10th Annual ‘Art at the Capitol’

The public is invited to the State Capitol on Friday, April 6, 2018 for the 10th annual Art at the Capitol event. This free event has Legislators opening their doors to the public to view the collection of work from local artists that adorn their offices.

The theme this year, “Share Your Voice,” reflects on the self-expression inherent in creating the art works in and around the State Capitol, along with inviting the public to share their thoughts and aspirations in a special art exhibit to be created before and during that evening by visitors to the event.

“For a decade now, we have opened the State Capitol offices to share the wonderful art exhibited inside and to celebrate art with a fun evening for the people of Hawai‘i,” said Sen. Brian Taniguchi. “This year we are asking our guests to not only roam the halls viewing the artworks and visiting with Senators and Representatives, but to take part in a unique way to share your personal thoughts with others.”

Hawai‘i will join in a participatory public art project created by artist Candy Chang. Installed on the fourth floor of the State Capitol will be a wall that invites people to reflect on their lives and share their personal aspirations to the question, “Before I die, I want….” The project is intended to help restore perspective and understand the people around us in a new and enlightening way. More than 2,000 similar walls have been created around the world.

“Every year we bring together artists, lawmakers, and the public at Art at the Capitol to enjoy and view inspirational works from Hawaii artists,” said Rep. Della Au Belatti. “This year we want everyone to share their manaʻo, your thoughts and ideas. Please join us again for this fun, stimulating, and free event!”

Also this year will be an exhibit featuring abstract self-portraits created by state legislators. The artwork will be judged by artists with the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and the public will choose their favorite portrait in a “People’s Choice” award.

Art at the Capitol begins with an opening program at 4:30 p.m. in room 325 that includes an introduction of artists and special guests. Self-guided tours start at 5 p.m. and the Senate and House galleries will be open to view a new video about artist Candy Chang and her unique participatory public art projects along with videos from previous Art at the Capitol events.

Throughout the evening, music will be performed by the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony. The program ends at 7 p.m., however the public is invited to continue the celebration of local art and music just across the street at the Hawai‘i State Art Museum, which will be open until 9 p.m.

Art at the Capitol is sponsored by the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and the office art pieces are part of the Art in Public Places Collection from the Art in Public Places Program.