5 Reasons to Visit Hawai‘i State Art Museum in May
Check out these fun, free events at HiSAM with your ‘ohana this month.
Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i State Art Museum
First Friday
Friday, May 5, 6 to 9 p.m.
First Friday will feature Simple Souls, a dynamic acoustic duo, who will take the stage in HiSAM’s Sculpture Garden with their refreshing take on popular hits. Members Zaysha and Jenn have been performing together since July 2003 with their catchy unplugged sound that blends together acoustic guitar, percussions, and mesmerizing vocals.
Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i State Art Museum
Jabari Prevost will also be gracing the stage with his creative, jazzy musical energy. A career highlight for this incredible professional multi-instrumentalist includes a live performance for President Barack Obama. This event includes the unveiling of colorful koinobori carp streamers created by 14 local artists and designers with the theme of wishing for children’s growth tied to the carp’s strength and courage in Japanese culture.
Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i State Art Museum
The Vibe
Friday, May 12, 6 to 9 p.m.
Enjoy an amazing night of live jazz at The Vibe from HiSAM’s very own house band The Dae Han Ensemble. Special guest performers Roderick Johnson (drums) and Guy James (guitar) will light up the stage for an unforgettable evening. Check out the artist collective Pau Hana Painters who will create works of art right before your eyes.
Museum galleries will be open for the evening for both First Friday and The Vibe. Delicious food from restaurant pop-ups and refreshments from the Friends of HiSAM bar will be available for purchase.
Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i State Art Museum
Super Saturday
Saturday, May 20, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Super Saturday is sure to be a fun-filled day for keiki and families. Hands-on workshops include clay sculpture creatures, rainforest diorama, break dancing, music, poetry, and more. All are inspired by artwork in the Art in Public Places collection. Enjoy live music by Americana folk band Hook and Line as well as from students performing recitals for LC Piano and the Dae Han Honolulu Jazz Music School.
Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i State Art Museum
2023 Young Artists of Hawai‘i Exhibition
On view from Saturday, May 20, to Sunday, June 18
The 2023 Young Artists of Hawai‘i Exhibition opens on May 20th and features 96 award-winning works by students K through 7. This year’s theme for the students is “Good Leaders Taking Action: What does it look like when good leaders get others involved to make a positive change?” See what it looks like through the eyes of the young artists in this exhibition. On view till June 18th.
Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i State Art Museum
Under the Blue
Saturday, May 6, May 13, and May 20 at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Last but certainly not least is Under the Blue, a 30-minute interactive, multi-sensory experience created specifically for young people with developmental disabilities and their caregivers. Staff will tailor each child’s experience to their unique needs, ensuring a magical time for all. This collaborative project was created by Arts Education Specialist Danica Rosengren and Honolulu Theatre for Youth and includes artwork by Solomon Enos, Michelle Schwengel-Regala, and Doug Young. Timed experiences will take place in the Passion On Display space on the first floor. Reserve a spot here.
Hawai‘i State Art Museum, 250 S. Hotel Street. For more info, visit hisam.hawaii.gov or follow @hawaiistateartmuseum.
