Hawai‘i Contemporary’s artXchange fundraiser shines light on local artists

Hawai‘i Contemporary announces artXchange, a multi-dimensional fundraiser to benefit the visual arts organization.

Featuring contemporary art from Hawai‘i, the Pacific and beyond, artXchange comprises an online art auction, a ticketed benefit experience that pairs art with food on May 20, and a student exhibition from May 21–28. Those interested can register online.

The online art auction will feature art experiences and nearly 50 artworks by notable artists from Hawai‘i, the Pacific and beyond, including Hawaiʻi based artists:

• Tom Haar: Tokyo; lives and works in Honolulu
• John Koga: Honolulu; lives and works in Waimea on Oʻahu.
• Abigail Romanchak: Wailuku; lives and works in Kula on Maui.
• Kamran Samimi: Laupāhoehoe, Hawai‘i; lives and works in Honolulu 
• Masami Teraoka: Onomichi, Japan; lives and works in Waimānalo, Hawai‘i

Other notable artists include:

• Choi Jeong Hwa: Seoul; lives and works in Seoul
• Michael Joo: Ithaca, New York; lives and works in New York 
• Momoyo Torimitsu: Tokyo; lives and works in New York
• Livien Yin: Cambridge, Mass.; lives and works in New York
• Shingo Yamazaki: Honolulu; lives and works in Los Angeles

All sales from the art auction will benefit Hawai‘i Contemporary and the respective artists.

The art auction opens online on May 12 and runs through May 28.

• Art Auction: May 12–28: Presenting a selection of works by notable visual artists from Hawai‘i, the Pacific, and beyond, who support Hawai‘i Contemporary and our mission. More than 50 artworks will be available for sale online. Register online.

• Benefit Experience: May 20: A ticketed, in-person event featuring an immersive dining and contemporary art experience at Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikīkī. Proceeds benefit Hawai‘i Contemporary. Reserve tickets online.

• Public Viewing + Public Programs: May 21–28: A weeklong show of all of the artworks in the online auction, along with a suite of complementary public programs. Both are free to the public.

• Young Contemporaries: May 21–28: An exhibition of work by junior and senior high school students for sale, as well as a professional development program for Hawai‘i’s young artists.

• Closing Celebration: May 27 from 6 to 8 p.m.: A last-chance bidding opportunity and look at artXchange, including auctioned artworks and the Young Contemporaries student exhibition. Gather with artists and enjoy light refreshments kindly provided by Noi Thai Cuisine.

Artworks in the auction will also be exhibited to the public, in person, May 21-28 at Royal Hawaiian Center located at 2201 Kalākaua Ave. in Waikīkī.

“artXchange will not only generate crucial support for Hawai‘i Contemporary, but also shine a light on local and Pacific talent.” said Rosina Potter, executive director of Hawai‘i Contemporary.

“It’s a multi-faceted event that will connect the public to a wonderful selection of exciting contemporary artists,” she added.