{"id":25546,"date":"2022-01-27T01:28:21","date_gmt":"2022-01-27T06:28:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/?p=25546"},"modified":"2023-01-13T22:28:49","modified_gmt":"2023-01-14T03:28:49","slug":"the-mai-kai-sale-oceanic-arts-closing-among-top-tiki-stories-of-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2022\/01\/27\/the-mai-kai-sale-oceanic-arts-closing-among-top-tiki-stories-of-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"The Mai-Kai sale, Oceanic Arts closing among top Tiki stories of 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"

After the suffering bastard of a year that was 2020,<\/a> we were primed and ready for some relief and positive Tiki vibes. If 2020 was a house of horrors, then 2021 was a roller-coaster ride. But while we’re still mired in pandemic-related disruptions, many things achieved a “new normal” over the past 12 months.
\nRELATED:<\/strong> The Year in Tiki 2021 – A look back at the year’s top live and virtual events<\/a><\/p>\n

We remain thankful for every bit of good news. While a few of the stories below are frustrating (No. 4) or bittersweet (No. 1), they’re far out-numbered by the explosions of creativity and collective talent that drove most of the year’s activity. For that, we toast the entire Tiki community with a new cocktail and The Atomic Grog’s picks for the 10 most newsworthy stories of 2021.
\nBonus recipe below:<\/strong> The Tiki Lover<\/a><\/p>\n

1. ALOHA AND FAREWELL, OCEANIC ARTS<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Oceanic<\/p>\n

As sure as the sun rose in the east and set in the west, there was one enduring creative force over the past six decades of Polynesian Pop style. In November 2021, there was a total eclipse and extended period of mourning when it was announced that Oceanic Arts<\/strong><\/a> would be closing its doors as its 80-something-year-old founders embark on a well-deserved retirement. Established in 1956 in Southern California by Robert Van Oosting and LeRoy Schmaltz, the company was always the go-to provider of original and imported pieces of South Seas art and decor for everyone from home enthusiasts to theme park giants including Disney (the doors to Trader Sam’s in Disneyland are Schmaltz’ handiwork). Art and woodwork originating from Oceanic Arts has been featured in nearly every legendary Polynesian palace, from Don the Beachcomber to Trader Vic’s to The Mai-Kai. The company put together movie set pieces and provided the distinctive style of many of the mid 20th century’s Tiki-themed hotels and motels, bowling alleys, and countless other establishments. Buoyed by the Tiki revival, the small shop in Whittier became a mecca for Tikiphiles from around the world and inspired a new generation of carvers and artists in the 21st century.<\/p>\n

While the closing seemed to have come out of the blue, Van Oosting and Schmaltz had been planning their retirement for some time. They joined forces with longtime friend Jordan Reichek, owner of Peekaboo Gallery<\/a> in nearby Montrose, for an epic career-spanning retrospective coming in 2022. In the spring, look for what’s being called an “experiential Tiki exhibition” featuring art and artifacts from Oceanic Arts paired with special events that include live music and performances, panel discussions, an “epic Tiki bar,” and more. The events will culminate with the “ultimate Tiki auction” art show and sale. In the meantime, the gallery is taking pre-orders for a mammoth Oceanic Arts history book compiled and written by Reichek, who worked closely with Van Oosting and Schmaltz. Oceanic Arts: The Godfathers of Tiki<\/em><\/strong> is a 500-page opus that documents the rich history of Oceanic Arts via thousands of photos, original artwork and historical documents from the archives. After 65 years, Oceanic Arts leaves an indelible mark on pop culture that is likely to last for many more decades to come.<\/p>\n

PeekabooGallery.com: Pre-order the book now<\/a><\/strong>
\nGet social media updates: <\/em> Instagram<\/a> | Facebook<\/a> | Twitter<\/a>
\nNews:<\/em> Whittier\u2019s Oceanic Arts, the delight of tiki lovers around the world, is closing<\/a>
\nOnline tribute:<\/i> Quiet Village podcast dedicated to Oceanic Arts<\/a><\/p>\n