Betty Hay Freeland is one of Hawaii’s most highly regarded artists, her compelling impressionist landscapes are widely collected.
She portrays the staggering beauty of Hawaii with a tender touch.

Her perception of Hawaii is unlike that of any other artist. She began her painting career on location and continues to paint en plein aire. Betty Hay spends considerable time exploring all of the Hawaiian islands. She is Hawaiian/Caucasian with a notable Hawaiian ancestry. Many collectors feel that special insights and emotions experienced in viewing her art are due to this Hawaiian heritage and her passion for Hawaii. It is said that her value as a chronicler of passing eras will be inestimable.

Born Betty Hay Wodehouse, in Kohala, on the Big Island of Hawaii, she graduated from Punahou School, attended the University of Colorado, and continued studies in New York City. She returned to the islands in 1963, married George (Keoki) Freeland of Lahaina, Maui. Betty Hay, Keoki, and their three grown children presently live on Maui.

Betty Hay began exhibiting her work on Oahu and Maui in 1969. She began one person exhibits in 1975, continuing those shows as well as taking part in special exhibitions throughout the state.  She is active in the community, having served on a number of boards of non-profit organizations, presently on the board of the Friends of Moku’ula, Lahaina, Maui.

In recent years many exciting events have transpired with her painting career. Verizon Hawaii purchased an image to grace the 2001-2002 Hawaii State Phone Directory cover. One of her pieces in the collection of the State Foundation for the Culture and the Arts was selected for the opening  exhibit in the  Hawaii State Museum. She had a feature  article in Sunset Magazine, November 2001, and  Plus 1 Living, design magazine published in Tokyo, Japan,  November, 2003.  The Paintings of BH Freeland, was published by Limited Edition Press in 2002. In 2003, Betty Hay was on national television representing art at the Shops at Wailea, Maui. This April, Tedeschi Winery at Ulupalakua, Maui released it’s second label featuring the art of BH Freeland. Maui Visitors Bureau will be using the image “Wailea Sunset” in upcoming marketing and promotions.

Betty Hay was an invited artist to the Islanders Plein Air Invitational held on Maui in February of 2006. She received an 'Award of Excellence' from the Irvine Museum for her painting "Take Home Maui," and the Maui Giclee Artist choice award for "Plantation Course." She was the only female artist from Hawaii invited to partifcipate in the Maui Plein Air Invitational in February of 2007. Betty Hay continues to a participate in the Islanders Plein Air Invitational, winning the Kaanapali Development Corp. award in 2009.