Posted on: Sunday, May 2, 2004

State museum joins Friday gallery nights

Advertiser Staff

Beginning this week, the Hawai'i State Art Museum will participate in First Friday, Honolulu's downtown gallery walk.

The museum will join with other downtown galleries and studios in opening its doors for extended hours from 5 to 9 p.m. on the first Friday of every month. The museum is in the former Armed Services YMCA at 250 S. Hotel St., across from the Capitol.

The museum collects works by Hawai'i artists that celebrate the diverse artistic and cultural legacy of Hawai'i. The museum's current exhibit, "Enriched by Diversity: The Art of Hawai'i," includes 360 works by 284 artists.

Now celebrating its one-year anniversary, First Friday provides an opportunity for locals and tourists to experience the artistic and cultural resources of Honolulu. A free downtown gallery walk map is available at all participating sites.

The map and First Friday event were developed by individuals, businesses, and nonprofits in Chinatown and the downtown neighborhood who present art in their establishments. This effort includes galleries and museums, cafes, building lobbies, antiques stores, and even a tattoo parlor.

For more information about First Friday, call 521-2903.