Banana Patch Studio

 
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About

Banana Patch Studio's hand-painted ceramic tiles, pottery & fine art are made in Old Hanapepe town. The studio is located in the beautifully restored Historic Chang Building (1926), which was once a bakery and pool hall. Kauai artist Joanna Carolan started Banana Patch Studio in 1991. Initially a one-woman operation, Banana Patch Studio now employs over 20 artists, all creating unique tiles, pottery, and fine art. Visit our studio in Hanapepe and watch artists at work creating vibrant hand-painted ceramic tiles and pottery. In addition, you can view the wonderful artwork of Joanna Carolan and other local Kauai artists. Banana Patch Studio’s ceramic tiles, wall plaques, clocks & pottery are all hand-painted with aloha using lead-free glazes and kiln fired to 1890°F. Photovoltaic solar panels are used to power our electric kilns. Our original "Mahalo for removing your shoes" tiles grace many front doors as a reminder of the local custom to remove your shoes before entering a Hawaiian home. Made with Aloha!

Virtual Tour

History

The building was built in 1926 by baker Ah Tung and partner Wai Tsing Chang and is on both the National and State Historic registers. The original shop sold herbs, noodles, and baked goods; a loaf of bread cost a nickel, and a whole pie sold for a dime. The first owner of the building was Hung Sum (Johnny) Chang who operated a tailor shop in the back. The Ah Tung family lived behind the bakery. 

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In 1938, the Malapit family leased the building and opened the Hanapepe Pool Hall. This photo taken during the 1949 flood shows the shoeshine stand, holiday decorations, and the old Malapit car in front of the building. The building fell into disuse in 1991, following damage from Hurricane Iniki. The current owner, Joanna Carolan, purchased the building in 1999 and completed the award-winning restoration in 2003.

 
 
ArtBanana Patch Studio