Honolulu Museum Of Art School

Enjoyed «Stitched Stories» Sashiko Class with visiting artist Akemi Nakano Cohn from Chicago, in conjunction with the Honolulu Museum of Art and Temari Center for Asian and Pacific Arts at the Honolulu Museum of Art School at Linekona.
Very informative and relaxing classes over 2 half days. All about self-​expression and history of the art of Japanese decorative stitchery. Amazing and fun! Woo hoo!

I signed up for Intro to Clay. The teacher did not remember we had class on the first day, and had gone home. Even after she came back more than an hour later, she never spoke to the students. I was offered virtually no instruction, no tour of the lab, no learning outcomes. The whole class felt like a scam and a waste of time. I had been super excited to take the class but after I was not taught how to make anything on the first day, I was extremely disappointed. Also, there are no supplies provided. You even have to bring your own towel, container for water, board, etc. (although they do not notify you of this) and there is a strong pressure to purchase clay and pottery tools at a markup from the Art Academy. Do not take this class.

I have a confession to make, I haven’t taken a class here since I was a child. The first time was when I was six years old (it was the mid-​90s). I begged my mother to let me quit after the first class because I was disgusted and also very offended that the teacher made us take off our filthy slippers to trace them on paper with pencils. When I was eleven I was forced to takes classes by an elementary school since they thought I had some «artistic talent». That time it was a bit more fulfilling and challenging but still a little lacking in truly developing any meaningful skills. I really have no idea how the classes are now. The classes they do offer are a bit limiting but a few sound interesting and hard to come by.
Now as an adult I like to visit the Art School’s gallery on the first floor whenever they have an interesting exhibition or event. A great deal of the work that is featured is an array of art forms that you don’t see that often in most museums and galleries in Honolulu (ceramics, sculpture, glass, metalwork, prints and even quilts). It’s nice that these events are always free. Parking is a totally different story. They’re also the only venue for PechaKucha 20×20. Their inclusion of a POW! WOW! HAWAII exhibit was refreshing. It’s great to see their open to showcasing artists who are deemed «street». I’m really glad they also feature a good deal of Native Hawaiian art that is thought-​provoking and at times very radical. The art displays that are periodically changed that are in the yard are also very inspiring. They usually seem to coincide with some sort of event theme.

I love the fact that not only do they offer adult classes but they have classes for young artists as well. I sign my daughter up for the spring and fall sessions. She is in 4tj grade and art is her passion. She took the exploring art series in the spring and is now taking cartooning.
Classes rum 12 weeks and cost 285 dollars for. 2 hour session twice a week. There are two class times 9 to 11 and 1 to 3 pm on Saturdays. At the end of the term they hold an art show where the kids get to pick out their best to show. It is definitely worth the investment considering it is her passion. She is the youngest in her current class (4^th) but is already classified as being in the middle of all her classmates (grades 4 – 7). For the spring we already know what class we are going to go with, the ceramics course.

The Honolulu Museum of Art School is a great place to take art classes for kids and adults. They also have art exhibitions and events.
Validated parking in the adjacent lot or street (metered) parking.
Great resource for the community.

I’ve now taken three classes and a one-​afternoon workshop here. All have been very different and very fun!
Classes are varying lengths and multiple price points. Fall and Spring courses generally last an entire semester (13 weeks or so). Summer courses are typically shorter (6 weeks) and are cheaper. One– or two-​day workshops on special topics and techniques are periodically available.
I took Screen Printing with Rob and had a grand time printing on paper, then quickly switched to fabric. After a collage project to teach us technique and materials behavior, he set us loose on projects of our own design. That can be a bit intimidating, but once you start thinking of things to do, you run out of classes before you exhaust your ideas. While in class, you can take advantage of the Honolulu Printmakers studio time to get some extra work on your projects. Rob is hilarious and very easy-​going.
I then took Chinese Ink-​Brush Painting with Tom, assisted by his wife Hillery, a very hospitable duo. Classes combined a little history, a little philosophy, a demonstration, then open practice time. We also shared our work from the previous week, which was fascinating to see everyone’s progress over the course. Practicing calligraphy strokes outside of class helped a lot with my technique, so the small investment in ink, brushes, and rice paper was well worth it. We only spent one week on basic calligraphy, but the brush strokes do form the basis of a lot of subsequent painting: bamboo leaves, etc. Our class culminated in an exhibit on the ground floor of the art school.
My most recent class was a short summer course on woodcut prints with Laura. It was a much smaller group than the others, which meant we got a lot of one-​on-​one attention — more than you already do get with these courses. Printmaking is very equipment-​intensive, but with woodcut, we needed very few of our own supplies. That made this the least expensive course I’ve taken.
One thing I’ve noticed is that the instructors jump right in on Day 1 and presume we know more about the techniques than absolute beginners do. They are always responsive to questions, though, so don’t be shy to ask about terminology you don’t immediately understand. The instructors have all been very encouraging and positive. Classes are often repeated by students, so you may find yourself in class with more advanced students. They are often valuable resources for project inspiration and technique advice.
Examine the materials lists ahead of time — usually the courses require supplies that are not included in the tuition. I’ve spent anywhere from $ 5 to $ 100 on required and optional supplies for class.
There is a good variety of classes available, from printmaking to drawing to painting to sculpture to fiber arts to ikebana to jewelry and much more. I’m looking forward to my next class!

I attended multiple classes in different arts with a variety of different teachers.
I recommend these classes for young and old the staff is excellent.
Whether you’re a hobbyist or the refined artist, you can always learn something new here.
The only bad thing I have to say about this place is that all of the good classes fill up fast and it limits the amount of students that they can take.

I’m only reviewing for the exhibition they presented for POW WOW HAWAII:
Magnificent exhibition! the 4×4 art they displayed by renown street artists were amazing, clean, and just stunning. There was so much art to dive into.
Upon entering you can hear a fine gentleman playing the piano to keep the mood for incoming guests going. The exhibition was free so that was a good treat! The art school itself is beatufully structure all on it’s own, and definitely a good place to put up an exhibition.

I just took an art class here this past weekend and I enjoyed it. My teacher, Regina, was knowledgeable and helpful. The class that I took also included a trip to the museum! It was neat we could go and actually look at real artwork. The class was a bit expensive at $ 150 for 2 full days, but I enjoyed myself so I’m already thinking about taking another class!

I have been able to address my concerns with the manager, Vince, and he has been able to help keep me here and gave me permission to continue to use the studio. I felt as if he is trying to make things right and appreciate so much his attempt to get things back on track.
Although I do feel that Bead It is a cheaper solution, the quality of care and classes at the museum are handled by experts in the field of work and may be more valuable long term.
I will admit that my last review was very impulsive driven and that, although it was a disappointing experience, at this point, a week later, I feel more satisfied and I am looking forward to continue working here despite all the changes and new policies.
Big Mahalos to Vince for looking out for the students who look forward to using this space to utilize our creative outlets in a positive and nurturing environment conducive to maximizing our special talents and sharing with others.

I signed up to take an art class here. They canceled the class without refunding my $ 305 registration fee or providing me notice that the class was canceled (I found when I went online to look up materials to purchase). I also found out too late to register for any other classes.
I can’t believe that this school could be so unprofessional! I was so upset that I created a Unilocal account just to let other people know, and hopefully save them from a similar mistake!

Lucky, lucky me!
I am currently enrolled in a Hawaiian Quilting class at the Academy Art Center. My class meets once a week, and we stitch and talk and cheer one another on as we learn a new skill. It is a small class, and my instructor, Patricia Lei Murray, takes the time to visit with all of us as we work on stitch after endless stitch. It is a wonderful few hours out of my week, and I appreciate the opportunity I have to learn such a traditional craft from a master quilter.
This is the first class that I’ve had the chance to take at the Academy, but it will not be the last. In talking to my classmates, the other classes offered are also taught in a small group, with attention and encouragement paid to each student in turn. When the next series of classes is offered, I will also enroll my son in one of the many classes offered for children.
My son had to join me for class one day, not feeling well enough to go to his own school, and was excited that I was able to take classes in such a beautiful setting. After receiving instructions from my instructor, I left to continue my stitching at home. My son and I wandered through the building, looking at the artwork on display in the gallery. We also made sure to check the small table near the front doors, which is covered with postcards and brochures for other classes and exhibits. We both left with eyes and spirits filled.
Parking is available in the large lot behind the building. The security guard will validate your ticket, making it a flat $ 3.00 to park during class.
31 Unilocal Review Challenge ⁴⁄₃₁

Whenever I’m having a bad day, I try my best to surround myself with art. My interest & imagination ignite whenever I’m looking at art because it allows me to look at the world around with through a different perspective.
When I first read about Akihiko Izukura’s, «Life in Colors in Hawaii» installation, I knew I had to witness Akihiko’s free-​flowing designs in person. The pictures on the Honolulu Academy of Arts website, don’t do Akihiko’s pieces justice, the vibrant colors from each piece hypnotize you & attract you like a moth to a bright light.
My favorite part was how peaceful I felt, being surrounded by art pieces which towered over me & how Akihiko’s «Life in Colors in Hawaii» installation reminded me of ballerinas whenever the wind blew. I can’t guarantee, you’ll have the same experience or appreciation as myself, but I’m sure your day will brighten the tiniest bit.
If you’re in the neighborhood & looking for inspiration, be sure to check out Akihiko Izukura’s, «Life in Colors In Hawaii» installation, viewable to the public from ⁰¹⁄₁₅ — 02÷15÷12 at the Academy Art Center.

Yesterday my bf and I were wondering what the heck the red tubular things hanging from the 2^nd floor of the Academy Art Center were. We saw some people come out onto the balcony so we walked over to find an answer.
The security guard explained to us that it was a silk display and informed us that we were free to explore the exhibits. The gallery on the ground floor housed artwork by the professors and students while the gallery on the 2^nd floor had a silk textile exhibit by Akihiko Izukura. I found both exhibits to be quite enjoyable!

«Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.» ~ Pablo Picasso
«Art is a wound turned into light.» ~ Georges Braque
Been coming here as part of their «Warrior Eyes on Art» program, spearheaded by Vince Hazen. The historic Linekona building opened as the Academy Art Center in 1990 as a means for hands on art education for children and adults.
Once a month I chaperone wounded active duty service members here for art therapy and an experience to work through a variety of mediums as a form of self expression, relaxation or atonement. Moments here have resulted in nothing short of amazing and often life changing. The magical ability of art as a catalyst for transformative healing is priceless!
Mahalo to all the volunteers and supporters that graciously host us and make it all possible. You are all truly blessed!
#Yelp 365: ⁰⁹⁰⁄₃₆₅

I’ve always admired this place from afar but never actually been on the actual grounds.
Today was the day.
It was the Estria Invitational Graffiti Battle so Linekona was filled with hip-​hop heads, graffiti artists, vendors, emcees, DJs, photographers, and just curious people who happened to walk by.
It was a really nice spread, lots of tents on the grassy area, plenty of places to cool down (cause it was f#%!@king hot!) and in the front was a floor mat for the bboys and dancers to get down. Throughout the area was large canvases for the graffiti artists.
Inside the actual center had large graffiti pieces (don’t worry, they were on sheets) placed on the wall.
It was a great venue to hold this historic event because it wasn’t too big, it was just a perfect size (easy there Goldilocks).
Unilocal 365 #34/​365

The Academy Art Center at Linekona is part of the Honolulu Academy of Arts. It’s located apart from the Academy of Arts and offers classes and houses it’s own gallery and IMHO deserves it’s own review. I figured that the Contemporary Museum (which recently merged with the Academy of Arts) has it’s own reviews, so why not the Linekona Art Center :)
I love this building. The Art Center itself opened in 1990, but before that it was an elementary/​lower school called Linekona Elementary. It’s built in the Romanesque style of architecture and was designed by H.L. Kerr, and listed in the National Register of Historical Places.
Parking is behind Linekona. Access to the private parking lot is on Young Street. There is a guard shack where you pick up a parking ticket, then when you’re through you go there to pay. Get your ticket validated from the security guard in the building (main floor) you can’t miss it. The fee is $ 3.00 for 4 hours. After 4 PM there is a flat rate for $ 4.00. You can also park here for the Academy of Arts so sometimes the parking lot can get full very early and around lunch time.
Enough with the technical stuff, lets get down to the good stuff.
Linekona offers classes for children and adults.
Adult classes include:
Drawing and Painting
Metals (Gemology, jewelry making (silversmithing and other metals). They also offer an open studio… fantastic because they have all the tools, torches, work areas, etc.
Glass: Fusion, hand building and mosaics.
Fiber Arts: Fiber art techniques, weaving, and dyeing.
Ceramics:
Printmaking
Flowers & Plants (Ikebana, lei making, bonsai)
What I like about the classes is that you have access to the tools and space. Not only that, but a lot of the instructors will have the materials available for sale that are not always available here (and usually at good prices).
I don’t know too much about the childrens’ classes except that my friends and family that have enrolled their kids in the Young Artist Classes say they really enjoyed it:
Ceramics
Painting
Cartooning
Exploring Art (K-​4)
(If you have a Honolulu Academy of Arts membership you’ll also receive a discount on the classes.)
Not only does Linekona offer classes, but they also have a small gallery in the middle where there are exhibitions which, BTW, are free!
So get your creative juices flowing and get down to The Academy Art Center!
Unilocal 365 Challenge: #24/​365