Talk Story with an Advertiser: Studio 7 Fine Arts

When Hiroki and Setsuko Morinoue opened Studio 7 Fine Arts Gallery, they opened it as an educational experience.

Setsuko explains, “In 1979 there was no place for contemporary artists to exhibit on the west side.” Looking back, they realize itʻs why they eventually founded a nonprofit called Holualoa Foundation for Arts & Culture in 1995, and purchased an old coffee mill, which they restored and upgraded, opening Donkey Mill Arts Center (DMAC) in 2002.

In the early years of the gallery, they hosted many fine exhibits, scheduling one show every month, and also offering artist’s presentations, demonstrations or hands-on events. They also hosted the International Papermakers group exhibit, fiber arts, photography, ceramics, painting, printmaking, mixed media, conceptual based invitational group exhibits, as well as Japanese tea ceremonies and concerts. Setsuko says, “We were very busy and always excited to share our passions with the community.”

While Hiroki was an independent artist and taking care of his family coffee farm, Setsuko worked at hotels and later at a local preschool as an art teacher. She realized she needed to focus on what they wanted in life, which was to support the local arts community. Bob and Carol Rogers had started Kona Arts Center (KAC) in 1965 and were instrumental in teaching Hiroki the importance of arts education.

Hiroki says, “We wanted to give that opportunity to the younger people on the island. It was our way to pay back what I received from KAC, the Rogers and the community.”

Studio 7 Fine Arts received its name because it was Hirokiʻs seventh studio. The name was suggested by their dear friend and fellow artist, Laila Twigg-Smith. Hiroki smiles, “I guess it was my lucky number.” Currently the gallery features Hiroki’s works, alongside showcases by Setsuko and their daughter, Miho, plus a few other local artists’ works.

The coupleʻs two daughters were both established dancers in New York City. Eventually they moved home, after retiring from dance. Their first daughter, Miho, returned in 2005 to join as an arts educator for the youth program for DMAC and is currently the program director for the adults and youth program.

Maki and her family came back in 2016 to help with the gallery. Beaming pride, Setsuko says, “Both girls have so much of us in them. They are our best art creations. I always say, ‘dream big and set intentions clear and loud.’ Somewhere they can hear you and if you’re doing a good deed itʻll come to you.”

Studio 7 Fine Arts
76-5920 Mamalahoa Hwy, Hōlualoa
808.324.1335
studiosevenfinearts.com