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State Foundation on Culture and the Arts JULY 2025 Newsletter


July 2025




SFCA launches new online database for Art in Public Places Collection
The SFCA Art in Public Places Collection online database can be searched by artist, medium, artwork title, and more! Information includes current location. Go to sfca.hawaii.gov/app-art to get started.

Questions? Please contact SFCA Art in Public Places Registrar Kacey Bejado via email: Kathleen.Bejado@hawaii.gov.
 
Capitol Modern




July events at Capitol Modern

•   “The Spark Within” art exhibit featuring artworks by Hawaiʻi public school teachers who are also professional artists. Opening reception Friday July 4, 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. during the July First Friday free, all-ages event. Please note that the museum is closed during the day for the Fourth of July state holiday and will open at 5:00 p.m. for the event.

•   First Friday, Friday July 4, 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. Free all-ages live music and urban market event. Museum galleries will be open.

•   Friday Night Tempo, July 18, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Free all-ages live music and urban market. Museum galleries will be open.

•   Museum calendar: CapitolModern.org/events
Are you subscribed to the Capitol Modern email newsletter? Subscribe or update your information: Capitol Modern email newsletter signup.

CapitolModern.org

Arts & Culture Opportunities




Image: promotional graphic for the 2025 Hawaiʻi Nei art exhibition call for artists.
A list of federal, state, and other arts and culture calls for artists. Questions regarding a particular opportunity should be directed to the organization listed with the opportunity. Inclusion here should not be interpreted as an endorsement.

•   Fine Arts Conference 2025 Professional Learning Sessions for elementary school and fine arts teachers, July 14, 15, and 16. The State of Hawaiʻi Department of Education Fine Arts Conference (FAC) 2025 will offer enriching learning sessions that embrace the National Core Arts Standards for Fine Arts, social-emotional learning strategies, and collaboration opportunities for elementary and Fine Arts teachers. Learn more here: sites.google.com/k12.hi.us/2025-fine-arts-conference/opening-day?authuser=0.

•   University of Hawaiʻi Insect Museum: outreach event at Patagonia Store, Ward Avenue (Honolulu), on the evening of July 26, 2025. Artists are invited to showcase their art related to insects. To learn more and participate, please contact Sandra Schachat by email at SSchachat@schmidtsciencefellows.org or contact the museum on Instagram at @uh_insect_museum.  

•   Call for artists: Hawaiʻi Nei 2025. The Three Mountain Alliance, the Hawai‘i Island Art Alliance, the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, and the Wailoa Center State Park are proud to announce Hawai‘i Nei 2025, a juried art exhibition celebrating the native flora and fauna of Hawai‘i Island. Hawaiʻi Island residents of all ages are invited to submit works of art celebrating the native plants, animals, and habitats of our beloved island, our Hawai‘i Nei. HawaiiNeiArtExhibition.org.

•   Call for exhibits: Kahilu Theatre (Hawaiʻi Island), deadline September 8, 2025. Kahilu seeks proposals from solo artists, artist groups and collectives, and curators for exhibitions. For more information and to apply, go to the CallForEntry posting: Kahilu Theatre Call for Exhibits.

•   Call for Entry (CaFE). The Call for Entry (CAFE) website can be searched by state (choose the “sort by” menu on the left side of the screen). Search the Café website: Artist.CallForEntry.org.

•   Call for artists: “Vessels: that which hold” exhibit, open to Hawaiʻi-based 2D and 3D artists in all mediums and styles. Submissions due by August 8, 2025. For more information and to enter, please go to the CallForEntry.org posting: 2025 Vessels.

•   “2025 Trash Show: Hawaiʻi Island Recycles” open to Hawaiʻi Island artists. All artworks must be made from post-consumer recycled materials, discards, throwaways, accrual, etc. Large 3-D pieces are encouraged. Submission deadline: September 12, 2025. For more information and to enter, please go to the CallForEntry.org posting: The 2025 Trash Show: Hawaiʻi Island Recycles.

•   Call for artists: “Wings and Woodlands: A Tribute to Native Birds and Forests”, Kauaʻi Forest Bird Recovery Project, Birds Not Mosquitoes, Kauaʻi Endangered Seabird Recovery Project and Tree for Honolulu’s Future celebrate Hawaiʻi’s native manu through art. Artists of all ages may enter. Entries due by October 31, 2025. For more information and entry forms, please go to KFBRP Art Exhibit Guidelines 2025 (Google Doc).  

•   Marine Debris Cutting Tool Design Contest, submissions due by July 31, 2025. The Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project (PMDP) and the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program (Hawai‘i Sea Grant) has announced the launch of the Marine Debris Hack-A-Thon, a cutting-edge challenge which calls on individuals or teams to develop new, innovative tools that can be used to cut and remove derelict fishing nets. This competition challenges participants to design and develop next-generation tools engineered to more efficiently cut and remove derelict fishing nets from marine environments. seagrant.soest.hawaii.edu/news-and-events/hack-a-thon-competition-launched-to-protect-marine-life-coral-reefs.

•   Call for student artists: “Trees for Honolulu’s Future”, Hawaiʻi students grades K-8. Email ArtContest@TreesForHonolulu.org to be notified when the 9th annual contest is announced this summer.

•   East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center “36 Views of Mauna Loa” open call for artists January 1 - 31, 2026. Learn more on the EHCC website: ehcc.org/opencall/36views.

•   Call for artists: Honouliuli Plans  for 10 Year Remembrance of Internment in Hawaiʻi. Calling all artists to be part of an Art Exhibit planned for January for this remembrance. Each month the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai`i plans events to learn more. Many people in the interment camp turned to art as a way to endure the unbearable with dignity and patience – “Gaman”. How will artists today respond? Entries due by December 21, 2025. nps.gov/hono/getinvolved/10th-anniversary-celebration.htm.
 
Arts & Culture Events



Photo: Kenny Endo. The Kenny Endo Taiko Ensemble is performing at several public libraries across the state as a part of the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System Summer Reading Challenge. Some of the events are supported in part by public funding from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.

This arts and culture calendar features SFCA grantees, partners, and Hawaiʻi state and local government programs and events. Questions regarding a particular program or event should be directed to the organization listed with the opportunity. Inclusion here should not be interpreted as an endorsement.

•   "The Spark Within" artworks by public school teachers at Capitol Modern: the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum, July 1 - 25, 2025. Opening reception Friday July 4, during the Capitol Modern First Friday event (free admisson, all ages welcome), 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. CapitolModern.org/exhibits/2025-spark-within.  

•   Hawaiʻi State Archives Builder’s Spotlight featuring Eric DeVine of DeVine Guitars and ʻUkulele’s, ʻukulele player Mika Kane, and host Kimo Hussey. Saturday July 19, 2025, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Facebook Live. The video will be posted to the Archives’ YouTube page afterwards. Facebook.com/HawaiiStateArchives.

•   Hawaiʻi ʻUkulele Festival Sunday July 13, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the Kapiʻolani Park Bandstand. Live entertainment, arts and crafts village, and food court. Includes a Hawaiʻi State Archives booth and induction of Israel Kamakawiwoʻole into the ʻUkulele Hall of Fame. For more information: HawaiiUkuleleFestival.com.  

•   Honolulu Botanical Gardens 2025 Twilight Concert Series, free concerts at botanical gardens in Honolulu in July. For the full schedule, please go to the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation online events and classes calendar: honolulu.gov/dpr/honolulu-botanical-gardens/events-and-classes.

•   Foster Botanical Garden “A Midsummer Night’s Gleam” 2025, July 19, 3:00 – 9:00 p.m. Live music, theatrical arts, nature crafts, food trucks and more. For more information and ticket prices, please visit the Friends of Honolulu Botanical Gardens website: FriendsOfHonoluluBotanicalGardens.org.  

•   “Franco Salmoiraghi: Photographs of Hawaiʻi from the 70s, 80s, and 90s” at the Honolulu Museum of Art, through October 12, 2025. For more information, please visit the HoMA website: HonoluluMuseum.org/pQ4Q2sY/franco-salmoiraghi--photographs-of-hawai-i-from-the-70s--80s--and-90s.  

•   Hawaiʻi Public Radio “Hawaiʻi Radio Hour” broadcasting from Kahilu Theatre, Sundays at 4:00 p.m. on HPR-1. Conversations, moʻolelo, and mele. Learn more and listen on the Kahilu website: kahilu.org/hawaii-radio-hour-episodes.  

•   Hawaiʻi State Public Library Summer Reading Challenge events include performances of music and dance at various public libraries across the islands. Several are productions of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Outreach College, supported in part by public funding from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. View the event calendar for all library locations on the Hawaiʻi State Public Library website: LibrariesHawaii.org/events.

◦   Stories Told Through Taiko with the Kenny Endo Taiko Ensemble at the Hawaiʻi-Naʻalehu public library (Hawaiʻi Island) July 2, 10:00 – 10:45 a.m; Hawaiʻi-Mountain View (Hawaiʻi Island) July 2, 2:00 – 2:45 p.m.; Hawaiʻi-Honokaʻa (Hawaiʻi Island) July 3, 5:00 – 5:45 p.m.; Oʻahu-Aina Haina July 19, 11:00 – 11:45 a.m.; A production of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Outreach College, supported in part by public funding from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.

◦   Huliau: Halau Hula Ka Noʻeau Kumu Hula Michael Pili Pang and performers take you on a historical journey of mele. Hawaii-Pahala public library July 3, 12:00 – 12:45 p.m.; Kauaʻi-Lihue July 23, 5:00 – 5:45 p.m.; Hawaiʻi-Kailua-Kona July 25, 1:00 – 1:45 p.m.; Hawaiʻi-Thelma Parker Memorial, July 26, 2:00 – 2:45 p.m.; Lanaʻi July 29, 2:00 – 2:45 p.m. and Oʻahu Waikiki-Kapahulu July 31, 5:30 – 6:15 p.m. A production of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Outreach College, supported in part by public funding from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.

◦   Heroes of the Classical Era with Greywolf Hawaiʻi-Kealakekua July 23, 5:30 – 6:15 p.m.

◦   Stories from Around the World with Dave Del Rocco Oʻahu-Kaneohe July 31, 10:00 – 10:45 a.m.  

◦   Nā Mele Kīkā a ʻUkulele with Ian O’Sullivan Kauaʻi-Waimea public library July 7, 5:00 – 5:45 p.m. A production of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Outreach College, supported in part by public funding from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.

◦   Okinawan Dance with Cheryl Yoshie Nakasone Oʻahu-Kapolei Public Library, July 9, 5:30 – 6:15 p.m.; Oʻahu-Mililani public library July 12, 11:00 – 11:45 a.m.; A production of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Outreach College, supported in part by public funding from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.

◦   Journey of Slack Key Guitar with Jeff Peterson, Hawaiʻi-North Kohala public library, July 18, 1:00 – 1:45 p.m.;  Hilo public library July 19, 11:00 – 11:45 a.m.; Ewa Beach July 21, 5:30 – 6:15 p.m.; Kauaʻi-Koloa July 22, 3:00 – 3:45 p.m.; Maui-Wailuku July 24, 5:30 – 6:15 p.m.; Maui-Makawao July 26, 2:00 – 3:15 p.m. A production of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Outreach College, supported in part by public funding from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.

•   Summer Reading Challenge Silent Disco at Kapolei Public Library (West Oʻahu), July 2 and Mānoa Public Library July 3. LibrariesHawaii.org/events.  

Find more arts and culture events on the SFCA website: July 2025 Arts and Culture Events.
 
Find exhibits and events on the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority’s Go Hawaiʻi calendar
The Go Hawaiʻi event calendars provide information about cultural performances, stage shows, musical events, and art exhibits. The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority reviews each event submission and requires that the events is open to the public and “of interest to visitors”.  

•   Hawaiʻi Island: gohawaii.com/islands/hawaii-big-island/events 

•   Kauaʻi: gohawaii.com/islands/kauai/events 

•   Lanaʻi: gohawaii.com/islands/lanai/events 

•   Maui: gohawaii.com/islands/maui/events 

•   Molokaʻi: gohawaii.com/islands/molokai/events 

•   Oʻahu: gohawaii.com/islands/oahu/events 
Listing an event is free! Interested event hosts and organizations can learn more on the GoHawaii website: gohawaii.com/events/submit. 

SFCA Board of Commissioners




Photo: Sanit Khewhok, “Double” oil on canvas painting, 2024. Art in Public Places Collection of the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. Currently on display at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol in the office of Representative Ikaika Hussey.

SFCA Board approves eleven artwork purchases and two exhibit visits
The SFCA Board of Commissioners approved eleven artwork purchases and two exhibit visits at the March 12, 2025 Art in Public Places committee meeting.

•   Recent purchases and gifts are listed on the SFCA website: sfca.hawaii.gov/art-in-public-places-program/#recent-adds.

•   Approved exhibit visits are also posted to the SFCA website: sfca.hawaii.gov/art-in-public-places-program/#aasc-visits.




Graphic: detail from “Waimea Canyon”, oil painting by John Young, 1991. SFCA Art in Public Places Collection. Currently on display in the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Education, Kauaʻi District Office. John Young (1909-1997) was born in Honolulu. Largely self-taught, he learned calligraphy and brush painting at Chinese language school and produced his first oils at 18. Young used a brush and palette knife to create the lava formations and foliage of Waimea Canyon. "I want to give the entire canyon a feeling of great depth--create a sense of tranquility and a misty luminous light on the canvas."

Upcoming SFCA Board of Commissioners Meetings

•   Friday, August 22, 2025: General Meeting (Kauaʻi, location to be announced)

•   Friday, November 21, 2025: General Meeting

•   Friday February 27, 2026: General Meeting

•   Friday, June 5, 2026: General Meeting
Decisions about grants, artwork purchases, and more are made by the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA) Board of Commissioners. Meetings are currently being held in-person at the No. 1 Capitol District Building and virtually on Zoom. The public is invited to attend.

Appointed by the state governor, the Board of Commissioners oversees the Executive Director, provides input, and approves spending. Commissioners are volunteers and do not receive compensation for their duties.

Individuals may submit written testimony on posted agenda items in advance of the meeting via email to Rhiannon.MK.Keene@hawaii.gov or by mail addressed to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, 250 South Hotel Street, 2nd Floor, Honolulu, HI 96813. Individuals interested in signing up to provide oral testimony on posted agenda items at the meeting may submit their name, email, and phone number to Rhiannon.MK.Keene@hawaii.gov.

Agenda items for General Meetings may include approval of artwork acquisition recommendations and Acquisition Award Selection Committee (AASC) art exhibit visit recommendations.

Agendas and minutes are also posted on the SFCA Board of Commissioners page.
 
SFCA Office
The SFCA office is open by appointment. SFCA is operating in a hybrid model of teleworking where all staff are available by email or telephone. If you aren’t sure who to contact, email HawaiiSFCA@hawaii.gov or call (808) 586-0300 and leave a voice message, including your name and telephone number.


Copyright (C) 2025 Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. All rights reserved.
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The mission of the Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts is to promote, perpetuate, preserve and encourage culture and the arts, history and the humanities as central to the quality of life of the people of Hawai‘i. HSFCA funding is provided by the State of Hawai‘i and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Hawaii State Art Museum

The Hawai'i State Art Museum is dedicated to presenting the largest and finest collection of works by Hawai'i artists that celebrate the diverse artistic and cultural legacy of Hawai'i.

OUR MISSION
To promote, perpetuate, preserve and encourage culture and the arts, history and the humanities as central to the quality of life of the people of Hawai`i. HSFCA funding is provided by the State of Hawai`i and the National Endowment for the Arts. The HSFCA is administratively attached to the Department of Accounting and General Services.

HOURS:
The musuem is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed State and Federal Holdays. Always free admission. For pre-recorded information call 586-0900.

The Hawai'i State Art Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. For pre-recorded summary information on the museum, call (808) 586-0900. For current museum program information, call the HSFCA Art in Public Places Program at (808) 586-0305. To arrange an educational tour of the museum, call (808) 586-9958.


For information on the HSFCA; the Hawai'i State Art Museum; HSFCA grants, programs, and services; Hawai'i arts and culture events; and USA and worldwide arts opportunities, visit the HSFCA website, www.hawaii.gov/sfca.
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