I met Danielle, the artist, at her gallery at the Twin Fin Hotel in Waikiki. She's created a new…read moreform of art that displays her photography as she envisioned it using makeup and acrylic paints. The results were like nothing I've ever seen before. Beautiful illuminated photos with texture that create 3D photography. Danielle was so nice and beautiful, just like her art.

In early March, we went to see a movie at the Consolidated Theaters Complex in Ward Village but…read morewere struck by seeing huge pink snail sculptures with polka dots. We thought we were hallucinating but were luckily brought back to our senses when we saw a banner announcing the artwork of famed Japanese Pop-Artist Yayoi Kusama. If you know the pop-artist name, Andy Warhol, then you should know Yayoi Kusama. Both were highly creative, avant-garde and influential pop-(DOT) artists in the 1960's. Ms. Kusama has always used polka dots to express her art and how she sees the World. This exhibit is called "Footprints of Life" because it showcases Ms. Kusama's "eye" for patterns. She has created this exhibit for especially for Hawai'i as she put her signature polka dots on O'ahu's native Kāhuli tree snails. We are fortunate that Ward Village is co-presenting this artwork with the Honolulu Biennial Foundation. The full exhibit is on display at the Ward Village Courtyard of the historic IBM building. Because the exhibit is here for only a limited time..March 8 - May 12, 2016 you'd best get there before it closes. It is a preview of the inaugural Honolulu Biennial in 2017. #561

Mark N Brown is a well known Plein Air Artist in Hawaii. He teaches a class at the University of…read moreHawaii that I recommend for those who like to paint outdoors. (that is what Plein Air is) He takes you to really gorgeous locations and there is a lot of fun people that go. If you are visiting Hawaii or a local, it is a really good class to take. He also paints commissioned work and has a really cool studio that was in Architectural Digest. It was a former church! So if you are looking for a commissioned art piece I suggest visiting him at his studio. http://www.mikenbrownfineart.com

Besides being a very fine well known artist. He is also a exceptional teacher and runs a plein…read moreaire class I would consider more of a rare opportunity. I wondered whether if I could really learn to paint in 12 weeks. The answer is yes. I learned in 12 weeks it would take a lifetime to learn but the process will provide me with challenges and fun all along the way. I also learned to become a painter it is more than picking up a set of skills but rather you need to be inspired and need to be surrounded by other painter pursuing the same goal. That is the rare opportunity that Mark Brown provides. He starts the class with a 1 hour demo. Students paint for 3 hours and ends with everyone's work is critiqued. On the west coast, Boston, New York you can find workshops just like Marks. In Honolulu, I looked all over for a painting class like Mark's and can tell you there isn't one.

Duncan Dempster's "Small Cluster" Art Exhibit review…read more I love that moment when you're exploring one of your favorite places with someone & stumble upon a hole-in-the-wall gem together, it's almost as if you've discovered hidden treasure. This past weekend, I was in the Kaka'ako neighborhood & wanted to show my Mom some of the beautiful Pow Wow Hawaii murals & after viewing the explosive street art across Starbucks Kaka'ako, we found LIMB workshop. After all the time I've spent in Kaka'ako, I'm amazed, I only noticed this gorgeous furniture shop that also acts as an art gallery. I can't even begin to describe how much I appreciate anything created from wood; I'm easily mesmerized by beautiful wood products & find myself admiring the time & dedication someone takes to create works of art from nature. As soon as you enter LIMB, it feels like you're walking in a dream because this stunning space is filled with breathtaking photos, illustrations showcased in wooden shadow boxes, wood turnings + photo light fixtures created by University of Hawaii Professor Duncan Dempster. I wish I found out about LIMB when they opened, I would've be over the moon to attend the "Small Cluster" Opening Reception last month. Be sure to check out this attractive furniture shop located in the heart of Kaka'ako & I highly recommend viewing Duncan Dempster's "Small Cluster" Art Exhibit located in LIMB, I promise you won't disappointed. PS- LIMB is still in the process of finalizing their website but stay tuned because I guarantee you'll want to attend their upcoming art galleries.

If you're yearning to get your painting on, this is the company to go to! Best prices hands down…read morefor private parties ($30/person for 10-14 people and $25/person if you have 15 guests or more). I booked a 15 person private event on the create a canvas website and received confirmation by the next day from the owner. You get to choose the painting you're going to paint from over 50 selections. I ended up with a scenic ocean wave because I thought it'd appease both genders. Our instructor was Natalie, who was prompt and encouraging. She set up and cleaned everything all on her own, big mahalos! Now for the painting part... I was hesitant that the guys might not be too into it but I was so wrong. Our group had a blast and everyone's inner picasso came out. Natalie said we were the most quiet group she ever taught...we were really focused I guess lol. Bottom line...book this awesome company for your next party! Can't wait to try one of their hosted events at Kona brewing company.

I first attended one of Andrea's events at the Kona Brewery and loved it. For $45 we got a beer…read moresampler (enough beer to make us feel like we could paint), an appetizer, all of the required supplies to create a 12 x16 canvas and 2 hours of painting instruction. Andrea was patient, encouraging and broke it down so that pretty much could create something to be proud - or at least not embarrassed of. I enjoyed this painting night so much that I decided to book Andrea for my upcoming Birthday party. For $30 a person with a party over 10, it was well worth it. She showed up on time - 30 minutes prior to the start time to set up, and like the event at Kona, provided us with simple, step by step instructions to create a masterpiece of choice. I pre-selected a theme and she provided us with a few options so that we could personalize our paintings. Overall, it was a great night and Andrea was again a patient and awesome instructor. I would definitely recommend Create a Canvas for your next special event or night out!

"Abstraction allows man to see with his mind what he cannot see physically with his eyes…read more.. Abstract art enables the artist to perceive beyond the tangible, to extract the infinite out of the finite. It is the emancipation of the mind. It is an exploration into unknown areas." - Arshile Gorky After recent visits to the Hawai'i State Art Museum and Honolulu Museum of Art, we were inspired to visit this art museum. This Contemporary Museum at the First Hawaiian Center is an extension of the Honolulu Museum of Art. It features the work by artists of Hawai'i who use a variety of media and displays can be found in the bank's lobby and second floor mezzanine. Exhibits and artistic works are routinely rotated. The museum isn't very large and usually has enough space to feature 3 artists at a time. I can't express how the different artwork affected my senses and emotions as everyone will have their own impression(s). You may or may not feel or see what I have seen or what the artist was trying to express. However, when you come to the First Hawaiian Center, you'll also be impressed with the architecture. The former CEO and Chairman of First Hawaiian Bank, Walter A. Dods, Jr, is responsible for completing and opening Hawai'i's tallest building. Distinctive architectural features bring in as much natural sunlight as possible, views from its mountain-side use vertically-proportioned windows and ocean-facing views can be seen through horizontally framed windows that capture the sea and horizon. The building's shape resembles a knife as it "slashes through" its banking competition, Bank of Hawai'i. If you happen to be in Downtown Honolulu's Financial District, check out this museum. Explore and discover the unknown.

The Contemporary Museum is located inside the main branch of First Hawaiian Bank. It occupies…read moresections of the first and second floors. A person would need to take the stairs to get to the second floor. I'm unsure if the art gallery wing on the second floor can be accessed by the elevators...if they do then a person would have to pass the FHB workers in order to get to the gallery First Hawaiian Bank and Honolulu Museum of Art just had their 20th anniversary of partnership in 2016. Paintings and art sculptures on the two levels are part of the First Hawaiian Bank's art collections. Individuals are able to browse both levels for free. All art in the museum were done by individuals growing up in Hawaii or from transplanted former residents of the island. I recommend everyone to stop by the Contemporary Museum in the Downtown Honolulu location of First Hawaiian Bank. 10/100

I love adventuring through Waikiki, and one day post Booze Cruise I came across this awesome…read moregallery. The artist Kristine is very friendly and she was very accommodating. Beautiful work, must check it out. Bought a few prints for birthday presents and everyone loved them.

Amazing talent here in Hawaii. Have been a family friend for years and have seen the owners work…read moreevolve into shear magical beauty. I am a professional photographer and web designer and I am a true fan of her work.

First, I would like to say that I understand that art is a very broad term…read more Located in the international marketplace in Waikiki, this place was once a beautiful gallery filled with different art mediums and when we went in, it changed to a completely different gallery. To be honest, this place gave me the creeps. It looks like a front for something else. It looked extremely dirty and dated. one of the couches was completely degrading, the pleather was coming off in pieces. The vibe in there was very odd and off putting. I was shocked at the environment and the gallery was Not something I'm personally into and wouldn't recommend.

Incredible artwork throughout the gallery. The staff is very knowledgeable about their craft. Have…read moreenjoyed this place. It's a shame that it isn't here anymore. Got the pleasure of watching some of the artists create.