A phrase coined by scholar and cultural practitioner Epeli Hauʻofa, “Our Sea of Islands” is an oft-quoted reference to a redirection in the perspectives of the islands in the Pacific. Rather than considering these islands as an exotic other, Hauʻofa challenged the world to see the Pacific region as a metropolis for engagement of all kinds. We consider the exhibition, Our Sea of Islands, to be one that uses engagement as the cornerstone not only for the resulting presentation of artworks, but also for the very foundation of those pieces or performances from conception to fabrication to manifestation.

In 1989, The Maui News called Viewpoints Gallery Maui “a jewel in the art scene”; decades later Viewpoints has become one of the finest art galleries in the State. The discerning art lover will discover representational and contemporary works in a variety of media by Hawaii finest artists. This event, with over sixty Hawai'i Artists, is presenting superb artwork in a range of media, and expressing our commitment to honor our extraordinary islands and host culture.

"I hope you enjoy Dear Saumolia as it is about compassion and acceptance, pride, family, and pain.  It is my wish that all visitors will have a small glimpse into the life of a Pacific Islander artist who was born queer, whose found  acceptance in himself, and who has found the love inside of himself to be authentically and courageously Saumolia."