The group was established in 2003 by ceramist and past president of Hawaii Craftsmen, James Winters, for local ceramists interested in collaboration with other local artists working in different mediums. This first exhibition was titled “Multiple Personalities” and focused on the artist presenting a portfolio of their current work along with a large collaborative group piece. This show, as well as all subsequent shows, was held in the Main Gallery of the Honolulu Museum of Art School. “Multiple Personalities” included local artists working in wood, ceramics, and mixed media.

 

Upon the close of the “Multiple Personalities” show and the death of James Winters, a subset of participating artists decided to continue working toward his goals of connecting artists from differing disciplines, exhibiting new work, and providing learning opportunities for the arts community and general public. This new group developed the second exhibition entitled “Illuminate!”

 

This 2007 exhibition included the new mediums of jewelry, fiber, and metal clay. It also incorporated new exhibition goals that directly addressed the educational mission of The Honolulu Museum of Art School and their programs by including a written educational component.

 

“Thirst”, which was held in 2011, was the group’s third exhibition. This exhibition added printmaking, a guest artist performance piece, and an educational video into the mix.  This video project, which was produced by the Video Technology Group under OCISS of the Hawaii State Department of Education, was made available for use by classroom teachers and the general public across the state.

 

“Dirt” in September of 2014, followed by “Lift” in late December of 2017, were the fourth and fifth in the series. This solidified the group’s pattern of exhibiting every three to four years, which included an invitational component for subsequent exhibitions.  Among invited artists were mixed media artists Maile Yawata and Allyn Bromley, and performance artist Robert Reed.

 

“Flashpoint” continues in this vein by providing new opportunities and challenges for its artists and presenting new and engaging works for its viewers. Through these continuing exhibitions the group continues to further enhance its educational mission by providing thought-provoking exhibitions for the general public while supporting the broader arts community. The Flashpoint exhibit will include additional local guest artists, who will continue to uphold the aesthetic, educational, and community goals of the original group. This exhibition, originally scheduled to open in 2020, was canceled due to COVID-19, changes at the Honolulu Museum of Art School, and other considerations, was rescheduled for 2022 at the Downtown Arts Center.  Additionally, to facilitate changes in venue and in compliance with business practices, “The Hawai’i Visual Arts Group”, now serves as the group’s registered Trade Name.