Maile Sakamoto — Winner of Temari Hawaiʻi Award of Excellence

Congratulations to artist Maile Sakamoto for receiving the Temari Hawaiʻi Award of Excellence at this year’s Hawaiʻi Craftsmen Fiber Hawaiʻi exhibition.

Selected by juror Marques Hanalei Marzan, the award recognizes an artwork that reflects the artistic traditions, cultural connections, and creative spirit of Asian and Pacific cultures. This year’s recipient, Sashiko Sushi, transforms unexpected materials—including nori, Thai sticky rice, tea-dyed bamboo barbecue sticks, and kampyo gourd—into a playful exploration of craft, texture, and cultural storytelling.

Inspired by the rich color and texture of nori and informed by Maile's love of reimagining everyday materials, Sashiko Sushi draws from Japanese craft traditions while embracing experimentation, humor, and discovery. The piece celebrates the beauty of handmade objects and the creative possibilities that emerge when familiar materials are viewed through a different lens. Read more about Maile’s experience creating this piece here.

Founded in 1979, Temari Hawaiʻi has spent more than 45 years fostering appreciation for the traditional arts of Asia and the Pacific through hands-on workshops, cultural exchange, and educational programs. Working with resident practitioners and visiting artists, Temari Hawaiʻi supports both the preservation of traditional art forms—including washi papermaking, kapa (bark cloth), shibori, and indigo dyeing—and their contemporary expressions.

We are honored to continue sponsoring this award and extend our congratulations to Maile Sakamoto and all of the artists whose work celebrates creativity, innovation, and the cultural connections that strengthen Hawaiʻi’s arts community.

Mahalo to juror Marques Hanalei Marzan and to the Hawaiʻi Craftsmen community for continuing to champion fiber arts and contemporary craft in Hawaiʻi.