At the Honolulu Museum of Art, the collection and education form the core of our mission. On paper they are two separate things, but we view them as inextricably linked. You could even say they are one and the same.

When you view an artwork you are having an aesthetic and an educational experience, whether you are discovering the connections between Renaissance art and contemporary Japanese manga through an ink drawing in Visions of Gothic Angels: Japanese Manga by Takaya Miou—or contemplating Keith Tallett’s wood-and-resin slabs bearing contemporary renditions of traditional Hawaiian tattoo patterns in the show Hawai‘i in Design.

The two works will speak to different people in different ways, but these small, personal moments have the same immeasurable impact when it comes to critical awareness and learning about the world in which we live.

As we begin our fall exhibitions and programs, we encourage you to open yourself to one of the many art education experiences we have to offer. Volunteer as a docent to help visitors more deeply engage with the museum’s collection, browse art magazines in our library, bring the kids in your life to Bank of Hawaii Family Sunday, or meet new people while spending time with your favorite work of art at our monthly ARTafterDARK event.

I never tire of exploring the museum’s two locations. I look forward to seeing you here, whether strolling the tranquil gardens of Spalding House, scrutinizing works in the Contemporary Art Gallery, or trying to reach nirvana in the Buddhist Art Gallery with the wooden sculpture of the bodhisattva Guanyin. These are the types of experiences that we treasure at the museum and I encourage you to continue your journey here to make many more memories.

Mahalo for your continued support,

Allison Wong

Interim director