The
Association of Honolulu Artists was established in 1926. The Honolulu Art
Academy did not exist at that time. With the exception of the Bishop Museum,
there was no focal point for the arts. That year a small group of friends eager
for cultural exchange gathered to discuss the arts and establish themselves as
a membership organization devoted to the support and promotion of the growing
arts community. This core group came to be known as “The Association of
Honolulu Artists”.
By the
1930’s, the population of Honolulu had grown to a city of over 200,000
residents and the new prestigious Art Academy was visited by almost 50,000
people. AHA was gaining recognition and news coverage on their regularly held
art exhibits. Gathering momentum, the periodic art shows that they sponsored
grew more frequent and much broader in scope throughout the next few decades.
Cash awards for first place winners were replaced with war bonds during the
turbulent war years.
Celebrating its 78th Anniversary in 2004,
AHA is not only the oldest but also the most diverse art organization in
Hawaii. It has had an enormous impact on the public’s enthusiasm and
appreciation for the arts. The name was changed from the Association of
Honolulu Artists to the Association of Hawaii Artists in order to encompass all
islands in the State of Hawaii. After almost eight decades, we are still a
vibrant art force in Hawaii. We promote the multimedia arts and its artists
members and we build on a foundation where artists of all media can come
together for comradeship, education, showmanship, and moral support. We
encourage the expression of our diverse cultural heritage and explore themes
that reflect the islands’ current issues. We have two jury shows every year
along with additional exhibitions that are hosted with the city and the
business community. We publish a monthly newsletter, The Paint Rag that
keeps our members abreast of artists’ events and achievements. We work to
promote art education and growth through AHA’s educational programs,
scholarships, workshops and group demonstrations.
Hawaii has
a high percentage of the population that characterizes themselves as practicing
Artists. Some artist members are professional artists, others practice art as
an avocation and serious interest, and some are beginning artists and students.
We are accessible. We encourage work in all media and of all interested
artists. We enthusiastically invite you to join AHA whether you are an artist
or a patron.
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