April 14 festivities planned to honor Academy founder
By Wanda A. Adams
Assistant Features Editor
Fete for a founder:A free Founder's Day Celebration on April 14 recalls Honolulu Academy of Arts founder and benefactor Anna Rice Cooke, an energetic art-lover who loved to share her collection, originally displayed throughout her Beretania Street home, which was torn down to make way for the museum. The Academy first opened its doors on April 8, 1927, and Cooke contributed the core of the original collection.
Among the events celebrating 75 years of art appreciation and education, noon to 5 p.m. on April 14:
• Noon, a ceremonial cake-cutting by Cooke's descendants, on the front lawn.
• Performances throughout the day by the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Hawaiian Band, Maile Beamer Loo's hula halau.
• Art activities for the children.
• Free cake and punch while supplies last.
• 2 p.m. showing of the film "Blue Hawaii" in the renovated Academy Theater.
• 4 p.m. lecture by docent Steve McLaren, "Opening Day 1927," recalling the history of the museum.
• Special floral displays by Flower Ladies and Garden Club of Honolulu.
Paradise found: "Finding Paradise, Island Art in Private Collections," opens Tuesday to Academy members, Thursday to the general public.
This landmark exhibition examines the art and material culture of the Islands from precontact to statehood with objects that range from sacred to kitcsh.
A fully illustrated catalog several years in the making includes essays by well-known authorities including Bruce Erickson, Derek McDonnell, Watters Martin, DeSoto Brown, Don Severson, Roger Rose and Loretta G. Woodard, as well as the exhibition's curator, Jennifer Seville.
Founder's eye: Opening on Founder's Day, April 14, is "Founder's Eye: Textile Gifts from Anna Rice Cooke selected from the Academy's Collection," 21 rarely seen textile masterpieces drawn together by Academy textile curator Reiko Brandon, on view through Oct. 6. Pieces range from opulent 19th century Noh theater robes to a 19th century Indian cotton hanging being shown to the public for the first time, as well as exceptional Hawaiian quilts.
Hau'oli la hanau: "They Say It's Your Birthday: Happy 75th," opens on Founder's Day — an exhibition of birthday cake-themed art by more than 50 regional artists who were invited to select a gallery and create a work for it.
The pieces are available for purchase with proceeds benefiting the Academy's children's programs. On view through Aug. 18.
Never too young: Founder Anna Rice Cooke believed children should learn early to love art. This year's Young People's Spring 2002 Exhibition runs April 20-27, showcasing artwork from the Academy's spring classes.
Stay tuned: Major exhibits and events in the anniversary year (April 2002-April 2003) include "Treasures from an Unknown Reign: Shunzhi Porcelain," May 2-Sept. 1; "Ansel Adams in Hawaii," June 27-Aug. 4; "Showcase 2002," one-day sale of new works by local contemporary artists, Aug. 18; "Shingon Buddhist Treasures from Japan," first time seen outside of Japan, Sept. 1-Nov. 10; "Gauguin's Zombie: An Installation by Debra Drexler," paintings, carvings and writings that relate to Gaugin's works, Sept. 5-Oct. 27; "Promised Gifts and Recent Acquisitions," a show of anniversary gifts and purchases, Dec. 5-Feb. 16, 2003; Kama'aina Christmas, black-tie fund-raiser, Dec. 14; "Korean Centennial Exhibition," Jan. 16-March 2, 2003; "Honolulu Printmakers: A 75th Anniversary Celebration," March 13-May 4, 2003; Artists of Hawai'i 2003, fifth annual statewide showcase of island artists, June 5-Aug. 3, 2003.
Check it out: In honor of the anniversary, Bank of Hawaii and the Academy have teamed up to create a new line of checks showcasing artwork from the Academy's John Dominis and Patches Damon Holt Gallery for the Arts of Hawai'i.
Four images are featured: "Rice Fields, Hanalei," by William Twigg-Smith; "Egrets and Pandanus," by Lloyd Sexton; "Sunrise Over Diamond Head," by Jules Tavernier; and "Hawaiian Woman in White Holoku," by Cornelia Macintyre Foley. The bank will donate $1 to the Academy for every Academy series check order.
More information: 532-8700; recorded information, 532-8701.
