LIHU‘E — Keiko Napier, of Japanese Grandma restaurant in Hanapepe, had to see Ray Nitta’s Hawaiian sled piece that was accepted into the Kaua‘i Society of Artists 2023 Art Kaua‘i exhibit.
“It’s so big,” said Napier, who was surprised by the length of the piece that earned a state Foundation of Culture and the Arts recognition award. “But I had to see it after people were talking about it.”
Bon Moore, who was gallery sitting on Monday, also earned a Foundation of Culture and the Arts recognition award for her “Interwoven Thoughts” work featuring woven fibers.
“Actually, I earned two awards,” said Moore, who will be flying to Japan later in the month for an exhibit with a photographer and a fashion designer. “I got the state award and the Steve Lim Award that came with a $1,000 cash award.”
Kaua‘i Society of Artists distributed more than $4,000 in cash awards for the exhibit, one of its signature shows, which will be available for viewing on a daily basis through Oct. 27 at KSA gallery. The gallery is located near the Keiki Korner play area at Kukui Grove Center.
Artist Fran Kalb earned a noncash Invitation Award after KSA leaders, with the help of juror Margo Shepherd Ray, decided to use her “Satellite” as art for the next KSA Art Kaua‘i exhibit.
Carol Bennett’s “Dripping in Diamonds” earned $1,000 for the Art Patron Award “In Memory of Bernice Suna” and the Robb Jones Memorial Award of $500 went to Samuel Schryver for “Still Alive on the West Side.”
Artist Rowland Morita’s “Trio” earned the SG Builders 3D Award sponsored by SG Builders for $500 and Lisa Paulson’s “Body of Work” earned the $500 KSA Emerging Artist Award.
Julijana Pinnock’s “Chillin’ Kaua‘i Style” earned the Edward M. Eaton Memorial Award of $300, sponsored by Rose Anne Jones and Donna Olson. Liedeke Bulder’s “Sacred Fire” earned the Margo Latif Memorial Award of $200, sponsored by the Latif family. Kimberlin Blackburn’s “Her Water Fall” earned the $200 Rena Selfe Memorial Award, sponsored by Ned Selfe.
There is no admission to view the more than 70 pieces that form 2023 Art Kaua‘i that was juried by Margo Shepherd Ray, who sifted through 158 entry pieces from 68 artists. Viewing hours are Mondays through Thursday, and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Friday night hours are from noon to 7 p.m.
