GALLERY REVIEW: Academy of Arts

By Yoellah Yuhudah 

Have you been there? You must get there. Where? Located at 900 S. Beretania St. off down town Honolulu is an artist’s paradise. It’s accredited by the American Association of Museums and registered as an historic place. The building takes up the corner space running south west on Ward avenue. When you arrive greeting are offered by two stone like lions of contemporary fashion. My interest for that day was gallery one the Mediterranean and Near Eastern Antiquities. There are a total of 30 galleries that house art in many varies forms.

My entire two hours was spent in gallery one a small but well lighted corner of magnificent works. My favorite out of the entire exhibit was the tomb storage vessel made of terracotta an ancient body of clay. It was found in Rome and dated back to the Etruscan period relatively timed at about 700-630 B.C... The vessel I got to touch with my hands and really felt the essence of the pottery. I laid my hands on the vessel and closed my eyes briefly imagining for a moment the potter working. I envisioned a female sitting close to the ground as she layed out her tools to work on the vessel. Opening my eyes focused on the urn the lighting floods the room. I felt good where I stood and touched the clay. Maybe it was Tuscany Spain as she sat and coiled her clay to make the precious urn. Maybe it was even the city of Pompeii that the terra cotta came from.


The museum is a must do because of the very fact you can touch and identify with the art works. Not like the museums of Chicago and New York where everything is roped off or engaged in glass display cases. The Honolulu Academy of Arts is an up close and personal artistic adventure. My second favorite piece was the large pitcher oanachae a blown glass vase from the 2nd to 4th century. The ancient mode of sand soda and lime was melted to make the viscous malleable vase that with stands time. As I view the vase its nine inch height it tickles my eye lashes with light. While reading the column that depicted the description of the clear blue-green glass. I keep casting my eyes back to the pitcher in awe of its craftsmanship.

I can’t wait to go back and discover the other 29 galleries of art at the Academy. I invite the entire community to see the exhibits especially on Wednesdays once a month it’s free. Bring good walking shoes and maybe a lunch or drink. For those tourist or travelers the Pavilion Café has lots of treats to eat. If you need to call for more information dial 532-8700 Tuesday through Sunday. Enjoy the Arts!