Koa Art Gallery

The Koa Art Gallery's Mixed Media Miniature Show in Flux Hawaii Magazine!

2012-02-28T13:49:00.001-08:00

http://fluxhawaii.com/archives/articulations-14th-annual-mixed-media-miniature-show/

Installing the 2012 Faculty Biennale

2012-02-28T13:47:00.001-08:00


Gallery installation assistant, Ambesa handling large-scale works to be installed in the upcoming Faculty Biennale.

One of the gallery's biggest events is the Faculty Biennale. As the name suggests, the gallery organizes this exhibition every 2 years, featuring new and exciting works of art by Kapi'olani Community College's own talented instructors.

This year, the exhibition will boast over 50 works by 20 artist/instructors. The participating artists are as follows: Adella Buss, Ailed Garcia, Calvin Collins, Chris Gargiulo, Carl Jennings, Carol Sakihara, Chuok Souza, Cheryl Souza, David Behlke, Diana Jeong, Elizabeth Nakoa, Joseph Hunt, Kim Chai, Kaili Chun, Kloe Kang, Kapulani Landgraf, Russell Sunabe, Stephen Niles, Sharon Sussman, and Shuzo Uemoto.

Installation at the gallery is underway this week. The opening reception will be held on March 1st from 4:30-7:00pm at the gallery. Hope to see you all there! It's going to be a great show.


Gallery web designer Jason Mudrick lends a hand with constructing an installation room for the upcoming Faculty Biennale.

Exhibition Recap: Unrealistic World

2012-02-28T13:38:00.000-08:00

Last month we had the pleasure of hosting a traveling exhibition curated by Jeong Yoon (Nicky) Kwon entitled "Unrealistic World." This exhibition comprised of artwork from six Korea-based artists: Jun Young Son, Dong Wook Ahn, Nanda, Sung Kuen Jun, Lee Nam Lee, and Da Yeon Lee. It had been shown internationally in both Europe and Asia, with The Koa Art Gallery being its first stop in the States.

During its last six weeks on display, Kwon decided to converge the exhibition with that of another upcoming show that was to be shown in Hilo. Because of unforseen complications, that exhibition was going to be cancelled. Entitled, "Extend," that exhibition was added on to "Unrealistic World," bringing along the eclectic works of Eun Sook Lee, Jeong Eun Lee, Rru Hui Kwon, Hyun Jin Song, and Hye Joon Yoon.

Curator Jeong Yoon (Nicky) Kwon speaking to a group of people at The Koa Art Gallery about "Extend," a new addition to the "Unrealistic World" exhibition.

The gallery hosted several talks featuring Kwon during the show's run. Students, patrons, and visitors to the gallery were able to come and view the exhibition and ask her questions about it. It was wonderful to see visitors engaged and interested in the artwork and their deeper implications. We're always happy to be able to provide to the community and the college with this type of material and resources.

The Koa Art Gallery's Mixed Media Miniature Show in Flux Hawaii Magazine!

2012-01-24T15:43:00.000-08:00

Read about The Koa Art Gallery's Mixed Media Miniature Show in Flux Hawaii Magazine here: http://fluxhawaii.com/archives/articulations-14th-annual-mixed-media-miniature-show/

Spring Cleaning: Cleaning and Restoration of Works in The Gallery's Collection

2011-12-10T14:11:00.000-08:00

A messy before shot of the gallery's storage area

Ever wonder what happens to artwork in the gallery's collection after they come down from display? More often than not, they are stored in the gallery's storage. This area is usually kept from the public, but because the gallery is in the process of cleaning and reorganizing, we're releasing a few exclusive pictures of it to give you all a peek. We anticipate having this area reorganized with all works inside cleaned and restored in time for the Spring semester.


Pictured above: a few works in the gallery's collection ready to be cleaned and restored

More works from storage ready to be maintained

Recap of the Opening Reception of MMMXIV: 14th Annual Mixed Media Miniature Show | aka Honolulu's "Affordable Art Fair" | This Holiday Season, Give the Gift of Art!

2011-11-29T13:52:00.000-08:00

The opening night of our annual Mixed Media Miniature show (which is in it's 14th year this year!) was a tremendous success. Hundreds of patrons filled the gallery on opening night to browse and purchase the many wonderful pieces on display.

We'd like to thank the entire staff of the Koa Art Gallery for making this exhibition possible, and all of the amazing artists who submitted wonderful artwork!

As we've mentioned in the past, Koa's annual Mixed Media Miniature show has become a go-to event for local collectors. It's the perfect venue for the ongoing collector or for those interested in starting a collection. I've always dubbed the event, Honolulu's "Affordable Art Fair." It's also great for the budget-conscious collector because many of the pieces in the show range from $80-$200. With such exhibiting names as Murray Turnbull, David Kuraoka, Paul Levitt, Satoru Abe, Kloe Kang, and John Young (just to name a few) such deals are usually unheard of. As a collector myself, I'd also encourage art lovers to consider gifting artwork this holiday season. You'd be supporting the local art scene while seeming unique, thoughtful and cultured to your friends and family. It's a win-win all around!

If you were unable to attend the opening night for any reason, don't fret! The show will be up through December 16. The gallery is also open on Saturdays until 3:00pm, so if you're in the area (there is a wonderful Farmer's Market on campus every Saturday...it's a great excuse to come by) be sure to stop in to the gallery for a look-see. You never know, you might finally find that perfect piece to kickstart the collection you've always been looking to start or snag that perfect holiday gift piece!

MMM XIV: 14th Annual Mixed Media Miniature Show | The Perfect Venue To Start Your Collection!

2011-11-17T14:46:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again! Each year, the Koa Art Gallery hosts a group exhibition known as the Mixed Media Miniature show. As the exhibition title suggests, the Mixed Media Miniature show brings together a plethora of art work by a range of artists from the emerging to the well established. This venue has become one of Honolulu's most coveted events for new and continuing collectors. The prices for most pieces are surprisingly affordable, making it especially desirable for the budding collectors or those looking to get a start in collecting.

For the past few weeks since our last show, "Drawings" by Yoko Radke came down, we've been hard at work installing the show which comprises of more than 200+ works by local and international artists!


Installation view of a few works in the MMM XIV show

Koa Gallery installation tech, Ambesa hard at work

This year, Koa is in it's 14th year hosting the Mixed Media Miniature show. We expect pieces to go quickly, so for those interested in getting their hands on the best works, be sure to join us for the opening reception tonight, November 17th from 4:30-7:00pm at the gallery. We hope to see you all there!

New at the Lama Library: The Show of Unknowns

2011-11-10T14:03:00.000-08:00

The Koa Art Gallery organizes art throughout the Kapi'olani Community College campus, not just at the gallery. One of the places that frequently hosts Koa-organized shows is the Lama Library. Just a shot away from the Great Lawn, the Lama Library often shows work from the Koa Gallery vault, student work, and pieces from visiting artists. This November, the gallery is proud of present, "The Show of Unknowns," a collection of odds-and-ends as amassed by collector Kandi Everrett. During a time of financial hardship, Everrett began collecting works by unknown artists through second-hand shops, thrifting, garage sales, and friends. These pieces were far more affordable than those in established galleries and provided an outlet for Everrett who feared that the economic downturn would force her to cut out her love of collecting.

Interestingly enough, Everrett's collection takes on a life of it's own, confronting viewers with questions about the origins of these anonymous pieces and stories they have to tell. The next time you're on campus, be sure to stop by at the Lama Library to view this incredible collection!

Opening Reception of "Yoko Radke: Drawings" | Master Artists Convene, Budding Collectors Rejoice

2011-10-11T16:54:00.000-07:00

Professor Snowden Hodges with Yoko Radke at the opening reception of "Drawings." Photo credit: Rosie Eckerman

Last Thursday, we had the opening reception of "Drawings," the latest solo exhibition of artist Yoko Radke's life drawings at the Koa Art Gallery. We enjoyed a great turnout as students, patrons, colleagues, and friends of the artist filled the gallery. Snowden Hodges and Mark Brown were among the people who came to support Radke. Radke teaches with Hodges, also a master artist and professor in his own right, at the Linekona Academy Art Center.

The gallery gleamed with Radke's work; some of them framed and matted, others remained in their original form on paper behind glass encasements. Collectors jumped quickly at the chance to nab some of Radke's masterful creations. What an opportunity, especially for the budding collector, to purchase work at a viable price (Radke's unframed, unmatted works started from just $80. Framed and matted works went for $120-500.)

The gallery was especially radiant at night, with the interior lights contrasting beautifully with the dark outside. Visitors to the gallery enjoyed an assortment of meats, cheeses, and Director David Behlke's signature punch.

"Drawings" will be on display through November 10, 2011 at the Koa Art Gallery. If you didn't get a chance to join us for the opening, be sure to stop by sometime between now and then! There's still an opportunity to grab one of Radke's pieces for yourself!

Installing "Drawings" | Upcoming Exhibition by Yoko Radke

2011-10-01T15:55:00.000-07:00

We're all looking forward to the next exhibit at the Koa Art Gallery, "Drawings" by Yoko Radke. This exhibition is a dazzling display of figure drawings on paper. Radke works primarily in the mediums of drawing and painting. Her works are in response to observing the varied faces and figures of the people of Hawaii.

We just received a delivery containing artwork from Yoko this afternoon! We're going to begin installation for the show this weekend through next week. We can't wait to see all of this come together- Yoko's works are amazing! Come and see for yourself at the opening reception on Thursday, October 6th from 4:30-7:00pm.

Yoko Radke: Drawings
October 6- November 10, 2011
Koa Art Gallery

Review of Timothy P. Ojile's "Paintings" in Flux Hawaii Magazine!

2011-10-01T15:46:00.001-07:00

Our Marketing Manager, Carolyn Mirante recently reviewed Timothy P. Ojile's latest exhibition at the Koa Art Gallery for Flux Hawaii Magazine! Check it out here:

Flux Hawaii: [ART]iculations: Timothy P. Ojile's "Paintings"

Opening Reception Recap | Timothy P. Ojile: Paintings

2011-08-28T20:02:00.000-07:00

Guests at the opening of Timothy P. Ojile's new exhibition at the Koa Art Gallery, "Paintings"

We had a great turnout for the opening of the much-anticipated Timothy P. Ojile solo, "Paintings." Guests were buzzing about Ojile's large-scale, bold and expressive pieces. If you were unable to join us for the opening, the exhibition will be up until September 30, 2011. Please stop in for a visit!

Our new website is up!

2011-08-22T17:24:00.000-07:00

We owe a huge thanks to our Web Manager and Graphic Designer, Jason Mudrick for creating the Koa Art Gallery's new website. Jason's been working on the site for a while now, and we've all been eagerly awaiting it's unveiling. New additions include expanded navigation, links to alternative exhibitions at the Lama Library, 220 Grille, and Ka Ikena put on by the Koa Gallery, workshop information, and more.

Please do pay us a visit! Here's a link to the newly updated site: The Koa Art Gallery.

Installing "Paintings" by Timothy P. Ojile

2011-08-22T17:00:00.000-07:00


Koa Art Gallery Web Manager Jason Mudrick lends a helping hand in prepping the walls for install

Classes have officially commenced today for the University of Hawaii campuses and the great lawn is buzzing with new and returning students. Today is an eventful day for the Koa Art Gallery staff as well, as we're busy at work installing the upcoming exhibition, "Paintings" by artist Timothy P. Ojile. Upon entry to the gallery, I was struck by the dimension and presence in these works.

Installation personnel busy at work installing works by Timothy P. Ojile for his upcoming show, "Paintings"opening this Thursday at the Koa Art Gallery

Painted on paper and displayed as such sans framing, these pieces possess a certain gravitas that command your attention. The gallery's installation personnel are hard at work getting these works installed just right for the opening this Thursday, August 25th from 4:30-7:00pm at the gallery. You'll want to join us for this one! The artist himself will be present; tour the exhibition and enjoy light pupus and drinks. Can't wait!

Timothy P. Ojile: Paintings
August 25- September 30, 2011
Koa Art Gallery

Gallery Talk: Timothy P. Ojile's "Paintings"

2011-08-15T13:36:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while, Koa Art Gallery hosts gallery talks to correspond with the exhibitions. For the current show, "Paintings" by Timothy P. Ojile. If any of you have been wondering about what these gorgeous non-objective work are about, you'll want to attend this talk. The artist will be talking about his vision, inspirations, and the current exhibit!

WHEN: Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at 12:00pm
WHERE:Koa Art Gallery
RSVP not required
Admission: free

For more information, contact the Koa Art Gallery at (808) 734-9374

Upcoming Exhibition | Paintings: Timothy Ojile | August 25- September 30, 2011

2011-08-09T20:28:00.000-07:00

Shhh! A preview of one of Timothy Ojile's emotive works to be displayed in his solo at the Koa Gallery this Fall.

One of the exhibitions we're planning for the Fall 2011 semester is a solo exhibition of artist Timothy Ojile's work. Ojile has exhibited extensively in the islands as well as on the mainland and abroad. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Ojile received a BA in Eastern Art History from the University of Minnesota. In recent years, his style has taken a departure in to the abstract-expressionist realm. His bold use of vibrant color, geometric shapes, and swift curvatures entice both visually and emotively. Stay tuned for an exclusive review and interview with the artist. We will also be unveiling more information about the exhibition as the date nears. The show, simply titled "Paintings," is scheduled to be on display at the Koa Art Gallery from August 25- September 30, 2011.

Campus Art | Nami: An Exhibition of Japanese Tapestry in Hawaii | July 29- August 17, 2011

2011-08-09T20:09:00.001-07:00

As you are all probably aware, The Koa Art Gallery also organizes exhibitions outside of it's physical space in various locations on the Kapiolani Community College campus. These locations include the Lama Library, 220 Grille, and Ka Ikena.

This exhibition was conceived in conjunction with Heart Art Communication and the Lama Library. Nami is a remarkable collection of Japanese contemporary and traditional art. This collection was assembled by the Heart Art Communication group, a Japanese nonprofit organization, and will be on display in the Lama Library on the Kapi‘olani Community College campus from July 29- August 17, 2011.

The exhibition entitled, “Nami: Japanese Art Tapestry in Hawai‘i,” features a collection of Sumi (black ink) paintings, calligraphy, western-style painting, sculpture, craft and print artwork from over 250 artists depicted through the medium of photography and presented on tapestries. This plenary collection consists of over 400 works. The collection on display at the Kapi‘olani Community College, Lama Library is from a larger inventory that is being shared with the Windward Community College’s Gallery Iolani. A corresponding exhibition will be held at the Gallery Iolani (WCC) from July 18- August 16, 2011.

The works depicted in this exhibition span a wide range of media. Participating artists were selected through art associations and organizations throughout Japan, with each artist presenting works from their special art genre. It was the intention of Heart Art Communication’s founders that these exhibitions serve as a bridge in respecting and understanding different cultures. With a theme of cultural exchange and understanding, the exhibition has been held around the world in major cities including New York, Paris, Rome, Rothenberg, Mexico City, Seoul, Beijing, Vienna, Sofia, Barcelona, Moscow, Athens, and Budapest.
Co-sponsored by the University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges, Kapi‘olani Community College and Windward Community College, the exhibitions are free and open to the public.

Currently On View | Lei-Sanne Doo: Anchored By A Precious Past | July 14- August 4, 2011

2011-08-09T19:45:00.000-07:00

MEMORY DIVINE: LEI-SANNE DOO, "ANCHORED BY A PRECIOUS PAST"

Artist and "local girl" Lei-Sanne Doo takes us for a walk down memory lane in her latest solo exhibition at the Koa Art Gallery

Installation view of "Lei-Sanne Doo: Anchored By A Precious Past" at the Koa Art Gallery

The Koa Gallery is known for hosting some of Honolulu's most interesting and thought-provoking exhibitions. Tucked away on the Kapiolani Community College campus, the Koa Gallery is definitely a hidden gem. Their current exhibition, "Anchored By A Precious Past" is a solo exhibition by artist Lei-Sanne Doo.

Doo’s work carries a deeply personal and diaristic tone while simultaneously embodying a broad relational aspect. She grew up in Hawaii on the island of O’ahu but now lives on the East Coast in Boston, Massachusetts. A graduate from Stanford University, Lei-Sanne was presented with the invaluable opportunity to study with the likes of Frank Lobdell and Nathan Oliviera. Through a culmination of experiences, her perpetual returns to the islands carry what she calls a new “paradigm distortion,” influenced by a separation of time, distance, and nostalgia.

Hawaii is an “olla podrida” of beautiful culture and diversity. In many ways the idea and place of [Hawaii] both stand as a microcosm for the cosmopolitan ideals of the nation we live in. The exhibition is comprised of mixed media works- a combination of photo transfer with acrylic and oil paints on various surfaces such as linen, wood and bamboo. The photos transferred are actual images from Doo’s past and heritage; family photos maintained by the artist’s brother over the years. They serve as a reminder of all of our diverse pasts that ultimately shape the culture of the place we all call home.

In a piece entitled, The Family (2011), a family of elders and children sit on an open lawn in front of an old plantation-style house. These people are understood to be Doo's personal family. The muted, black-and-white figures in the foreground seem like newspaper cut-outs juxtaposed against the colored backdrop of the work. Hand-touched elements of acrylic and oil paints also spatter the landscape from the coconut palms to the grass. There's even a spattering of gold to accent the faint blue of the sky, adding an additional surreal touch to the piece.

Other works like Stuart in the Waves (2010), carry a more light-hearted feel. From the title of the piece, it is presumed that the man portrayed in the canvas is a specific individual from Doo's family, past or at least someone she knew by name. There are a few pieces in the show that contain the theme or imagery of surfing. This one in particular is endearing in a strange way, simply showing a smiling man proudly standing beside his long board.

Doo's works will be on view at the Koa Art Gallery through August 4th. An artist's reception is scheduled at the gallery for 7/30 from 1:00-3:00pm. This is an excellent opportunity to experience Doo's works in person and to meet the artist herself.

Exclusive Sneak Peek! | Portfolio Viewing With Yoko Radke

2011-08-09T19:17:00.000-07:00

Duane Preble (left) and gallery director David Behlke with works on paper by Yoko Radke

As summer comes to a close, the Koa Art Gallery is gearing up for another exciting semester of amazing exhibitions! One of the artists we have lined up is Yoko Radke. During her portfolio viewing we were joined by the legendary Duane Preble (author of the Prebles' Artforms books) and director of the Koa Gallery David Behlke. Radke brought in some 100 works on paper, comprising of figurative pencil and pastel sketches.

Selection of works on paper by Yoko Radke

Having received this amazing taste of what's to come, we're all excited about the show! Radke's exhibition is scheduled to open some time in October (stay tuned for details!)

Exhibition Recap | Gail Kendall: Baroquecoco

2011-07-23T13:06:00.001-07:00

Baroquecoco just came to a close last week. The exhibition was welcomed with much enthusiasm from both visitors and collectors. Kendall herself was present for the opening reception as well as a gallery talk which took place on June 6th at the gallery.

Gail Kendall's "Confetti Plates"

Kendall spoke in front of an intimate group of people at the gallery that night. A slide presentation accompanied her stories and personal views of sculpture, ceramics and art in general.

Kendall (center) discusses her work in "Baroquecoco" at an intimate lecture at the Koa Art Gallery

What was most fascinating about Baroquecoco as an exhibition (besides the fact that it was comprised of some of the most gorgeous works of ceramic pottery I'd ever laid eyes on) was that it dealt with critical issues in art; particularly those concerning the discernment between craft and fine/high art. It seems that these distinctions come into play most often when functionality is a part of the artwork in question. Why is it that whenever something is functional there's suddenly the question of whether it is considered an actual art object? Part of Kendall's vision stemmed from her experiences visiting indigenous tribes that made their own pottery objects. She points out that it's fascinating that these people create such beautiful objects but don't consider them art. They see them as functional vessels.

We will definitely miss having Gail's wonderful works in the gallery! Although most of her works were sold (not a surprise!) we're busy working on packing up and shipping the remainder of the pieces to her this week.