From a profile view, the giant Pacific octopus seems as if it is smiling contentedly, legs stretched out in a regal repose. A stalked jellyfish in still life looks like a delicate, eight-stemmed flower. The stubby squid looks as if it is strutting along the ocean floor.

Acclaimed photographer Susan Middleton presents 50 of these original images in “Spineless: Marine Invertebrates, the Backbone of Life,” opening Sunday at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Schaefer International Gallery, accompanied by a documentary film. These marine invertebrates, or animals without backbones, are shown in detailed, up-close portraits which capture the beauty as well as imagined personality of these ocean creatures.

“What fascinated me most was discovering the beauty of this realm of life, virtually unknown by the public,” said Middleton in an email. “Even among scientists, it’s relatively unknown. Yet, marine invertebrates comprise over 98 percent of all marine animals and serve as the foundation for all of life on the planet.

“I knew these spineless animals were important scientifically as the underpinning of biodiversity,” she continued, “but I did not know, until I spent seven years photographing them, how astonishingly beautiful and wondrous they are; so surprising in their shapes, colors, textures, patterns and lifestyles. I hope the photographs in the exhibit transmit some of my own fascination to viewers!”

Middleton, an artist from San Francisco specializing in portraits of endangered species, was featured at the center in two previous exhibits of work created with fellow photographer David Liittschwager: “Remains of a Rainbow” (2004) and “Archipelago: Portraits of Life in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands” (2007). Images from both were showcased at last year’s World Conservation Congress in Honolulu. This exhibit features her solo work.

Beginning this week, the Art Calendar has moved to TGIF. Send items at least two weeks in advance of publication to 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 7-210, Honolulu 96813; fax to 529-4750; or email nwu@staradvertiser.com.

JUST OPENED

>> “Friends in Fotography”: See portraits of Violet the orangutan from Honolulu Zoo as well as landscapes, seascapes, people, flowers and abstract images. Through Aug. 31 at the Canon USA Hawaii office, Ward Plaza, 210 Ward Ave., Suite 200, 522-5930.

>> “50 Years of Hawai‘i Craftsmen”: Featuring creations by members of Hawai‘i Craftsmen, including Kenny Kicklighter, Jackie Mild Lau, Francisco Clemente, Lynn Liverton and 16 other artists. Through Aug. 20 at Cedar Street Galleries, Honolulu.

>> “Hinaluaʻikoʻa & Kalo”: Kahilu Exhibits presents two exhibitions by Bernice Akamine — “Hinalua‘iko‘a” features new sculptures inspired by the Kumulipo, while “Kalo” is a traveling installation of 87 plants honoring Queen Lili‘uokalani. Through Sept. 8 at the Kahilu Theatre Galleries, 67-1186 Lindsey Road, Kamuela, Hawaii island, 885-6868.

COMING UP

>> “Maki Haku and the Poetry of Form”: Maejima Tadaaka, also known as Maki Haku, was one of the most internationally prominent members of the Creative Print movement in Japan. Selection of works showing the evolution of his style through Oct. 22 at the Honolulu Museum of Art, 900 S. Beretania St. Opens Aug. 24, 532-8700.

>> “The Foolishness of Things: Paintings by James Kuroda”: Featuring Kuroda’s bright, abstract paintings which evoke otherworldly visions. Through Oct. 20 at the Honolulu Museum of Art at First Hawaiian Center, 999 Bishop St., 532-8700. Opens Aug. 24.

>> “Little Picture Show”: The Hawaii Watercolor Society presents 100 small paintings by 25 artists, framed and ready to hang, along with a selection of beautiful small carvings and objects by renowned local artists George Woollard and Jinja Kim. Gallery hours are 12-6 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday through Sept. 16 at The Arts at Marks Garage, 1159 Nuuanu Ave., 956-8244. Opens Aug. 29. Reception 5-9:30 p.m. Sept. 1.

NOTICES

>> Hawaii’s Woodshow 2017, “Na La‘au o Hawai‘i”: Annual juried woodworking exhibition sponsored by the Hawai‘i Forest Industry Association is accepting entries until Aug. 11 for the exhibit which runs from Sept. 23 to Oct. 8 at the Honolulu Museum of Art School gallery.

For this week’s full art calendar, visit 808ne.ws/artweek-calendar.