Aloha, OA! - A Farewell to Oceanic Arts, Godfathers of Tiki! 1956-2022

Tiki, Polynesian Pop, Tropical fantasy, call it what you will, Oceanic Arts in Whittier, California has been not just the business at the epicenter of the Tiki Revival with long roots into the pre-tiki mid-century Tropical explosion, but often the driving and creative force between what today has become considered "Authentic Tiki," a recognized art form and aesthetic in and of itself, it had many creative artists, carvers, painters, decorators, entrepreneurs, and dreamers... but none nearly as prolific or as long lived as LeRoy Schmaltz and Bob Van Oosting.
Since 1956, their company, Oceanic Arts, has supplied tropical, nautical, natural, and most importantly, Tiki decor to every corner of the globe, from Disneyland to Polynesia to the deserts of the Middle East. From supporting tropical economies and artists as an import-export supplier to working closely with island cultures to revive traditional carving styles, from designing Tropical apartments to creating imaginative environments, just their Disney work alone runs the gamut from Epcot's huge totem poles and carved Vikings to the masks in Adventureland, and even the carved entryway doors of Trader Sam's enchanted Tiki bar at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim.
Master Carver and Artist LeRoy Schmaltz, along with a rotating crew of outsiders and creatives cranked out 66 years of non-stop amazing products, and his partner Businessman Bob Van Oosting was not only shipping them out and finding them ever more creative clientele, but as we'll see, in the early days, even getting behind the chisels himself!
"Aloha, OA!" is a celebration of these two amazing men, the business they built, and all things Tiki. Carefully crafted and curated by Jordan Reichek of Peekaboo Gallery, the insane Collection of Tiki totems, one of a kind carvings, lamps, paintings, production samples, architectural drawings, reference materials, tiki bar menus and so much more has been pulled from the files and attics and arrayed in an unbelievably amazing display that has totally transformed Oceanic Arts, while also keeping the feel and spirit of the "secret paradise" so many fans and customers have known and loved intact for a very special series of events featuring live entertainment, educational panels celebrating OA's history, and even an appearance from partners Leroy Schmaltz and Bob Van Oosting themselves.
This is the opening night of the closing ceremonies! Come along with us on today's episode of Randomland to help say Aloha, OA!
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[@kristiscocco9405]

Loved every minute of this video!!!! It was amazing and I can’t thank you enough for educating all of us on these amazing guys! Thank you so much!!!!!!

[@troysierra5228]

I just love tiki decor. It mixes well with with modern boho.
Glad to be the first to message here.

[@JeseeWalker]

So very special. Thank you for making this video.

[@This_person_named_leo]

Me and my mom have watched you for 7 years

[@3939michele]

I've jusr seen this for the 1st time. I wish I'd known about this event. My parents bought a totem tiki made of coconut fiber after one of our many trips to Hawai'i when I was a kid.

[@sheilacampbell6823]

Enjoy your channel Justin! Keep on doing what you do!

[@nicholasd7731]

Hello! Looks like I’m the first comment.

[@OffRampAdventures]

Let us know you guys are okay...

[@joshuasworldtour484]

WOULD YOU LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THAT