exploring the colors, and I’m stoked with where it all ended up.
What does being part of a Maui-focused giveback mean to you personally?
Even though I no longer live there, I still consider Maui to be my home, so anytime I can support, especially with my artwork, I jump at the opportunity.
How would you describe your artistic style / what you’re drawn to in your work?
I’d describe my style as gridded, textural and graphic. I still consider myself a designer first and an artist second. So much of my creative time is spent on commercial projects for clients that when I find time to do personal work, my brain is still in that mode. Some things inspiring my personal work include surf (duh), yard work, my fiance, and Limu (my dog).
We’d love a short quote about what this specific piece means to you — anything you’d want people to know or feel when they see it on the towel.
The main idea I was thinking about when creating this pattern was the concept of phases. Sometimes the sun is shining and sometimes it is not. Sometimes the moon is full and sometimes it is not. I think a big part of living a good life is being able to roll with the punches with grace. This pattern reminds me of that.
CECE ALANA
What does being part of a Maui-focused giveback mean to you personally?
I feel very blessed to be able to use my art in a way that can go back into the community that raised me. My work sometimes can feel detached so it’s very special to be apart of this!
How would you describe your artistic style / what you’re drawn to in your work?
Hmm, I’d say my style is colorful, self taught, feminine, flirty (although this photo on the towel is not very flirty lol) and “in the moment” :)
We’d love a short quote about what this specific piece means to you — anything you’d want people to know or feel when they see it on the towel.
Last year there was a really big north swell, some of the biggest waves I’d seen at home. I don’t really shoot surf at all but I felt a pull to capture this moment even if just for myself. I parked my truck, shot this photo from the road then ran down with my mom to meet my sister, I’d never seen so many people parked at T bay. The roll of film in my camera went through the TSA scanners at the airport so I was not expecting much, probably something grainy and funky. When I got my scans back I was pleasantly suprised. This photo for me is a reminder to bring my cameras even when I’m not working, and that it’s always worth the extra bag to capture a moment.
The ocean has always felt like home to me. I grew up surfing these waves, watching friends dance across longboards at sunrise, and feeling that effortless mix of freedom and connection that only the ocean gives. The piece I chose was inspired by those quiet, golden moments when everything aligns clean waves, warm light, and someone completely in their element. It’s a reminder of the beauty that lives in everyday surf culture here on Maui.
What does being part of a Maui-focused giveback mean to you personally?
Being part of a Maui-focused giveback means everything to me. I was born and raised here, and the island has shaped who I am as a photographer, a mother, and a woman. Giving back feels like the most natural way to honor this place that continues to give me so much inspiration. Maui is more than a backdrop for my work; it’s my community, my home, and the heartbeat behind so many of the stories I capture.
How would you describe your artistic style / what you're drawn to in your work?
My style is sun-soaked, movement-driven, and rooted in real connection. I’m always drawn to moments that feel alive, saltwater, softness, emotion, and the in-between frames that tell the truth. Whether I’m shooting surf, couples, or brands, I’m chasing that blend of adventure and intimacy. I want my images to feel like being there.
We’d love a short quote about what this specific piece means to you — anything you’d want people to know or feel when they see it on the towel.
This piece is about movement and presence that sweet spot where surfing becomes more than a sport and turns into art.
