Over the past 35 years, Colleen Edwards has taken numerous classes in her quest to bring out what she calls her "inner artist."

"I’ve always loved art, but my attempts at creating it haven’t been very successful," Edwards said with a smile. "Learning about many different genres, however, has increased my admiration for those who have that gift."

During her travels to more than 40 countries, Edwards has always been drawn to their visual arts. In Gambia, West Africa, she fell in love with batik. Drum and quilt making captivated her in Belize. She tried her hand at paper making in Vanu­atu, and when she was living in Hana on Maui, she scoured rain forests in search of twigs, fronds and bark to weave baskets.

In July, Edwards became director of the Lanai Art Center, or LAC, a community-run art program in sleepy Lanai City. After a 30-year career as a social worker, counselor, researcher and administrator, she was ready for a job that fueled her passion for art.

LAC’s beginnings trace back to the late 1980s when the hotel now known as the Four Seasons Resort Lanai, the Lodge at Koele was being constructed. John Wullbrandt, an internationally recognized muralist, was hired to add his touch to the resort’s decor.

Wullbrandt believed involving local artists would imbue the project with an authentic sense of place. At his request, fliers inviting participation were posted around Lanai City, and several people responded.

With Wullbrandt as their mentor, the artists — most of whom were talented but unschooled — drew native Hawaiian flowers on the ceiling of the entrance hall, music room and front door of each guest room; stenciled borders of deer and birds on the floor and ceiling of the Great Hall; and created paintings of petroglyphs, pineapples, hula dancers and other Hawaiian icons to hang on walls.

Best of all, the camaraderie and creative energy continued after the project ended. Strolling through town, Wullbrandt found an old building that had once housed a plantation store. It had been vacant for years; the floor was dirty, termites had weakened the walls and the windows were grimy and discolored.

BUT IT was large, and once the windows were replaced, Wullbrandt knew natural light would pour in. It was the perfect place for artists to gather and bring their ideas to fruition. Thus, what is now known as the Lanai Art Center was born in 1991.

At the time, the building’s landlord was David Murdock, CEO of Castle & Cooke and the owner of Lanai. An enthusiastic supporter of fostering art in the community, he provided the space to LAC rent-free.

Volunteers pitched in to paint, make repairs, install a new roof and windows, and teach a variety of media, including calligraphy, drawing, weaving, photography and glass blowing.

In the ensuing years, the after-school Kids Art Club and morning Mommy and Me classes for women and their preschool-age keiki became popular LAC offerings. For many of Lanai’s children, these activities have been their only exposure to art.

The building where LAC was born now houses its gift shop, which entices shoppers with jewelry, candles, ori­gami, woodcarvings, framed photos, textile art, an impressive assortment of cards and much more. All the merchandise has been handmade by Lanai residents, and prices fit everyone’s budget — from $1 for raku beads to $3,000 for original paintings.

"We sell work by professional artists as well as students’ pieces," Edwards said. "Customers snap up the ceramics made by the children in the Kids Art Club. On any given day you’ll find their bowls, dishes, plates, cups, vases and pencil holders available for sale. This time of year they’re coming up with all kinds of cute Christmas ornaments."

LAC is primarily run by a dedicated group of volunteers who, among other tasks, run the gift shop, so shoppers’ browsing time often turns into a lively "talk story" session about life on Lanai, both past and present.

Visitors arriving on the island by plane during the holiday season will admire trees at the airport festooned with decorations from LAC. Upcoming classes include ceramics, weaving, beading, oil painting, flower arranging, card making and silk scarf/pareo painting (check the website for details).

According to Edwards, art encourages critical thinking; develops independence as well as collaboration; reaches across racial, ethnic and economic barriers; and teaches appreciation for life, self and others.

"Viewing art allows us to see the world from different perspectives, while making art gives us the opportunity to express our own perspectives," Edwards said. "Either way, as artist or aficionado, art enriches our lives, speaks to our souls and connects us as human beings. It is as vital for our growth and well-being as air, food and water."

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Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi is a Honolulu-based freelance writer whose travel features for the Star-Advertiser have won several Society of American Travel Writers awards.