Art in Public Places Program
The Art in Public Places (APP) Program acquires completed, portable works of art (Relocatable Works of Art), and commissions artists to create works of art for specific locations (Commissioned Works of Art). These works of art are displayed in over 640 sites statewide including schools, libraries, hospitals, airports, state office buildings, the State Capitol and at Capitol Modern (the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum).
The APP Program also supports excellent arts education programming in schools during the school day, out-of-school arts education for pre-K students and lifelong learning for adults.
Explore the Collection
View artworks in the Art in Public Places Collection online.
Request Artwork
Artworks from the Art in Public Places Collection are displayed in state government sites across the state. To request artwork for a state government site, or to request that artwork at a site be moved, please click the “make a request” button below.
Percent for Art Program
In 1967, Hawaiʻi became the first state in the nation to adopt a percent-for-art law. The purpose of the law is to beautify and humanize our state buildings and increase public access to the arts.
Commissioned Works of Art
The SFCA Art in Public Places Program commissions artists to create works of art for specific state government locations.
Spotlight: Art in Public Places Commissioned Works of Art
Art in Public Places Collection News
Sculpture by local artist dedicated at Nānākuli Public Library
Photo: detail of sculpture On Saturday, September 21, the sculpture “Mānaiakalani” by Scott Norwood Fitzel was dedicated at Nānākuli Public
Mamiko Carroll
September 24, 2024
Artists in the Schools News
SFCA Artists in the Schools Spotlight: Hawaii School for the Deaf and Blind
2023 Artists in the Schools classroom sessions include Hawaiʻi School for the Deaf and Blind (HSDB) with teaching artist Rayna
Mamiko Carroll
July 16, 2024
Art in Public Places Collection News
Sculpture by local artist now greets visitors to University of Hawaii West Oahu
(KAPOLEI, HI, March 26, 2024) – The State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA) fulfilled its latest Art in
Mamiko Carroll
March 27, 2024
Relocatable Works of Art
The SFCA Art in Public Places Program acquires Relocatable Works of Art (which can be moved and displayed in various locations) through purchases and gifts.
Recent Additions to the Art in Public Places Collection
Art in Public Places Collection News
Artworks approved for purchase at July 2025 SFCA Board of Commissioners meeting
Twenty-one artworks were approved for purchase at the July 18, 2025 SFCA Board of Commissioners meeting. These artworks will be
Mamiko Carroll
July 29, 2025
Art in Public Places Collection News
SFCA Board of Commissioners approves purchase of 17 artworks for SFCA Art in Public Places Collection
Satoru Abe, “169” oil painting, 2019-2021. Art in Public Places Collection of the Hawaiʻi State Foundation on Culture and the
Mamiko Carroll
February 12, 2025
Art in Public Places Collection News
SFCA Board of Commissioners approves purchase of 17 artworks for SFCA Art in Public Places Collection
Photo: surfer/photographer/model Haʻa Keaulana signing the back of a photograph recently approved for addition to the SFCA Art in Public
Mamiko Carroll
November 18, 2024
Artworks purchased by or gifted to the Art in Public Places Collection, fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026).
| Date of Approval | Artist Name | Artwork Title | Artwork Medium | Year Created | Acquired From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/18/2025 | Verna Apio Takashima | Kapa Papale | textile/kapa, natural dyes, acrylic paint | 2024 | "E Ola Ke Kahua O Ka Hana Kapa" exhibition at Kahilu Theatre |
| 7/18/2025 | Dalani Tanahy | Layover Quilt | Hawaiian kapa, fabric, quit batting | 2011 | "E Ola Ke Kahua O Ka Hana Kapa" exhibition at Kahilu Theatre |
| 7/18/2025 | Mary Milelzcik | Pohoiki 25 | felted kapa and hanji, with mulberry paper and natural dyes | 2024 | "E Ola Ke Kahua O Ka Hana Kapa" exhibition at Kahilu Theatre |
| 7/18/2025 | Lisa Chun Rodondi | Upper Road to Waimea | kapa bojagi | 2024 | "E Ola Ke Kahua O Ka Hana Kapa" exhibition at Kahilu Theatre |
| 7/18/2025 | Susi Watson | Kauhale: Foundations of Tradition | kapa mounted on monkeypod wood boxes | 2024 | "E Ola Ke Kahua O Ka Hana Kapa" exhibition at Kahilu Theatre |
| 7/18/2025 | Blair Craig | UNEARTH | ultra-violet screen print | 2022 | "2024 Pacific States Biennial North American Juried Print Exhibition" at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo |
| 7/18/2025 | Tiana Honda | upheaval | watercolor screen print and photolithography | 2022 | "2024 Pacific States Biennial North American Juried Print Exhibition" at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo |
| 7/18/2025 | Stephen McMillan | Ocean Rocks | 4 plate aquatint etching | 2024 | "2024 Pacific States Biennial North American Juried Print Exhibition" at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo |
| 7/18/2025 | Emmett Merrill | Dionysus | lithograph | 2023 | "2024 Pacific States Biennial North American Juried Print Exhibition" at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo |
| 7/18/2025 | Brandon Kralik | Lahaina Twilight | oil on canvas painting | 2025 | "Celebration of Hawaiʻi 2025 - 20th Annual Invitational" at Viewpoints Gallery |
| 7/18/2025 | Peter Voci | Na ʻAuao | mango wood sculpture | 2025 | "Celebration of Hawaiʻi 2025 - 20th Annual Invitational" at Viewpoints Gallery |
| 7/18/2025 | Husa Adams | Divine Alchemy II | encaustic mixed media | 2024 | "Celebration of Hawaiʻi 2025 - 20th Annual Invitational" at Viewpoints Gallery |
| 7/18/2025 | Hiroko Sakurai | Invisible Landscapes #2: Mind-scape and Mimic-scape | repurposed five panel folding screen, paper, ink, dye, mineral pigment, gold leaf paper and fabric | 2025 | "Mud, Myth, and Memory - Masters of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition" at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa |
| 7/18/2025 | Mary Lew | Raku Take Out | raku ceramic | 2025 | "Raku Hoʻolauleʻa 2025", Hawaiʻi Craftsmen at Downtown Art Center |
| 7/18/2025 | Emily Ma | Ocean Breeze | naked raku ceramic | 2025 | "Raku Hoʻolauleʻa 2025", Hawaiʻi Craftsmen at Downtown Art Center |
| 7/18/2025 | Faye Maeshiro | In Tatters | raku ceramic | 2025 | "Raku Hoʻolauleʻa 2025", Hawaiʻi Craftsmen at Downtown Art Center |
| 7/18/2025 | Jackie Mild Lau | Dragon Party | raku fired clay | 2025 | "Raku Hoʻolauleʻa 2025", Hawaiʻi Craftsmen at Downtown Art Center |
| 7/18/2025 | Ryan Schulz | Crown Hunters | naked raku ceramic | 2025 | "Raku Hoʻolauleʻa 2025", Hawaiʻi Craftsmen at Downtown Art Center |
| 7/18/2025 | Russell E. Wee | Innovation | clay | 2025 | "Raku Hoʻolauleʻa 2025", Hawaiʻi Craftsmen at Downtown Art Center |
| 7/18/2025 | Vince Hazen | Milu's Ghost Catcher | screenprint | 2024 | "2025 Honolulu Printmakers 97th Annual Exhibition" Downtown Art Center |
| 7/18/2025 | Steven Kean | Alliance | woodcut print on paper | 2024 | "2025 Honolulu Printmakers 97th Annual Exhibition" Downtown Art Center |
Artworks purchased by or gifted to the Art in Public Places Collection, fiscal year 2025 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025).
| Date of Approval | Artist Name | Artwork Title | Artwork Medium | Year Created | Acquired From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07/17/2024 | Amos Kotomori | Over the Rainbow | banana fiber, rayon | 2024 | "NO FOGET!" at fishcake |
| 07/17/2024 | Mark Kadota | Memory Blooms | diptych painting | 2024 | "NO FOGET!" at fishcake |
| 07/17/2024 | Shuzo Uemoto | Lilikoi Blossom Triptych | photo print | 1992 | "NO FOGET!" at fishcake |
| 07/17/2024 | Don Ed Hardy | Shopping for Close | colored pencil on black paper | 2022 | "NO FOGET!" at fishcake |
| 07/17/2024 | Lisa Kasprzycki | Kehu Kai | oil and shellac on wood | 2024 | "Celebration of Hawaiʻi 2024 - Ka Leo Moana - The Voice of the Ocean - 19th Annual Invitational" at Viewpoints Gallery Maui |
| 07/17/2024 | Julie Houck | Laʻa Kea | oil on canvas painting | 2024 | "Celebration of Hawaiʻi 2024 - Ka Leo Moana - The Voice of the Ocean - 19th Annual Invitational" at Viewpoints Gallery Maui |
| 07/17/2024 | Husa Adams | Finding My Way | encaustic mixed media | 2024 | "Celebration of Hawaiʻi 2024 - Ka Leo Moana - The Voice of the Ocean - 19th Annual Invitational" at Viewpoints Gallery Maui |
| 07/17/2024 | Christine Valles | Para Gusto, Hay Colores (For Tastes, There are Colors) | crocheted yarn | 2024 | "Fiber Hawaiʻi 2024" Hawaiʻi Craftsmen at Downtown Art Center Gallery |
| 07/17/2024 | Mary Mitsuda | Island Manuscript | acrylic on canvas painting | 2023 | "Allegory" at Bishop Square Pauahi Tower Lobby |
| 07/17/2024 | Noreen Naughten | Orange Hau Trees | oil on linen painting | 2008 | "Allegory" at Bishop Square Pauahi Tower Lobby |
| 07/17/2024 | Sanit Khewhok | Double | oil on canvas painting | 2024 | "Allegory" at Bishop Square Pauahi Tower Lobby |
| 9/11/24 | Mayumi Oda | Morning Breath, My Breath | print on paper, diptych | 1983 | "Happy Veggies" at Donkey Mill Art Center |
| 9/11/24 | Mayumi Oda | Haloa | print on paper | 2005 | "Happy Veggies" at Donkey Mill Art Center |
| 9/11/24 | Mayumi Oda | Heart Sutra with Ulu | print on paper | 2008 | "Happy Veggies" at Donkey Mill Art Center |
| 9/11/24 | Jennifer Lugris | The Mother Who Never Smiled | oil and acrylic on canvas painting | 2021 | "The Paths We Cross: Perspectives from the Korean Diaspora" at Wailoa Center |
| 9/11/24 | Kainoa Gruspe | the location of the very, absolute, tippety top of the mountain is not yet known" | egg tempera, gathered and processed pigments, various rocks, yarn on polycotton | 2021 | "The Location of Up and Down" at Aupuni Space |
| 9/11/24 | Kainoa Gruspe | stool teetering on the fabric of reality and everything itself | wood veneer, pencil, acrylic, rust from years of sharpening chisels, yarn on polycotton | 2024 | "The Location of Up and Down" at Aupuni Space |
| 9/11/24 | Stephanie Ross and Hugh Jenkins | Upper Road Mist | glass | 2009 | "Under the Influences: Glass Work by Stephanie Ross and Hugh Jenkins" at Downtown Art Center |
| 9/11/24 | Wayne Levin | Column of Akule | silver gelatin print photograph | 2000 | "Wayne Levin: A Life in Photography Retrospective 1965-2024" at Downtown Art Center |
| 9/11/24 | Wayne Levin | Sub-Pod of Melon Head Whales | archival pigment print photograph | 2007 | "Wayne Levin: A Life in Photography Retrospective 1965-2024" at Downtown Art Center |
| 9/11/24 | Wayne Levin | The Edge #101, Sand Clouds | archival pigment print photograph | 2024 | "Wayne Levin: A Life in Photography Retrospective 1965-2024" at Downtown Art Center |
| 11/13/2024 | Haʻa Keaulana | Hoʻokupu, a traditional "gift" or "offering." Mākaha, Oʻahu. | digital photographs mounted on e-panel | 2016 | "Heʻe Nalu: The Art and Legacy of Hawaiian Surfing" exhibit, Manini Gallery at Arts and Letters Nuʻuanu |
| 11/13/2024 | Haʻa Keaulana | Chad Keanu Kalanikuakapu Keaulana, between sets on a traditional Alaia board. Mākaha, Oʻahu | digital photographic print mounted on e-panel | 2018 | "Heʻe Nalu: The Art and Legacy of Hawaiian Surfing" exhibit, Manini Gallery at Arts and Letters Nuʻuanu |
| 11/13/2024 | Haʻa Keaulana | Megan Godinez, Core surfer affectionately known as Aunty Megz, at her home break in Waikīkī | digital photographic print mounted on e-panel | 2022 | "Heʻe Nalu: The Art and Legacy of Hawaiian Surfing" exhibit, Manini Gallery at Arts and Letters Nuʻuanu |
| 11/13/2024 | Shawn Spangler | Precis 3 | porcelain | 2023 | "Flowers 4 My Friends: Re/Marks on Color" exhibit at Kahilu Theater |
| 11/13/2024 | Kalani Largusa and Dhehee Lee | Untitled | Acrylic and water-based media on canvas | 2024 | "Flowers 4 My Friends: Re/Marks on Color" exhibit at Kahilu Theater |
| 11/13/2024 | Sue Tanaka | Voice of Wind | ink on rice paper | 2024 | "2024 Abstract Only - Annual Multimedia National Juried Competition", Hawaiʻi Arts Alliance at Wailoa Center |
| 11/13/2024 | Forest Leonard | Lei Stand | raku ceramic | 2024 | "RE:Casting" Manini Gallery |
| 11/13/2024 | Forest Leonard | Mergance | reclaimed stoneware and glaze | 2024 | "RE:Casting" Manini Gallery |
| 11/13/2024 | Chiho Ushio | Shangri La 2020 | linoleum cut and screenprint on paper | 2020 | "Bitter/Sweet" exhibit at Hōʻikeākea Gallery, Leeward Community College |
| 11/13/2024 | Anika Kuntze | Head in the Clouds | graphite drawing on heavy Strathmore paper | 2020 | "Bitter/Sweet" exhibit at Hōʻikeākea Gallery, Leeward Community College |
| 11/13/2024 | Kathy Chang | Surrender #6 | acrylic and oil paint on wooden hexagon panels | 2024 | "Bitter/Sweet" exhibit at Hōʻikeākea Gallery, Leeward Community College |
| 11/13/2024 | Lorena Gheorghe | Honolulu Pride Portrait II | photograph | 2023 | "HERE: Contemporary Queer Portraiture from Hawaiʻi", Manini Gallery at The Manifest |
| 11/13/2024 | Marie Eriel Sagrado | Kumu Hina | digital photography print | 2023 | "HERE: Contemporary Queer Portraiture from Hawaiʻi", Manini Gallery at The Manifest |
| 11/13/2024 | Cyan Garma | Points of Light | acrylic on canvas painting | 2023 | "Fertile Ground" exhibit at Arts and Letters Nuʻuanu |
| 11/13/2024 | Mary Downes | Election Season | fiber | 2024 | "Hawaiʻi Craftsmen Annual Statewide Exhibition 2024" at Downtown Art Center |
| 11/13/2024 | Claudia Johnson | Collective Grief | fallen wood, paint | 2024 | "Hawaiʻi Craftsmen Annual Statewide Exhibition 2024" at Downtown Art Center |
| 11/13/2024 | Michael and Misato Mortara | Enigma Cube | hot and cold worked glass | 2024 | "Hawaiʻi Craftsmen Annual Statewide Exhibition 2024" at Downtown Art Center |
| 2/11/2025 | Clayton Amemiya | Hana | wood fired ceramic | 2024 | "Altered Earth" at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center |
| 2/11/2025 | Jake Boggs | Monument to Kaumakapili Church | ceramic | 2024 | "Altered Earth" at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center |
| 2/11/2025 | Rachelle Dang | Ulu triptych | glazed ceramic | 2024 | "Altered Earth" at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center |
| 2/11/2025 | Rachelle Dang | Ulu single | glazed ceramic | 2024 | "Altered Earth" at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center |
| 2/11/2025 | Codie King | The Blues | mixed media sculpture: cement, plaster, pigments, clay balls, finishing wax | 2024 | "Altered Earth" at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center |
| 2/11/2025 | Sarah Metz | Lei for Queen Lili?uokalani | mixed media sculpture: pitfired porcelain, terra sigillata, wire | 2024 | "Altered Earth" at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center |
| 2/11/2025 | Pierre Fichefeux | Kiss (le baiser) | acrylic on canvas painting | 2012 | "All That Gather Under the Sun" at the East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center |
| 2/11/2025 | Pierre Fichefeux | Danse-l'ombre-de Sa-Main (Within-shadow-of-His-Hand) | acrylic on canvas painting | 2010 | "All That Gather Under the Sun" at the East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center |
| 2/11/2025 | Satoru Abe | 169 | oil on canvas painting | 2019-2021 | "Satoru Abe: 100 New Paintings" at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Art Gallery |
| 2/11/2025 | Satoru Abe | A | oil on canvas painting | 2019-2021 | "Satoru Abe: 100 New Paintings" at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Art Gallery |
| 2/11/2025 | Tomoko Ouchi | Invitation Extended | acrylic on canvas painting | 2024 | "Art Kauaʻi 2024" at Kauaʻi Society of Artists |
| 2/11/2025 | Joan Luzney | Kauaʻi Twigs | watercolor and pencil | 2024 | "Art Kauaʻi 2024" at Kauaʻi Society of Artists |
| 2/11/2025 | Brooke Mahnken | Cloaca | ceramic | 2024 | "Mālama Wao Akua" at Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center |
| 2/11/2025 | Tracy Dudley | Wiliwili and Lion's Ear - Survivor and Intruder" | acrylic painting | 2024 | "Mālama Wao Akua" at Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center |
| 2/11/2025 | Gwen Arkin | Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai (Polyptych) | lumen print | 2024 | "Mālama Wao Akua" at Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center |
| 2/11/2025 | Ed Clapp | Daphne | painted and patinated bronze sculpture | 2024 | "Hawaiʻi Surrealist Exhibit" at Wailoa Center |
| 2/11/2025 | Joseph Ruesing | In Mind Time | archival digital print on paper | 2024 | "Hawaiʻi Surrealist Exhibit" at Wailoa Center |
Invite Committee
Relocatable Works of Art for the Art in Public Places Collection are selected via an Art Acquisition Selection Committee (AASC) from juried or curated exhibits statewide. An AASC visit must be requested by the exhibition organizers and approved by the SFCA Board of Commissioners.
Recent and Upcoming Exhibit Visits
| Island | City | Venue | Exhibit Title | Exhibit Organizers | Type | Exhibit Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maui | Kahului | Maui Arts and Cultural Center, Schaefer International Gallery | MACC Biennial 2025 | Maui Arts and Cultural Center | juried | July 8 - August 30, 2025 |
| O'ahu | Honolulu | Downtown Art Center | Wondrous Light: Aurora Borealis | Hawaiʻi Handweavers' Hui / Glass Fusion Collective | juried | July 7 - 27, 2025 |
| Oʻahu | Honolulu | Arts and Letters Gallery Nuʻuanu | Kahi Ching: Chinese Zodiac, Part 1 | Arts and Letters Nuʻuanu | curated | July 11 - August 31, 2025 |
| Maui | Makawao | Viewpoints Gallery Maui | Lucky Live Hawaiʻi 2025 Invitational | Viewpoints Gallery | curated | July 13 - September 7, 2025 |
| Oʻahu | Honolulu | Downtown Art Center | 2025 Hawaiʻi Watercolor Society Open Exhibition | Hawaiʻi Watercolor Society | juried | July 29 - August 23, 2025 |
| Hawaiʻi Island | Hilo | Wailoa Center | 2025 Abstract Only! 15th Annual Multimedia Juried Competition | Wailoa Center | juried | August 1 - 28, 2025 |
| Hawaiʻi Island | Kamuela | Kahilu Exhibits at Kahilu Theatre | Many Hands, Many Journeys: A Cross-Pacific Artistic Dialogue | Andi Campgonone and J. Jay West | curated | August 9 - September 14, 2025 |
| Hawaiʻi Island | Holualoa | Donkey Mill Art Center | Synergystic Tendencies: Explorations in Collaborative Ceramics | Donkey Mill Art Center | curated | August 23 - October 11, 2025 |
| Oʻahu | Kāneʻohe | Gallery ʻIolani, Windward Community College | KULEANA | Gallery ʻIolani | curated | August 29 - December 12, 2025 |
| Oʻahu | Honolulu | The Art Gallery, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Art Building | Interisland (New Paintings from New York and Hawaiʻi) | University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Art Department | curated | August 31 - December 7, 2025 |
| Oʻahu | Pearl City | Hōʻikeākea Gallery, Leeward Community College | My Monumental Summer: Live, Love, Paint: Summer Edition | Leeward Community College | curated | August 30 - November 14, 2025 |
Capitol Modern (Hawaiʻi State Art Museum)
Engaging the public with arts and culture in downtown Honolulu.
Art in Public Places Video Gallery
Short videos featuring artists talking about their artworks in the Art in Public Places Collection.
Short videos featuring artworks from the Art in Public Places Collection.
