Mission
We are dedicated to showing the best of Hawai'i's fine art masters and contemporary artists of Hawai'i.
The Koa Gallery is a catalyst, bringing art and people together. It is a working visual art laboratory for the KCC campus and the community at large, serving as a learning tool and resource for creative excellence.
The Koa Gallery is dedicated to the belief that art is a powerful force, transforming individuals and communities, and encourages creative practice for everyone into daily living.
History
When the KCC campus began moving from its former location on Kapiolani Boulevard to its location on the slopes of Diamond Head in 1980, the Koa Gallery was born. It is nestled on the first floor of the Koa Building, KCC's art building.
Under the direction of professor and artist David Behlke since 1994, the Koa Gallery has worked to give recognition to and establish a canon of art history for Hawaii. In 1994, the first Koa Award was launched to recognize lifetime achievement in the visual arts and was awarded to ceramicist Lucille Cooper. Since then, the Koa Award has recognized Toshiko Takaezu, Tadashi Sato and Murray Turnbull among others. Inspired by an idea offered by Lucille Cooper, the popular annual Mixed Media Miniature show was launched in 1997. The Gallery turned a major corner in 1998 with the exhibit Avatars of Culture featuring the work of Keichi Kimura and Isami Doi. It was an important exhibit of meticulous research and rare images showing the talent of two of Hawaii's strongest and least known artists in its history.
In 2000, the John Young Foundation committed its support to the gallery which continues to allow the gallery to operate and present shows as a professional gallery in the community.
In 2001, through the generous gifts of gallery supporters, David Behlke was able to expand the gallery space from 600 square feet to 950 square feet in 2001.
With increased publicity and recognition from local press, the Koa Gallery shows are reviewed on a regular basis. The Koa Gallery is considered the unofficial crown jewel of KCC, a source of pride and excellence.
In 2004, the Center Your Creativity was launched to give artists and everyday people the opportunity to expand their creative potential, and give teachers support for continuing art education in the face of decreased financial support for art in the schools.
Staff
David BehlkeDirector/ Curator of the Koa Gallery
behlke@hawaii.edu
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Stephanie ChangDavid Behlke was born in Fort Worth, Texas and raised in Minnesota. He has lived in Hawaii since 1992 and has been director of the Koa Gallery at Kapi'olani Community College since 1994. He has shown his own work regularly in the Honolulu art scene since his arrival. Prior to his move to the Islands he managed the prestigious Wenger Gallery in Los Angeles and has been involved in higher education for the past twenty-five years.
In his capacity as gallery director, educator and artist Behlke looks at thousands of works of art each year. "What I look for in a work of art is originality, some technical control and the ability of the artist to be self expressive. Can this person show me something about themselves as well as the world we live in and do it without using cliché's?"
While making art Behlke becomes totally involved in the creative process and time stands still. "I can work for the entire afternoon making art and think only 15 minutes has passed," the artist said. During a summer workshop at the Banff Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Banff Alberta Canada, Behlke learned that in the making of art energy comes through him, not as direct reflection of the ego but as conduit of energy. According to the artist, "ever since Banff I know that if I can just get out of my own way the creative energy will come to me and through me. After I have been working for a period of time I can almost step back and watch myself paint. That's when I know I'm in the zone".
David Behlke works in a variety of media, drawing, painting in acrylics and recently he has returned to oils, he is fond on integrating areas of glitter in some of his more whimsical work. He also designs and fabricates leaded stained glass and designs etched glass windows for commercial and domestic settings.
Associate Director/Associate Curator
pulelehua23@hotmail.com
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Angela NiStephanie was born and raised in Honolulu. After graduating from Punahou, she spent time in Denver and New York, and earned her M.A. in history from New York University. She entered the world of art and objects while working at the Brooklyn Museum of Art, the New York Historical Society, and Mission Houses Museum. She is fortunate to find herself a student again, this time in studio art and design, learning from some of the best artists on the island. Also a dancer, you may catch her moving space in the gallery at night!
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Lynn NakamuraAngela grew up in Los Angeles and has lived in Honolulu since high school. As a child, her father constantly bought her books about history, science, and fairy tales. She has been drawing constantly since before she could write and is currently studying design and finds that her work is influenced by Edward Gorey, Lewis Carrol, and different time periods. In what little spare time she has, she likes to knit things that can't be worn, sewing badly, collecting funky t-shirts, and contemplating taking up fencing again. She hopes to one day work as a graphic designer at her favorite magazine, live in London, and have a house with a library for all her books. She also hopes you don't think she is as dull as she sounds.
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Wendi TakushiLynn is a student helper at the Koa Gallery. She currently attends Kapiolani Community College and enjoys various art forms which include graphic art and design, new media, and watercolor painting. In her spare time she enjoys working on her own artwork.
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Lisa CoxWendi Mariko Takushi was born and raised in Honolulu Hawaii. She got into art at the age 9 by accident through a classmates' bet. From there, she attended the Academy of Arts (Linekona School) and took a few grade school classes. During her high school years she started entering several contests and art shows since. Upon graduation she wishes to expand her horizons by moving off this claustrophobic rock to San Francisco.
"For everything you are, However inconspicuous you may seem; No matter who as individual, Or random lives capable; With none shall be void, With none shall we perish...Thus for everything you are - For creation through prodigy - Or though feelings in limbo...May oblivion reside amongst spirit; Yet spirit shall unknowingly be destined as parasite."
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Hi My name is Lisa Cox. I'm a KCC and UH student working as Gallery Asistant here at Koa. From the moment I knew what it was, I had a love of art. I am so grateful to Koa Gallery for allowing me the opportunity to learn how a successful gallery runs, and for introducing me to new artists and artlovers from all over the globe. We have many wonderful exhibitions here every year, and each one is so unique and different, it's a wonder anything gets done! Please check us out, or e-mail me at koaglry@hawaii.edu for more information on upcoming events. Aloha!