The beauty of the Hawaiian islands inspires its beholders. Many want to reflect its allure in art, whether that is by creating the pieces themselves or showcasing them inside their homes. Throughout my twenty years of working in interior design in Hawaii, I have had the opportunity to connect with many local artists. Supporting the local community is something Hawaiians take to heart, so being able to utilize local pieces in my work is an honor.
Tiffany’s story has always aligned with mine, as she has now spent 20 years on the island working with art. In 2004, she came with her husband to pursue a woodworking shop. She spent eight years as an award-winning woodworker, where she was so inspired by the woodworking community that she created an award-winning coffee table book, Contemporary Hawaii Woodworkers; the Wood, the Art; the Aloha.
This book led to a research opportunity, The Hawaiian Island Network of Artists, where she gained a rich network of 500+ artists. In 2014, she opened Tiffany’s Art Agency, which curates contemporary art experiences for Hawaiian artists.
Tiffany has an eye I admire greatly, and she is a primary resource for art on the island, especially woodwork!
With pieces from over 200 artists from the Big Island alone, Harbor Gallery has the largest collection of local artwork on the island. Owners Elli and Gunnar Mench have been working at the gallery for over 25 years. The duo has an eye for pieces of all shapes, sizes, mediums, and prices, with art ranging from $4 to $40,000 inside their store. There is little chance you will walk in without finding something you love.
The couple told Ke Ola, Hawaii’s Community Magazine, “We like to put our money where our mouth is and invest in our local community.”
Founded in 2017 by Margo Ray and Scott Yoell, Island Eclectic has quickly become a go-to for art installation and preservation. The duo’s care for art pieces bleeds into everything they do, down to creating art for shipments, patina work, and custom displays. Their rich experience in multimedia art and woodwork makes them a trustworthy source on the island for art needs.
Maria Brick, owner of the Gallery of Great Things, embodies the “Aloha” spirit of Hawaii by making her gallery a place for all to enjoy, without the pressures of buying a lofty-priced piece. In her own words the art gives us "...the wonderful opportunity to teach people about the Pacific Culture and ways of life."
Maria traveled the Pacific for thirty years, so her gallery is reflective of deep culture outside of just Hawaii, including pieces from Sulawesi, Borneo, Kalimantan, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Thailand, New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Bali, Lombok, etc. These pieces can incorporate Hawaii’s rich Asian influence into your home!
If you’re looking for inspiration, the Kahilu Theater Art Exhibits are a great way to find a fresh perspective. As the exhibits rotate throughout the year, there are always new pieces to enjoy that represent artists from around the world. The current exhibit is live from August 1st through September 15th, called Flowers 4 My Friends: Re/Marks on Color, with art from 7 artists. Go check it out!
East Hawaii Cultural Center (EHCC)
Exploring the local art shows and exhibits at places like the East Hawaii Cultural Center (EHCC) is always a highlight for me. It's here that you can truly witness the incredible talent of Big Island artists on display. From vibrant paintings to intricate sculptures, each piece tells a story of Hawaii's rich cultural tapestry and the artistic soul that thrives here.
Oahu Galleries
Downtown Oahu hosts an array of galleries within walking distance of each other. See everything from fine art to gardens and take in the rich culture of our city. It is a great way to take a piece of Hawaii home with you!
Attending these galleries is a joy of my job and something I incorporate into my schedule regularly. My hope for this guide is that I encourage you to partake in the island’s growing art scene and gain inspiration from the many artists who live here. You may decide you want to add some Hawaiian art to your home!
Local Frame Shops
In addition to discovering stunning local art on the Hawaiian Islands, exploring local frame shops is a great place to find local artwork as well as custom framing for your current works. Some of my favorites include:
As you navigate the art scene across the islands, whether it's the curated collections at Tiffany's Art Agency, the diverse offerings at Harbor Gallery, or the cultural immersion at the Gallery of Great Things, you'll find that each gallery and artist contributes uniquely to the spirit of Aloha. I hope this guide inspires you to delve into Hawaii's art world, perhaps finding that perfect piece to bring a touch of the islands into your own home.
Mahalo for joining me on this artistic journey through Hawaii!
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