The ¡¯s first-ever Insect Art Show, presented with Honolulu Printmakers, celebrated the insect world¡¯s powerful role in art. More than 50 pieces from local artists are being shown in downtown Honolulu, drawing a packed crowd from the arts, science and community members curious about insects.
“We were all stunned, in a good way, by the number of people who came out for the first day,” said event organizer Sandra Schachat from the insect museum, which is part of the (CTAHR). “Our goal is to create opportunities for the general public to connect on a more emotional level with insect biodiversity. They can feel hopeful about conserving insects across the planet, and especially here in Â鶹´«Ã½.”
A rich mix of art mediums is on display, including oil paintings, watercolors, mezzotint (monochrome printmaking process) etchings and intaglio linework on metal plates, and risography (digital screen printing). Public response to the art has been strong, with risography, an eco-friendly fine art printmaking technique with vegetable dyes, attracting many admirers. The first piece sold at the show was a risograph Koa Bug by Â鶹´«Ã½ Island artist Devyn Park from Pencil Urchin Press.
This art show is open to the public at Honolulu Printmakers through December 5. It’s the latest in a series of the Insect Museum¡¯s community events, following the successful family event held over the summer.
The museum will continue its outreach with an open house in December during the Pacific Entomology and Botany Meeting, to welcome scientists from all over the Pacific into the UH Insect Museum.