Jie Shen, an art therapist at Kaua‘i Community College, was excited on Saturday as she watched a nearly steady stream of art enthusiasts flow through the Kaua‘i Society of Artists Small Work Big Show exhibit in the KSA gallery at Kukui Grove Center in Lihu‘e.
“Today is the first day of the exhibit that runs through January 7, 2022,” Shen said. “This is also my first time exhibiting with the KSA. I joined the group especially to get shown.”
Shen was quick to point out her grouping of collages that was created using cardboard stock from Costco and artwork from her collection of periodicals.
“Artists are all small business people,” said RoseAnne Jones, the KSA treasurer and co-event coordinator with KSA vice president Renee Palmer. “The Kaua‘i Society of Artists will join Kukui Grove Center to celebrate small businesses with an open house to celebrate the Small Work Big Show Saturday during the shopping center’s Small Business Saturday.”
Jones said Kyle LaBenz will provide music in the KSA gallery from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and light refreshments will be served. Additionally, several artists will be on hand during the open house to talk about the techniques they use to create their original works.
The Small Work Big Show is open daily from noon to 6 p.m., and Friday hours are noon to 7 p.m. The gallery will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
“This cash-and-carry show features 35 artists with more than 100 pieces available for sale,” Jones said.
Deb Rosenbaum served as the show judge, and her decisions are already posted on the KSA website at kauaisocietyofartists.org.
Licia McDonald is the recipient of the KSA Award with her “Body of Work” ceramic, and Josh Huntoon got the KSA Board of Directors Award for “Stones,” a concrete relief.
Jack Smith’s “Na Pali Holy Pali” painting was the recipient of the Ho‘olu ‘Aina Award, and Nathan Shuey’s “Making Magic” painting was given the Emerging Artist Award.
“Who Ya Calling Chicken?” a painting by Pat Griffith, was named to the Solomon Memorial Award, and Jack Smith captured The Art Shop Materials Award for his “Kahelelani Red #10” shell necklace.
The Small Work Big Show wraps up the KSA calendar for 2021 that started back in March with the KSA Spring Show, followed in June with “Washed Up,” a marine debris show, and Art Kaua‘i in September.
• Info: kauaisocietyofartists.org
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
