The ART Kaua‘i 2021 exhibit presented by the Kaua‘i Society of Artists will open on Saturday from noon until 6 p.m. at the KSA gallery at Kukui Grove Center. But that was almost not to be, as KSA and KGC struggled with the COVID-19 uptick in new cases.
“There will not be an opening reception,” said RoseAnne Jones, ART Kaua‘i co-chair. Jones holds this honor along with KSA Vice President Renee Palmer. “Instead, we will once again, video a ‘virtual reception’ and install it on our YouTube channel as we did last year during the pandemic.”
Jones said KSA’s selected juror, Bob Soppeisa, canceled his appearance earlier this month. “Renee and I compiled a short list of potential jurors on-island, and our first choice, David Kuraoka, agreed,” Jones said. “We are so grateful that David will be our juror for our premier exhibition of the year. David was named a Living Treasure of Hawai‘i in 1987, and is internationally known.”
KSA had not canceled any shows since COVID-19 started in the spring of 2020.
“We have continued to exhibit by following the county guidelines, installing safe practices and consulting with Melissa McFerrin-Warrack on every step of the way,” Jones said. “We are so grateful that Kukui Grove continues to be a positive force throughout these difficult times.”
Kuraoka, an artist and professor of art emeritus at San Francisco State University, selected 73 pieces from 47 artists to be part of the ART Kaua‘i that runs through Oct. 29, daily from noon to 6 p.m., and Friday hours from noon to 7 p.m. There is no charge to view the artwork, and most of the pieces are offered for sale.
“ART Kaua‘i 2021 showcases you, Kaua‘i’s artists, and your wide range of methods, materials and perspectives,” Kuraoka said in his juror’s statement. “Working in the studio is a disciplined and individual endeavor. This show celebrates all of you, and my goal as juror is to encourage you. I challenge all of you to continue to work to grow your skills and yourselves as artists.”
The slat walls are tacky