Honolulu Museum Of Art School

Signed up for "Some Like It Hot" because I want to learn more about jewelry-making and had my first lesson today. First time visiting the Art School and first time working with a handsaw. Metalsmithing is no joke! My left tricep is sore just from holding the copper piece in place. The instructor, Juvana S., was professional, approachable, friendly, and seems knowledgeable. I found myself wishing the class was a YouTube tutorial because I need to watch/hear some things on repeat and also pause when needed. The class went on a good pace though since my fellow classmates were mostly new to this type of thing. The Metals Studio has everything (I guess) stocked and laid out. The three hours went by really quickly. I can't wait to learn more in the weeks to come!

As an amateur artist one of the best art classes or workshops I ever attended was held at the Honolulu (used to be) Academy of Art, now the Honolulu Museum of Art School. It was a mixed media class over a couple of days. Held in the beautiful historic art school building, with large high ceiling classrooms and huge windows. It was a pleasure to work with others trying this approach, and though I don't recall our instructor's name, unfortunately, she was engaging, professional and encouraged a lot of creative ideas. Had some very nice outcomes that I've kept for years afterwards. Lunch breaks there are some fast food places or bring a lunch and sit outside under the banyan trees and enjoy the balmy breezes. If you have a chance check out the thrift store nearby-I've picked up some cool stuff there, including rhinestone studded sunglasses!

I went to the Pecha Kucha night (20 slides, 20 seconds each) on Friday to get a flavor of this style of presentation (to implement in my classroom). We showed up minutes before intermission and right away I noticed... 1. The sound quality was poor (you could barely hear from the back where most of the crowd was standing) 2. There were limited stools to sit on but a majority of the crowd was standing...3. There was a tent with free beer but they don't serve during the presentations (intermission looked like a scene from Walmart on Black Friday) The presentations were... not what I expected. The next Pecha Kucha night is on March 9th and I think I'm going to give it another shot. Chamorro Grindz was the featured food truck but we ate before we came (the reason why we were an hour late). The highlight of the night was when I discovered that teachers can check out artifacts to share with their students ... for free.

My first time here and didn't know what to expect. The architecture is wonderful and the inside has an older feel. We checked out the latest Pow Wow Hawaii exhibit and the native tattoo exhibit. Lots of cool things to check out and free admission. Great little add on if you are visiting the main museum, but even worth a quick visit for fun.

I've now taken three classes and a one-afternoon workshop here. All have been very different and very fun!Classes are varying lengths and multiple price points. Fall and Spring courses generally last an entire semester (13 weeks or so). Summer courses are typically shorter (6 weeks) and are cheaper. One- or two-day workshops on special topics and techniques are periodically available.I took Screen Printing with Rob and had a grand time printing on paper, then quickly switched to fabric. After a collage project to teach us technique and materials behavior, he set us loose on projects of our own design. That can be a bit intimidating, but once you start thinking of things to do, you run out of classes before you exhaust your ideas. While in class, you can take advantage of the Honolulu Printmakers studio time to get some extra work on your projects. Rob is hilarious and very easy-going.I then took Chinese Ink-Brush Painting with Tom, assisted by his wife Hillery, a very hospitable duo. Classes combined a little history, a little philosophy, a demonstration, then open practice time. We also shared our work from the previous week, which was fascinating to see everyone's progress over the course. Practicing calligraphy strokes outside of class helped a lot with my technique, so the small investment in ink, brushes, and rice paper was well worth it. We only spent one week on basic calligraphy, but the brush strokes do form the basis of a lot of subsequent painting: bamboo leaves, etc. Our class culminated in an exhibit on the ground floor of the art school.My most recent class was a short summer course on woodcut prints with Laura. It was a much smaller group than the others, which meant we got a lot of one-on-one attention - more than you already do get with these courses. Printmaking is very equipment-intensive, but with woodcut, we needed very few of our own supplies. That made this the least expensive course I've taken.One thing I've noticed is that the instructors jump right in on Day 1 and presume we know more about the techniques than absolute beginners do. They are always responsive to questions, though, so don't be shy to ask about terminology you don't immediately understand. The instructors have all been very encouraging and positive. Classes are often repeated by students, so you may find yourself in class with more advanced students. They are often valuable resources for project inspiration and technique advice.Examine the materials lists ahead of time - usually the courses require supplies that are not included in the tuition. I've spent anywhere from $5 to $100 on required and optional supplies for class.There is a good variety of classes available, from printmaking to drawing to painting to sculpture to fiber arts to ikebana to jewelry and much more. I'm looking forward to my next class!

Lucky, lucky me!I am currently enrolled in a Hawaiian Quilting class at the Academy Art Center. My class meets once a week, and we stitch and talk and cheer one another on as we learn a new skill. It is a small class, and my instructor, Patricia Lei Murray, takes the time to visit with all of us as we work on stitch after endless stitch. It is a wonderful few hours out of my week, and I appreciate the opportunity I have to learn such a traditional craft from a master quilter.This is the first class that I've had the chance to take at the Academy, but it will not be the last. In talking to my classmates, the other classes offered are also taught in a small group, with attention and encouragement paid to each student in turn. When the next series of classes is offered, I will also enroll my son in one of the many classes offered for children. My son had to join me for class one day, not feeling well enough to go to his own school, and was excited that I was able to take classes in such a beautiful setting. After receiving instructions from my instructor, I left to continue my stitching at home. My son and I wandered through the building, looking at the artwork on display in the gallery. We also made sure to check the small table near the front doors, which is covered with postcards and brochures for other classes and exhibits. We both left with eyes and spirits filled.Parking is available in the large lot behind the building. The security guard will validate your ticket, making it a flat $3.00 to park during class.31 Yelps Review Challenge 4/31

"Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life." ~ Pablo Picasso"Art is a wound turned into light." ~ Georges BraqueBeen coming here as part of their "Warrior Eyes on Art" program, spearheaded by Vince Hazen. The historic Linekona building opened as the Academy Art Center in 1990 as a means for hands on art education for children and adults.Once a month I chaperone wounded active duty service members here for art therapy and an experience to work through a variety of mediums as a form of self expression, relaxation or atonement. Moments here have resulted in nothing short of amazing and often life changing. The magical ability of art as a catalyst for transformative healing is priceless!Mahalo to all the volunteers and supporters that graciously host us and make it all possible. You are all truly blessed!#Yelp 365: 090/365

Whenever I'm having a bad day, I try my best to surround myself with art. My interest & imagination ignite whenever I'm looking at art because it allows me to look at the world around with through a different perspective.When I first read about Akihiko Izukura's, "Life in Colors in Hawaii" installation, I knew I had to witness Akihiko's free-flowing designs in person. The pictures on the Honolulu Academy of Arts website, don't do Akihiko's pieces justice, the vibrant colors from each piece hypnotize you & attract you like a moth to a bright light.My favorite part was how peaceful I felt, being surrounded by art pieces which towered over me & how Akihiko's "Life in Colors in Hawaii" installation reminded me of ballerinas whenever the wind blew. I can't guarantee, you'll have the same experience or appreciation as myself, but I'm sure your day will brighten the tiniest bit. If you're in the neighborhood & looking for inspiration, be sure to check out Akihiko Izukura's, "Life in Colors In Hawaii" installation , viewable to the public from 01/15 - 02/15/12 at the Academy Art Center.

Wonderful art exhibits. Kind staff and artists work/volunteer here. Quiet and clean. Garden in the back is incredibly peaceful. Pow Wow is worth every second spent viewing. Looking forward to the next exhibit.

I've always admired this place from afar but never actually been on the actual grounds.Today was the day.It was the Estria Invitational Graffiti Battle so Linekona was filled with hip-hop heads, graffiti artists, vendors, emcees, DJs, photographers, and just curious people who happened to walk by.It was a really nice spread, lots of tents on the grassy area, plenty of places to cool down (cause it was f#%!@king hot!) and in the front was a floor mat for the bboys and dancers to get down. Throughout the area was large canvases for the graffiti artists.Inside the actual center had large graffiti pieces (don't worry, they were on sheets) placed on the wall.It was a great venue to hold this historic event because it wasn't too big, it was just a perfect size (easy there Goldilocks). Yelp 365 #34/365