6 Reasons to Visit Capitol Modern This Spring

Mark your calendars for tons of inspiration at Capitol Modern, a buzzing creative hub and magnet for artists and art lovers alike. See new student art exhibitions, shop from local artists, participate in keiki workshops and much more. Best of all, there is never any admission fee for its events and entry to galleries. Just like the public library, it’s open for everyone to enjoy, and all ages are welcome.

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Photo: Courtesy of Capitol Modern

2024 Hawai‘i Regional Scholastic Student Art Awards Exhibition and Super Saturday

Feb. 24

It’s triple the excitement with the 2024 Hawai’i Regional Scholastic Student Art Awards ceremony, opening of the exhibition that includes all of the award winners on display and Super Saturday! See incredible artwork made by student artists grade 7–12 from all across the state. A panel of esteemed judges chose from hundreds of entries in a variety of categories such as sculpture, photography, painting, digital art and fashion. Each year, the winners blow people’s minds with their amazing talent; this is one exhibition that you don’t want to miss.

Photo: Courtesy of Capitol Modern

Once you’re fully inspired, you and your keiki can participate in Super Saturday’s seven artist-led hands-on workshops. Activities include creating portraits with kapa patterns, taking part in a community creature sculpture and crafting a miniature Hokule‘a to try out on the water. All of the workshops are tailor-made and tied to the artwork on display inside the museum’s galleries.

Photo: Courtesy of Capitol Modern

Forest Flutters

Feb. 24 to March 9

The Passion on Display space on the first floor of Capitol Modern will undergo a major transformation, this time into an enchanting forest filled with native plants and birds of Hawai‘i. Designed in collaboration with community partner Honolulu Theatre for Youth and Capitol Modern’s Artist in Residence Solomon Enos, Forest Flutters is a multi-sensory immersive performance geared specifically towards young people with developmental differences and disabilities. Sounds, smells and textures will transport participants to a lovely forest where they can meet the endemic birds that call it their home. Reserve your free spot online.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

The space will also be open to all visitors during regular museum hours and evening events.

DeShannon Higa. Photo: Courtesy of Capitol Modern

Friday Night Tempo

March 15

Jazz up your Friday night with award-winning trumpet player DeShannon Higa and his all-star Subtronic Orchestra. This nine-piece band includes veteran musicians Reggie Padilla (saxes), Larry Cook (sax, flute, clarinet), Travis Oh (trombone), Chrissy Naruo (vocals), Ethan Capone (keyboard), Paul Nelson (guitar), Mark Tanouye (bass), Abe Lagrimas Jr. (drums) and DeShannon Higa (trumpet, flugelhorn). Enjoy the live performance in the Sculpture Garden and top the night off with delicious food from local pop-up vendors and drinks from the bar.

SEE ALSO: The Fusion Makes Its Big Debut at Capitol Modern

Photo: Courtesy of Capitol Modern

House of Bloom

Every First and Third Friday

Formed in Summer of 2021, this local artist collective is all about joining forces and using their combined strengths to forge their way through the art world. You can see them in action when they do live painting every First Friday and Friday Night Tempo. Don’t be shy about asking them questions to learn more about their creative process. Artwork is also available for sale. Check out the House of Bloom Instagram that describes the eclectic group as “a collective of emerging and pro artists, inspiring creativity through collaboration.”

Art+Flea

Starting March 15

Shoppers rejoice! Everyone’s favorite urban market Art+Flea will be popping up regularly at Capitol Modern’s First Friday and Friday Night Tempo. Support local artists and creatives by purchasing unique and handmade items, perfect for gift-giving or treating yourself to something special that will also help these small businesses to keep doing what they do best. Daytime markets are also in the works throughout this year. Follow @artandflea for new announcements.

Free admission, Capitol Modern, 250 S. Hotel St., capitolmodern.org, @capitolmodern

Lisa Shiroma is a correspondent for Capitol Modern and an artist and art educator. She is the former owner of the Capitol Modern Museum Gallery Shop, which she ran with partners Aly Ishikuni-Sasaki and Travis Sasaki from Mori by Art + Flea.