On April 26, 2018, Impact Hub HNL hosted the first ImpactART event featuring mixed-media artist Lauren Hana Chai. This event was hosted in partnership with Honolulu Biennial Foundation.
Last Known Locations was inspired by the true story of Chai’s mother, who went missing when Chai was only 11 years old. Chai, now 27, has created a collection of vibrant paintings and drawings in a variety of sizes, including a mural, here at Impact Hub HNL.
Many of the pieces reflect Chai’s healing process as she worked through emotions of losing her mother. Other works are focused on North Korea. Says Chai, “As a Korean American, I’m largely inspired by Korean folk art and history as well as the clash of East and West, old and new. I am super grateful to be the first ImpactART featured artist and beyond excited to see the continued development of Impact Hub bringing together community and many more art shows to come!”
Last Known Locations offered an interactive art experience for guests, encouraging connection among the attendees. Upon arrival, each attendee was given half of a notecard with an image and a story; each image had a match in the crowd, and when put together, told the story of various pieces in the show.
All of the pieces from the show are on display and for sale at Impact Hub until May 26. Hours are Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm. To view the exhibit, check in with our Host at the front desk.
What is ImpactART?
ImpactART supports Hawaii’s artists by creating an equal exchange of artwork for studio and exhibition space. Co-created by Impact Hub HNL and Honolulu Biennial Foundation in 2017 to address the need for art studios and the proper valuation of artists’ work, ImpactART will trade space, materials and a gallery show within the Impact Hub for artwork.
Anne Weber, Impact Hub HNL Community Manager, explains, “The idea for ImpactART was inspired by our commitment to creating community impact. When we opened in August 2017, we had huge blank walls and wanted to figure out a way to beautify the space, support local up and coming artists, inspire a new audience of art lovers, and show the business community how they too can support local arts in a creative way. It is a win-win.”
To inquire about art space or to learn more about Impact Hub HNL, email us.
What is the Honolulu Biennial Foundation?
The Honolulu Biennial Foundation (HBF) supports the local arts infrastructure with a global outreach by presenting the Honolulu Biennial event. The launch of Honolulu Biennial marks Hawaii’s first entry into the international biennial circuit. Honolulu Biennial will focus on art from the Pacific, the Asian continent, and the Americas.
Throughout the year, HBF serves the local community by presenting educational outreach programs, in addition to its between biennial festival programming initiative, Visions of the Future.
