The painting, “Coming in from Heading Out” by Carol Bennett hanging on the wall at the Kauai Society of Artists gallery has a price tag of $16,000. Nearby, are pieces of stoneware ceramics in the form of faces, named “Confused”
The painting, “Coming in from Heading Out” by Carol Bennett hanging on the wall at the Kauai Society of Artists gallery has a price tag of $16,000.
Nearby, are pieces of stoneware ceramics in the form of faces, named “Confused” and “Squint,” by Leslie Hagen offered for $150.
And another creation on display, a diorama by Leo Hagen titled, “Room at Arles,” has an asking price of $700.
It’s the variety of artwork, the degree of talents and experience of artists on display at KSA that organizers say makes it so unique.
“We have accomplished artists alongside others who are new, novice with their first entry into an art show,” said Rose Anne Jones, co-chair of the 30th annual Art Kauai show in the KSA gallery at Kukui Grove Center.
“It’s a great opportunity for new artists,” added Licia McDonald, co-chair.
There are nearly 50 pieces of art on display for the show that runs through October. People are welcome to stop by, for free, and check out the offerings of some of Kauai’s finest — and some of its up-and-coming — artists.
It’s already received accolades from the state.
The Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts sent a committee to visit the exhibit prior to its opening. Five works of art were selected to be part of the State of Hawaii’s permanent collection. Purchase awards were given to Kauai artists totaling almost $17,000.
“We feel proud of these awards,” said McDonald, whose porcelain/glaze creation, “Generations,” received the Rena Selfe Award and $100. “This speaks to the quality and caliber of our Kauai artists.”
In addition to the awards given by the State Foundation, the Juror, Araron Padilla, director of Spalding House, Honolulu Museum of Art, gave cash awards totaling $2,850, sponsored by private donors.
“I think it’s pretty groovy for a small island, for us, to get recognition,” McDonald said. “I’m yelling from the rooftops.”
Alfred Gray received the top donor award of $1,000, “The Art Patron Award,” for his painting, “Sugar Cane Harvest at Dusk …”
Gray, Jones said, is “quiet and humble” and very talented. His entry for the show was amazingly detailed and depicted the burning of cane fields and the resulting “black snow.”
“He loves to do historic pieces in oil painting,” she said.
Both McDonald and Jones take pride in KSA’s presence in the state’s art scene and knowing that the volunteer nonprofit provides a venue for its member artists to exhibit their work. It also offers other opportunities for artists to learn about shows and classes.
KSA receives no grant monies, and 75 percent of the proceeds of the sale of artwork go to the artist.
They’re delighted with the quality of the current show. It’s not exclusively marine life, either, but reflects interpretations of gardens, flowers, egrets and hula dancers. In fact, they welcome artists who “have a different take on things.”
“We want representation of our artists and what they do,” McDonald said. “We appreciate that approachability of all the art.”
They pointed out that a new book, “Aloha Expressionism” featuring 50 of Hawaii’s contemporary arts, includes five Kauai artists, four of those are KSA members.
The KSA gallery, which has been in its location at Kukui Grove about a decade, was recently remodeled with the help of materials donated by local businesses, and with many volunteer hours provided by KSA members.
“We realize the caliber of work needs to be showcased better,” McDonald said.
The gallery is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and until 8 p.m. on Fridays.
