The Kelly family is very grateful to Downtown Art Center for the opportunity to display the artistry of Kate and John Kelly. Hoʻopuka, To Emerge: The Love of Hula was a unique and very special exhibit honoring the sacred tradition of hula. Watch a movie of the pieces in the Kelly exhibit here.
Our deep appreciation and gratitude to Floyd Takeuchi for his amazing curation and production skills, and great advice. It was a pleasure to work with him on this special project.
This exhibit allowed Kelly Art Hawaiʻi (the Estate Collection), to showcase Kate’s photographs for the first time, and premiere a bronze statuette of Kate’s hula dancer.
Hula was a subject very dear to John, as he worked in numerous media with a hula theme. This includes oil, charcoal, and pastel.
We were able to rekindle our friendship with Sandy Pohl and marvel at the manifestation of her vision. The DAC is a true gem in Chinatown that is steadily emerging as a vitally important anchor for artists of Hawaiʻi.
Mahalo nui loa to Kumu Hula Auliʻi Mitchell for offering his manaʻo, hula and oli. We all benefited from his generous sharing.
It was heartening to share in the celebration of hula with the amazing artists involved, including:
Nancy Vilhauer
Lauren Okano
Sandra Blazel
Gordan K. Gestrich
Auliʻi Mitchell
Nalamakuikapo Asing
Margo Vitarelli
Floyd Takeuchi
Karen Lucas
The Kelly family could not have produced this exhibit without the amazing contributions of our amazing team:
Noelani Block, for being a gifted framer, photo curator, and great support.
Neil Sananikone, for his scanning genius, guidance, and reassurance.
Linda Yamamoto, for her extraordinary bronze casting of Kate’s hula dancer.
Jackie Mild Lau for her foundry and help with everything!
Dino Cutera for his graphic arts wizardry and for being an installer extraordinaire.