Critic's Choice

Mini-reviews of current art exhibits, by Advertiser art critic Virginia Wageman

• "Na Maka Hou: New Visions" (Honolulu Academy of Arts, through June 17, 532-8700.) — This broad overview of work by contemporary Native Hawaiian artists is not to be missed. Included are works by artists who were instrumental in the Hawaiian renaissance that emerged in the 1970s and works by craftspeople who have uncovered the art-making practices of their ancestors. Conceptual pieces, particularly a powerful and moving installation by Kau'i Chun, bring the exhibition into the 21st century.
• "Tropical Energy: Recent Ceramic Sculptures and Drawings by Jun Kaneko" (Honolulu Academy of Arts, through July 22, 532-8700.) — Grand ceramic sculptures are installed throughout the museum, several at the front entrance. A wall of ceramic tiles in the Graphic Arts Gallery is a masterpiece of color and pattern. Kaneko, born in Nagoya, Japan, has lived in the United States for 38 years and is among the foremost ceramic sculptors in the world.
• "Pupu o Ni'ihau: Ni'ihau Shell Leis" (Honolulu Academy of Arts, through Sept. 30, 532-8700.) — Lei made from the delicate shells for which Ni'ihau is famous provide a glimpse into the cultural history of the privately owned island.
• "Drawing Is Another Kind of Language" (The Contemporary Museum, through June 10, 526-1322.) — This exhibition, drawn from a private New York collection, presents a broad range of works on paper from the past half century, the earliest a Barnett Newman dating from 1946. The artists are mostly Americans and mostly minimalists or those who explore related trends.
• "Bamboo in Japanese Culture" (East-West Center Gallery, through June 29, 944-7177.) — Bamboo in all its guises is on display, including objects made of bamboo and those decorated with bamboo motifs. Some extraordinary textiles are exhibited, but the baskets steal the show.

Mini-reviews of current stage productions, by Advertiser theater critic Joseph Rozmiarek

• "Grace and Glorie": A warm character study of an old country woman dying of cancer and the transplanted New Yorker who volunteers as her hospice caretaker. 8 p.m. today and Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday at Manoa Valley Theatre, 2833 E. Manoa Road. $22 (discounts for seniors, students, military and patrons under 25). 988-6131.
• "Victor/Victoria": Find out for yourself whether the musical that brought Julie Andrews back to Broadway after 30 years can sustain itself without her. The Diamond Head Theatre production is lavishly staged and Cathy Foy sings beautifully, but the show has a soft center and run-on homophobic comedy. 8 p.m. today, Saturday and June 8-9; and 4 p.m. Sunday and June 10 at DHT, 520 Makapu'u Ave. $10-$40 ($5 discount for students, seniors and military for $20 and $30 seats only). 734-0274.