Overview

Historically many national parks have attracted artists due to their spectacular scenery. Over the years, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park has accumulated a significant collection of art depicting its natural and cultural resources.

The types of artworks in this collection include watercolors, pen and ink drawings, pastels, oil paintings, photographs, and prints. 

Beginning with the Volcano School of painting(1880-1890) to the present day, many notable artists are represented in the fine art collection. 

Artworks from the park's collection can be seen displayed at the Kilauea Visitor Center, Volcano House Hotel, and the Volcano Art Center.

 

Conservation treatments of the artworks is often required to ensure their longevity. A painting by D. Howard Hitchcock on the 1877 Volcano House fireplace (now the Volcano Art Center) is an example of conservation efforts.

Located directly on a historic building, the conservation of this painting needed to be performed on site. The finished restoration allows for the image to be viewed as originally intended by the artist.