Mission Statement
Gallery ‘Iolani at Windward Community College promotes exhibitions of cultural and educational significance within the university and local community by exhibiting works of artists of local, national and international recognition, as well as that of students in our educational program. Exhibitions include a diversity and range of individuals who singly or collectively provide a voice in the life of our community.
Twenty one years ago, Antoinette Martin was hired to create Gallery ‘Iolani, by transforming a damp, neglected cellar, into an exhibition space, now recognized as one of the finest in the state of Hawai’i showing work from local, national and international venues. Within a vigorous gallery schedule over the years, artists from Paris, France, Kiyoto, Japan, Korea, California, Kentucky, New York City, Oregon, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin, and all Hawaiian Islands have participated in exhibitions. The Gallery is now sought after as one of the most outstanding exhibition venues in the state, currently having exhibit requests from artist all over the world, creating a three -year schedule in place with an accumulated waiting list of potential exhibiting artists. In 1998, Joan Rose, the art critic for the Honolulu Advertiser, wrote that Gallery‘Iolani was one of the five galleries in the state having the most outstanding exhibition of the year.
Gallery agendas promote educational and artistic opportunities for students K-12, college students and community members, as well as artists, through artistic and educational formats. Beneficiaries experiencing life-changing opportunities through the Gallery are significant as our isolation in Hawaii limits art exposure. In addition, the gallery often provides opportunities in a professional setting for under-represented artists such as students, Native Hawaiians and senior citizens to name a few, that have exhibited.
The gallery design and management course, followed by a supplemental art internship program for interested advanced students at local museums and galleries, offers Service-Learning credit, while providing vocational training for future employment. The gallery also supports the theater program by opening during selected theater events and also exhibits an annual Christmas art event fundraiser, which is coordinated by students.
