WHAT:    

Impressions of An Era: The Art of John Kelly
An Exhibit From the Estate Collection

WHEN:    

October 21 – November 14
OPENING RECEPTION:  OCTOBER 20, 5 PM – 8 PM

WHERE:    

The Pegge Hopper Gallery at 1164 Nu’uanu Avenue, (808)524-1160
Gallery Hours:  Tues. – Fri. 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  Sat. 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

HONOLULU – Kelly Art Hawaii and the Honolulu Symphony today announced the opening of an art exhibit called, “Impressions of An Era: The Art of John Kelly,” at the Pegge Hopper Gallery opening October 21.  The exhibit will feature pieces of art never shown publicly and will also include a sale of art, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Honolulu Symphony.   The exhibit also coincides with the upcoming release of the Honolulu Academy of Art’s new book, “John Melville Kelly:  Hawaiian Idyll,” written by Natasha Roessler and designed by Barbara Pope, which catalogues their extensive 2005 exhibit of Kelly’s work.

"With the help of Grandma Kate's artistic eye, my grandfather worked so hard at his printmaking, often creating methods that were new and rare in his era.  They are stunning, and we're very proud and excited to be sharing them,” said Kelly’s granddaughter Colleen.

John Kelly is often referred to as Hawai’i’s Gauguin. His work is widely regarded as exceptionally skilled both in composition and technique. He worked primarily as an etcher in copper plate, but also produced some oils and watercolors.

John Melville Kelly arrived in Hawai‘i with his artist wife Kate and their son, John Jr. in 1923 from the Bay Area. He had been commissioned to illustrate a new housing development in Kailua on the Island of O’ahu. They fell in love with Hawai‘i and never left.

John was a professional graphic artist who evolved into a master draftsman. Kate was an established sculptor and photographer who taught John the technique of etching.

John and Kate soon became familiar with many aspects of Native Hawaiian culture and established lasting friendships with local fishermen and their families who lived nearby. Their home became a center of cultural exchange, music, shared meals and much gaiety. Their art captured a genuine appreciation of the Native Hawaiian people. Kate sculpted the busts of several Hawaiian friends and she did numerous bronze plaques commemorating local Hawaiian icons.

Their love of music and culture extended to the Honolulu Symphony and their children and grandchildren continue their mission to support arts in the community.

Founded in 1900, the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra is the oldest American orchestra west of the Rocky Mountains and will celebrate its 110th birthday this season.  It also provides the orchestral talent for productions of the Hawaii Opera Theatre and Ballet Hawaii.