An extraordinary gift of exquisite bowls by one of Hawaiʻi‘s outstanding wood-turners and master craftsmen are on display at the William S. Richardson School of Law library at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
John Dean, banker and entrepreneur, and the Estate of William K. Richardson gave the collection of 59 bowls crafted by the late Dan DeLuz of Hawaiʻi Island to the law school in memory of William “Billy” K. Richardson.
Billy Richardson was interim director of the UH Office of Technology Transfer and Economic Development and son of law school founder and namesake Chief Justice William S. Richardson, who was a good friend and business colleague of Dean.
Lea Hong, Billy Richardson’s widow, said the gift was contemplated before her husband’s death last November.
Said Dean, “I have ‘turned’ bowls in my day so I have a great respect for the craftsmanship that goes into them. Billy and I talked about someday giving the bowls to an institution where they could be shared with the broader public. We wanted to share DeLuz’s work; he was a gifted man. At the law school library, his work now honors both Billy and CJ, his father.”
The beautiful DeLuz bowls were made over many years from a remarkable range of woods such as lychee, koa, mango, sandalwood and ʻōhiʻa. A portion of the collection was formerly on display at Dean’s downtown office when he was CEO of Central Pacific Bank.
“We are extremely fortunate to be the recipient of these amazing gifts,” said Victoria Szymczak, associate professor and law library director. “The magnificent bowls fit beautifully with the attractive look of our recently renovated law library.”
For the full story, see the law school website.
—By Beverly Creamer
