Since 1979, on Maui, Ellen Levinsky has created incredibly colorful iridescent art and jewelry with natural bird feathers….and yes, junk mail! She makes textured paper by recycling her junk mail adding different types of plant material (bamboo, maile, or taro leaf) to use as the background for some of her butterfly, turtle, dancer, Hawaiian petroglyphs, pineapple, and mandala designs. She also makes paper for newlyweds using their wedding flowers. Ellen is inspired by the challenge of special orders.  She has created many pictures for bird owners with their pet’s feathers.   Ellen enjoys teaching children and adults feather art in various workshops at cultural events including Celebration of the Arts at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua. She taught with Lahaina Arts Society’s (LAS) free Children’s Outreach Art program for 27 years. She has been a regular participant in the LAS galleries in the Old Lahaina Courthouse and outdoor art fairs since 1985.   “I enjoy being involved in community arts and crafts activities, especially with children.  This is my way of giving something back to the islands.  The natural beauty of the recycled feathers combined with the strong cultural energy of my work generates much personal satisfaction to me as an artist.” Mahalo for enjoying Ellen’s work.