Island Treasures: Isaacs Art Center — Kamuela

By Le‘a Gleason

Isaacs Art Center has developed a reputation over the years as one of the most important collections of Hawaiian art in the state. It’s part of Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy (HPA) and operates on a mission to raise money for the benefit of HPA students through its financial aid program, while simultaneously providing the community access to significant Hawaiian art and sculpture.

The building that houses the center was built in 1915 as Waimea’s first public school structure. Today, that history brings a certain architectural warmth to the existing display. The building was moved to its current location in June 2002, and received the prestigious 2003-2004 Historic Preservation Award from the Historic Hawai‘i Foundation after being placed on the State Register of Historic Places in March 2003. The restoration was completed in March 2004.

Bernard B. Noguès founded and operated the gallery since its inception, until Mollie Hustace took the helm in July 2014. Since 1994, Mollie served as faculty member, college counselor, and chair of the Fine Arts Department at HPA and has assisted at the Isaacs Art Center.

Her credits also include working as a visiting lecturer in art history at ‘Iolani School and a docent lecturer and gallery guide at the Honolulu Museum of Art.

“Artists, students, and collectors of all ages will find treasures in this historic schoolhouse gallery of Waimea,” says Mollie.

Isaacs Art Center has its own permanent art collection with loans from private collectors as well as works of art for sale. The permanent collection includes about 30 oil paintings and 40 works on paper by Madge Tennent. Other Hawai‘i artists represented include Jean Charlot, Martha Greenwell, Herb Kawainui Kāne, D. Howard Hitchcock, Ben Norris, Louis Pohl, Huc-Mazelet Luquiens, Horatio Nelson Poole, Lloyd Sexton, Jr., and Lionel Walden.

HPAʻs 21st Biennial Scholarship Auction will be held on Saturday evening, April 25, 2015, in the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel Ballroom. Hosted cocktails and auction preview begin at 5pm with dinner at 6pm. The main event opens at 7:30pm with a live auction of fine art and specialty items. To purchase a ticket, please contact the Isaacs Art Center. ❖

Isaacs Art Center
Hawaii Preparatory Academy
10am–5pm, Tuesday–Saturday
808.885.5884
IsaacsArtCenter.hpa.edu