Don’t Miss These 3 Events This December at the Hawai‘i State Art Museum

With the opening up of gatherings we celebrate the return of events at HiSAM. Craving a much-needed break from this year’s hectic holiday season? Unwind with a relaxing combination of jazz, art, food and libations.

Photo: Courtesy of Amanda Frazier

In the beautiful outdoor setting of the Sculpture Garden, the Dae Han Ensemble presents The Vibe, a night of jazz held the second Thursday of every month. The next one on Dec. 9 features guest artists Duane Padilla and Amanda Frazier performing alongside the incredibly talented house band that includes Alika Lyman, Dae Han, Reggie Padilla and Ethan Capone. Duane Padilla’s signature jazz violin sound is sure to be a crowd pleaser. He is a founding member of The Hot Club of Hulaville and won the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts jazz album of the year award for the gypsy jazz release Django Would Go! Frazier, Han’s wife, is a Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winning singer and songwriter. During intermission, be sure to take a stroll through the museum galleries where you’ll find the Pau Hana Painters, a dynamic collective of artists who create paintings live in outdoor and public spaces.

Photo: Courtesy of Duane Padilla

SEE ALSO: Live Music Returns to HiSAM on July 1 with a New Monthly Jazz Night

Photo: Courtesy of Riana Stellburg

Seeking some self-care? HiSAM Creates will feature an energy healing workshop to help keep you feeling grounded through the holidays. On Dec. 18, HiSAM Creates invites you to join Usui reiki master teacher and energy healer Riana Stellburg. This workshop draws inspiration from a vibrant painting in the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ Art in Public Places Collection titled “Changing Seasons” by Jeanne Lamosse. “Just like the seasons with the weather, we as humans experience different seasons changing within us. Energy healing helps to smooth over transitions and keep us grounded,” explains Stellburg. Let her guide you through this workshop that will feature meditation, visualization and sonic elements. “Everything is made up of energy. Our health is directly impacted by the energies it encounters. Energy healing can cleanse stagnant energy while creating space for deep healing and harmony.”

“Hau‘ula Horizon Noon I,” Saumolia Puapuaga. Image: Courtesy of Saumolia Puapuaga

Are your keiki craving more opportunities to express their creativity? Horizon at HiSAM provides a painting lesson inspired by nature and seascapes. HiSAM’s current artist-in-residence, Saumolia Puapuaga, will lead a painting workshop on Dec. 18. Keiki will learn the foundations of painting while creating beachscapes of their own. Just be sure to bring an old T-shirt for them to wear in case they get a little Jackson Pollock. All art materials will be provided.

SEE ALSO: 6 Questions With Saumolia Puapuaga, Hawai‘i State Art Museum’s New Artist-In-Residence

The Vibe: Thursday, Dec. 9, 6–9 p.m., Sculpture Garden, free admission

HiSAM Creates workshop with Riana Stellburg: Saturday, Dec. 18, noon–1:30 p.m. and 2–3:30 p.m., Diamond Head Gallery, free admission

Horizon at HiSAM: Saturday, Dec. 18, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., first floor, free admission, reserve your spot at eventbrite.com

Hawai‘i State Art Museum, 250 S. Hotel St., registration and proof of vaccination required; for more information visit hisam.hawaii.gov or follow @hawaiistateartmuseum

Lisa Shiroma is a correspondent for HiSAM and is an artist and art educator. Lisa is the former owner of the HiSAM Museum Gallery Shop, which she ran with partners Aly Ishikuni-Sasaki and Travis Sasaki from Mori by Art + Flea from 2017 to June 2020.