ART

The University of Hawaii Art Gallery presents a varied exhibition program which plays a significant role in providing information about the visual arts in both an historical and contemporary context. One of the finest temporary exhibition facilities in the nation, the gallery consists of approximately 4200 square feet of versatile space with an installation system of modular and movable walls that allows the utmost in flexibility of presentation.

The Art of Asian Costume
The Art Gallery has organized 14 traveling exhibitions which have been presented at more than 100 museums in the United States, Mexico, Canada, Japan, Taiwan, and Guam. The most popular are the triennial International Shoebox Sculpture Exhibitions that feature small-scale works by artists from around the world.

Baskets: Redefining Volume and Meaning

The smaller Commons Gallery serves an important role as a weekly showcase for thesis exhibitions, the work of visiting artists, and on-going class work. Approximately 50,000 people annually view exhibitions in both galleries

Gallery hours are Monday - Friday, 10 - 4; Sunday, 12 - 4. Admission to both galleries is free.

Public programs of lectures, symposia, films, and docent tours have increased the community outreach of the exhibitions. Organized tours for students from public and private schools constitute another aspect of the gallery's programming.
The artwork shown at the top of this page is River Wall (detail), acrylic and grout on concrete, 1999, by Hiroki Morinoue. The artwork is located at Pahoa High School, Library - exterior.

The Hawai`i State Art Museum: Come See – It’s Your Art!

The Hawai`i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts invites you to visit Hawai`i’s newest museum, the Hawai`i State Art Museum (HiSAM). HiSAM is located on the 2nd floor of the No. 1 Capitol District Building, 250 South Hotel Street, Honolulu, Hawai`i, 96813. Admission is free at all times. Hours of Operation - Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Sunday, Monday, and all state and federal holidays. HiSAM has three galleries -- the Diamond Head Gallery, the Ewa Gallery, and the Sculpture Gallery. The inaugural exhibition is described in the next section. HiSAM also has a 70-seat Museum multi-purpose and volunteer resource room for orientation, education, special events, and public programs. The Capital District Visitor Information Center to feature a café, gift shop, and information kiosk are scheduled to open in February 2005 to enhance the visitor’s experience.

HiSAM’s Inaugural Exhibition: Enriched by Diversity: The Art of Hawai'i
Enriched by Diversity reflects a mix of Hawai'i's ethnic and cultural traditions through 360 works of art by 284 artists. In a wide variety of artistic styles, movements, and media, the exhibition illustrates the varied cultural influences that fuel the creativity of Hawai'i's artists. Predominately comprised of works dating from the 1960s to the present, Enriched by Diversity depicts the expressions of Hawai`i artists and their profound contributions toward understanding the people of Hawai'i and their aspirations. Throughout the exhibition, Western art forms blend with traditional folk art forms of Hawai'i's multi-cultural population like Hawaiian kapa (bark cloth), 'umeke (wooden calabash), and quilts, Japanese shizu embroidery and raku pottery. In much of the art, a Western aesthetic is combined with the traditional aesthetic of Pacific Island and Asian cultures, a testament to Hawai'i’s unique geographic location and its history as a crossroads for people and ideas.

Please Kokua: Visitor Guidelines

The Hawai'i State Art Museum is the “People’s Museum” and belongs to everyone. Please respect those around you and let them enjoy their own museum experience. Please join us in preserving the artwork for future generations. Artwork can be damaged by even the slightest contact. Please refrain from touching the art. Backpacks, Large Bags/Items, and Umbrellas - For safety reasons, all items larger than 11 x 15 inches must be checked in and held at the security desk. Smoking and Food - Smoking is prohibited throughout State buildings. No food or drink is allowed in the museum galleries. Cellular Phones - Use of cellular phones and pagers is not permitted in the galleries. Pets - No animals are permitted in the museum with the exception of trained assistance animals. Photography - Flash photography is not permitted. Hand-held still and video photography in existing light is allowed in the galleries for private, noncommercial, or educational use. Photography is not permitted in special exhibitions or areas designated as “No photography.” For press and other special photography, please contact the Art in Public Places Program. No photographs taken in the Museum may be reproduced, distributed, or sold without permission.

Commercial parking garages and metered on-street parking lots are available within easy walking distance. Commercial Parking Garages - Ali‘i Place, directly across from the museum on south Hotel Street; entrance on Alakea Street up from King Street. Honolulu City Municipal Parking Garage (underground); entrances on Alapa‘i Street and Beretania Street. Marks Garage at Chaplin Lane between Bethel and Nu‘uanu streets; enter from Nu‘uanu Street. Chinatown Gateway (Bethel Street between King and Hotel streets). Kukui Plaza (Kukui Street between Fort and Nu‘uanu streets). Metered On-Street Parking Lots - Beretania Street between Alakea and Bishop streets. Kina'u Hale (State Department of Health) at Beretania and Punchbowl streets (enter from Punchbowl). State Capitol underground (enter from Miller Street). Kalanimoku Building underground at Punchbowl and Beretania streets (enter from either street).

TheBus – Many bus routes stop directly in front of the museum. For exact routes and schedules, call TheBus at 808-848-5555 or go to http://www.thebus.org/ for more information. The Waikiki Trolley – The Red Line State Capitol Stop is a short walk from HiSAM.

To reserve a docent-led school tour, please contact the Museum Educator at 808-586-9958. We require a minimum of four weeks’ notice before your scheduled tour. Self-guided tours are also available. For further information, please contact the Museum Educator at least two weeks in advance of your self-guided tour. HiSAM can hold a maximum of 40 students per visit. Groups of over 20 students will be split into smaller groups. Teachers are required to bring at least one chaperone for every 10 students, in addition to the teacher(s). Pre-visit Information Packets are available for teachers interested in bringing their students to HiSAM. To request a teacher packet, please contact Wanda at 808-586-9958 or at hawaiieducator@yahoo.com.

Please be sure to review our museum rules with your classes before your visit. It is also helpful to review the rules upon your arrival to the museum. Please do not touch the artwork. No food or drinks are allowed in the galleries. Smoking is not allowed on the property. Cellular phones or pagers are to be turned off while in the galleries. No pets. Trained assistance animals are permitted in the museum. Flash photography is not permitted.

No running or playing in the galleries. Drawing is allowed, but do not lean or write on the walls. No ink, please. Please make sure students have pencils for activities in the museum. Restrooms are located in the galleries, but we strongly encourage students to use restrooms prior to their visit. There are no drinking fountains in the galleries. HiSAM is not able to provide supplies (pens, pencils, or paper). Teachers are to be responsible for these items. Students are asked to leave all backpacks and large items on the school bus. Otherwise, all items must be checked in at the security desk. For any other questions, please call 808-586-9958.