A new exhibit at the Downtown Art Center in Honolulu highlights a different side of those who design the buildings we see every day.
The show gives the public a chance to see into the minds of 30 local architects through the art they make on their own time.
Architect Randy Fujiki is an advisor to the "Architects As Artists" exhibit, which presents personal artworks by architects and those in related fields whose buildings are a part of our urban landscape.
"We walk into a space, we're looking up, down, at the ceilings, at the floors, the details, and the quality of how things happen," Fujiki said.
You would think architects have a pretty good idea of what artwork would look good inside of buildings, but Fujiki said, "We are all busy working and doing our projects as architects."
Fujiki says that's why it took some convincing to secure pieces for the "Architects as Artists" show. Everyone was so busy!
But, it turns out, many have been making art on the side for years. Fujiki says in the end, 30 people in architecture and related fields were selected by curators Carol Khewhock and Miyako Nishinakagawa.
"You know to see Francis Oda, that really opened my eyes. Gary Yee is a wonderful ceramicist, he's an architect. Sheryl Seaman did jewelry that she did on her own. Bonhui Uy, one of the best designers in the '70s and '80s, he came out and he does graphic things," Fujiki said. "And you've got Eric Crispin, you've got Ted Garducci, ceramicists like Sanford Murata. "
"Group 70 had nine people from partners to people that have just started the architecture program. So we have a couple of architecture students that are in there," he said.
Sales were brisk opening weekend, with pieces ranging from paintings to prints, photographs, jewelry, ceramics, and more. Fujiki said they are already considering an encore.
"And people are saying we should do this again because now people are realizing what quality it was," he said.
"Architects as Artists" continues at the Downtown Art Center through Feb. 12. The exhibit is open for viewing Tuesday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
