Honolulu's art scene undergoes big changes

By Virginia Wageman
Advertiser Art Critic

Honolulu's most (shall we say only?) cutting-edge art gallery, Salon 5, closed its doors at the end of March, a victim of Hawai'i's grim art market.

Owned by artist Rich Richardson, the gallery opened in summer 1999 in the space where Seth Goldstein ran Sisu Gallery for two years — and closed it for the same reason.

However, we will still have the opportunity to profit from Richardson's vision, as he has literally moved across the street from his Nu'uanu gallery to Marks Garage, the new and exciting arts center at Nu'uanu Avenue and Pauahi Street in Chinatown.

At Marks Garage, Richardson is responsible for administering the day-to-day activities of the arts center, which will have its grand opening in July.

He and Hawai'i Craftsmen executive director Kim Coffee-Isaak, who serves as manager for Marks Garage, welcome inquiries from the community about using the space for exhibitions and performances. Call them at 521-2903.

Richardson sees his new position as an opportunity to continue what he considered an important goal of Salon 5: Identify the Chinatown area as an art-friendly zone and as a place to centralize artistic happenings.

Also trying to revitalize the Chinatown area with art exhibitions and cultural events is the Bethel Street Gallery, devoted to the arts of the Pacific, including Fiji, Samoa and other such countries, as well as of Hawai'i.

The gallery has been closed for renovations and will reopen in mid-May.

They also welcome inquiries, especially from emerging artists and from kupuna willing to volunteer their efforts. Call 533-2836.

On the subject of gallery comings and goings, Pitre Fine Arts, showing the work of two generations of the Pitre family, has opened at 1111 Nu'uanu Ave. (521-5773). Arts of Paradise gallery will close tomorrow after nearly 14 years in Waikiki.