At downtown Hilo’s August First Friday event, a fundraiser and celebration from 5:30-10 p.m. will launch the new name of the East Hawaii Cultural Center.
At downtown Hilo’s August First Friday event, a fundraiser and celebration from 5:30-10 p.m. will launch the new name of the East Hawaii Cultural Center.
As of Aug. 2, the venerable nonprofit organization will be known as the Hawaii Museum of Contemporary Art, or HMOCA, in short. The event, a colorful show with music, performance and dancing, will also include a membership drive and an art auction. The art of Bea Israel, Rose Adare and Rod Cameron, who recently brought home to East Hawaii the first three places in Kona’s Wyland Gallery “Best of the West“ show, will be featured in a special one-night presentation.
“The name change was voted upon by the board of the East Hawaii Cultural Council in 2009 and is now being implemented to make a statement that the art center building, now the Hawaii Museum of Contemporary Art, is entering a new era,” said Lourdan Kimbrell, president and acting director. “We want to establish a new connection to the community, and we also need to reflect that we are living in Hawaii in the 21st century and we are connected to a global audience showcasing contemporary art and expression, while acknowledging the past and traditions.”
A preview for the art auction was held Friday, and other preview events will be held today, Monday and Tuesday. For the First Friday event, admission will be $5 for non-members and $4 for EHCC members.