The launch of this website marks the transition from planning to execution for this amazing exhibit, the concept and proposal were both created by Dawn Yoshimura who will be the overall creative director of this exhibit. It is the beginning of a group exploration among a diverse collection of artists throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Wahi Pana promises to be a memorable exhibit merging the practice of plein air art (art that has been created on site) with local Hawaiian history in an effort to see if appreciation and depiction of the locations will change or improve based on knowledge of both past and present. Will this extra knowledge of important events, lore, or history cause a shift in perception? How will it effect landscape painters who are accustomed to depicting the lush island scenery? How will 3D artists, print makers, and mixed media artists adapt their practice to involve firsthand observation of the site into their practice? We will find out together.

You can expect the prospectus to be posted very soon. Certain events are marked on the calendar already. This will hopefully give artists the chance to consider participation knowing in advance the days they will need to be available. If you want to know more, please come to the first informational meeting on January 30, 2019 at the Artists Lofts in Chinatown – there are two identical meetings at two separate times for your convenience. Please select one of the two and come hear about the event:

Times: 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm  (choose one)
Location: Aloha Tuscany Art Studio at the Chinatown Artists Lofts   

There are two separate entrances that you can use depending on where you arrive from — 1109 Maunakea Street or 1116 Smith Street (across from the Little Village Noodle House). Municipal parking is plentiful and presents the least expensive option. This meeting location is courtesy of Kimberly Howsley, MAAT. Thank you for hosting us Kimberly!

The invitation to attend this meeting is extended to all interested artists who can attend on Oahu. This exhibit is not limited to Oahu, however. We are also inviting Hawaii, Maui, Kauai, Molokai, and Lanai artists to join us at a later date. We will publish our education materials and paint out locations for the other islands in February, so stay tuned.

You can join AHA if you want to be part of this extraordinary exhibit. Visit the AHA website if you would like to become a member.