View Contemporary Art at the Hawaii State Capitol this First Friday

Photo: State Foundation of Culture and Arts

This piece is by Jean Charlot titled Tying Child to Chair. "Before leaving the child alone in the house, the mother takes care that the child will not fall from the chair," says Charlot.

The Hawaii State Capitol is joining in the popular First Friday festivities this Friday, March 5, as it hosts the second annual “Art at the Capitol.” The state capitol holds more than bills, legislators and the occasional protest—the building showcases more than 430 works of art, all available for public viewing.

The hundreds of pieces are part of the state’s Art in Public Places program, which was established in 1967 and was the first of its kind in the nation. This year, 45 offices in the House and Senate will open their doors for an inside look to the capitol building, as well as a chance to view paintings, sculptures and more by local artists such as Satoru Abe, Lily Hasegawa, Charlene Hughes, Brett Uprichard and several others. Capitol tour guides will also be on hand to share the history of the capitol and the significance of its architecture.

Listen to live music by the Hawaii Youth Symphony on the second and third floors while you meet and greet with the featured artists or discuss one of this session’s bills with a legislator.

So, if you’re tired of the usual First Friday spots, change it up by heading over to the Capitol.

Photo: State Foundation of Culture and Arts

This piece is by Satoru Abe is titled Seed No. 57. This painting centers around the theme growth and translates the concept of the "husk of the seed bursting to grow," says Abe.