George Allan Goes Native recently featured at Viewpoints Gallery is a show in which George Allan put the spotlight on Native Hawaiian plants. A portion of all opening night sales went to benefit the Maui Nui Botanical Garden in Keopuolani Central Park in Kahului. The lease from the County of Maui has recently been transferred to a new nonprofit organization, Maui Nui Botanical Garden, Inc. They are now taking over responsibility for the native plant garden and will work to save what is left of the once-thriving 5-acre garden.

George's interest in native plants and trees began 27 years ago when he first moved to Lahaina and joined the Mauna Ala Hiking Club. Club member, Rene Sylva, was one of the world's foremost authorities on Hawaiian plant species. Mr. Sylva started the native garden at what was then the Maui Zoo. When the Zoo was closed, most of the garden was destroyed by neglect. The Allans are members of Maui Nui Botanical Garden, Inc. and are anxious to get the Garden rejuvenated and performing a needed educational purpose in the community. More native plants are becoming extinct yearly, and the Garden will encourage the propagation and use of native plants in home landscaping and around governmental and commercial buildings.

Tom Calhoun, a woodworker extraordinaire whose furniture designs are exquisite, added three Hawaiian wood pieces to the show. He is also a member of the Garden and of the Native Hawaiian Plant Society, as is George.

A red dot is used to indicate a piece has been sold.