Art in Public Places Program

The Art in Public Places (APP) Program acquires completed, portable works of art (Relocatable Works of Art), and commissions artists to create works of art for specific locations (Commissioned Works of Art). These works of art are displayed in over 640 sites statewide including schools, libraries, hospitals, airports, state office buildings, the State Capitol and at Capitol Modern (the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum).

The APP Program also supports excellent arts education programming in schools during the school day, out-of-school arts education for pre-K students and lifelong learning for adults. 

Explore the Collection

View artworks in the Art in Public Places Collection online.

Request Artwork

Artworks from the Art in Public Places Collection are displayed in state government sites across the state. To request artwork for a state government site, or to request that artwork at a site be moved, please click the “make a request” button below.

Percent for Art Program

In 1967, Hawaiʻi became the first state in the nation to adopt a percent-for-art law. The purpose of the law is to beautify and humanize our state buildings and increase public access to the arts.

Purpose and History​

Enriching the public sphere through the arts since 1967.

Commissioned Works of Art

The SFCA Art in Public Places Program commissions artists to create works of art for specific state government locations. 

Spotlight: Art in Public Places Commissioned Works of Art

Relocatable Works of Art

The SFCA Art in Public Places Program acquires Relocatable Works of Art (which can be moved and displayed in various locations) through purchases and gifts.

Recent Additions to the Art in Public Places Collection

Carved wood sculpture being photographed.
Art in Public Places Program News

SFCA Board of Commissioners approves purchase of fourteen artworks, including sculpture by Native Hawaiian master carver Rocky Jensen

On August 22, 2025 the SFCA Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of fourteen artworks from five exhibits. These include a koa wood sculpture, “Kanaloa”, by Native Hawaiian master carver Rocky Jensen (1944 – 2023), from the 2025 Hawaiʻi Triennial exhibit at the East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center in Hilo.

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Artworks purchased by or gifted to the Art in Public Places Collection, fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026).

Date of ApprovalArtist NameArtwork TitleArtwork MediumYear CreatedAcquired From
7/18/2025Verna Apio TakashimaKapa Papaletextile/kapa, natural dyes, acrylic paint2024"E Ola Ke Kahua O Ka Hana Kapa" exhibition at Kahilu Theatre
7/18/2025Dalani TanahyLayover QuiltHawaiian kapa, fabric, quit batting2011"E Ola Ke Kahua O Ka Hana Kapa" exhibition at Kahilu Theatre
7/18/2025Mary MilelzcikPohoiki 25felted kapa and hanji, with mulberry paper and natural dyes2024"E Ola Ke Kahua O Ka Hana Kapa" exhibition at Kahilu Theatre
7/18/2025Lisa Chun RodondiUpper Road to Waimeakapa bojagi2024"E Ola Ke Kahua O Ka Hana Kapa" exhibition at Kahilu Theatre
7/18/2025Susi WatsonKauhale: Foundations of Traditionkapa mounted on monkeypod wood boxes2024"E Ola Ke Kahua O Ka Hana Kapa" exhibition at Kahilu Theatre
7/18/2025Blair CraigUNEARTHultra-violet screen print2022"2024 Pacific States Biennial North American Juried Print Exhibition" at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
7/18/2025Tiana Hondaupheavalwatercolor screen print and photolithography2022"2024 Pacific States Biennial North American Juried Print Exhibition" at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
7/18/2025Stephen McMillanOcean Rocks4 plate aquatint etching2024"2024 Pacific States Biennial North American Juried Print Exhibition" at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
7/18/2025Emmett MerrillDionysuslithograph2023"2024 Pacific States Biennial North American Juried Print Exhibition" at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
7/18/2025Brandon KralikLahaina Twilightoil on canvas painting2025"Celebration of Hawaiʻi 2025 - 20th Annual Invitational" at Viewpoints Gallery
7/18/2025Peter VociNa ʻAuaomango wood sculpture2025"Celebration of Hawaiʻi 2025 - 20th Annual Invitational" at Viewpoints Gallery
7/18/2025Husa AdamsDivine Alchemy IIencaustic mixed media2024"Celebration of Hawaiʻi 2025 - 20th Annual Invitational" at Viewpoints Gallery
7/18/2025Hiroko SakuraiInvisible Landscapes #2: Mind-scape and Mimic-scaperepurposed five panel folding screen, paper, ink, dye, mineral pigment, gold leaf paper and fabric2025"Mud, Myth, and Memory - Masters of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition" at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
7/18/2025Mary LewRaku Take Outraku ceramic2025"Raku Hoʻolauleʻa 2025", Hawaiʻi Craftsmen at Downtown Art Center
7/18/2025Emily MaOcean Breezenaked raku ceramic2025"Raku Hoʻolauleʻa 2025", Hawaiʻi Craftsmen at Downtown Art Center
7/18/2025Faye MaeshiroIn Tattersraku ceramic2025"Raku Hoʻolauleʻa 2025", Hawaiʻi Craftsmen at Downtown Art Center
7/18/2025Jackie Mild LauDragon Partyraku fired clay2025"Raku Hoʻolauleʻa 2025", Hawaiʻi Craftsmen at Downtown Art Center
7/18/2025Ryan SchulzCrown Huntersnaked raku ceramic2025"Raku Hoʻolauleʻa 2025", Hawaiʻi Craftsmen at Downtown Art Center
7/18/2025Russell E. WeeInnovationclay2025"Raku Hoʻolauleʻa 2025", Hawaiʻi Craftsmen at Downtown Art Center
7/18/2025Vince HazenMilu's Ghost Catcherscreenprint2024"2025 Honolulu Printmakers 97th Annual Exhibition" Downtown Art Center
7/18/2025Steven KeanAlliancewoodcut print on paper2024"2025 Honolulu Printmakers 97th Annual Exhibition" Downtown Art Center
8/22/2025Rocky KaʻiouliokahihikoloʻEhu JensenKanaloakoa wood sculpturec. 19802025 Hawaiʻi Triennial: ALOHA NŌ at East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center
8/22/2025Dieter RungeDouble Stackoil on canvas painting2024"Allegory II" exhibit at Bishop Square, Pauahi Tower Lobby
8/22/2025Kamran SamimiChanneled - Waterfallmixed media on canvas: stone pigment, watercolor paint, acrylic paint, cement on raw canvas2025"Allegory II" at Bishop Square, Pauahi Tower Lobby
8/22/2025Kenneth NakamuraFear of Flyingoil on canvas painting2025"Allegory II" at Bishop Square, Pauahi Tower Lobby
8/22/2025Kahi ChingʻUhane IV (Spirit Series)Mixed media sculpture: juniper wood, acrylic, and glass2025"2025 Hawaiʻi Triennial: ALOHA NŌ" at Capitol Modern: the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum
8/22/2025Nanea LumMe ke aoacrylic and oil on canvas painting2025"2025 Hawaiʻi Triennial: ALOHA NŌ" at The Hub (841 Bishop Street)
8/22/2025Nanea LumI ka pōacrylic and oil on canvas painting2025"2025 Hawaiʻi Triennial: ALOHA NŌ" at The Hub (841 Bishop Street)
8/22/2025Kelly Teamey and Mary BabcockHala Economies / Wayfinding Keaukahalauhala, plastic retail tags, receipt on paper diptych2025"Hala" exhibit at Wailoa Art Center, Hilo
8/22/2025Dee ShimabukuroMoena Pikolauhala weaving2025"Hala" exhibit at Wailoa Art Center, Hilo
8/22/2025Yola Monakhov Stockton and Mei Li Wong-GaryArchiving Lauhala, Mei Lin Wong-Gary with Pūhala, Mamona Road, Hawaiʻi"woven glossy fiber gelatin silver print photographs from black and white 8x10" negative2025"Hala" exhibit at Wailoa Art Center, Hilo
8/22/2025Yola Monakhov Stockton and Mei Li Wong-GaryArchiving Lauhala, Hilo International Airport, Hawaiʻiwoven glossy fiber gelatin silver print photographs from black and white 8x10" negative2024-2025"Hala" exhibit at Wailoa Art Center, Hilo
8/22/2025Mealaaloha BishopKalaupapa, Molokaʻioil on canvas painting2024"Living Sovereign" a solo exhibition by Mealaaloha Bishop at Aupuni Space
8/22/2025Meaaloha BishopKalo 2oil on canvas painting2024"Living Sovereign" a solo exhibition by Mealaaloha Bishop at Aupuni Space
8/22/2025Mealaaloha BishopLuluku Kaneoheoil on canvas painting2024"Living Sovereign" a solo exhibition by Mealaaloha Bishop at Aupuni Space

Artworks purchased by or gifted to the Art in Public Places Collection, fiscal year 2025 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025).

Date of ApprovalArtist NameArtwork TitleArtwork MediumYear CreatedAcquired From
07/17/2024Amos KotomoriOver the Rainbowbanana fiber, rayon2024"NO FOGET!" at fishcake
07/17/2024Mark KadotaMemory Bloomsdiptych painting2024"NO FOGET!" at fishcake
07/17/2024Shuzo UemotoLilikoi Blossom Triptychphoto print1992"NO FOGET!" at fishcake
07/17/2024Don Ed HardyShopping for Closecolored pencil on black paper2022"NO FOGET!" at fishcake
07/17/2024Lisa KasprzyckiKehu Kaioil and shellac on wood2024"Celebration of Hawaiʻi 2024 - Ka Leo Moana - The Voice of the Ocean - 19th Annual Invitational" at Viewpoints Gallery Maui
07/17/2024Julie HouckLaʻa Keaoil on canvas painting2024"Celebration of Hawaiʻi 2024 - Ka Leo Moana - The Voice of the Ocean - 19th Annual Invitational" at Viewpoints Gallery Maui
07/17/2024Husa AdamsFinding My Wayencaustic mixed media2024"Celebration of Hawaiʻi 2024 - Ka Leo Moana - The Voice of the Ocean - 19th Annual Invitational" at Viewpoints Gallery Maui
07/17/2024Christine VallesPara Gusto, Hay Colores (For Tastes, There are Colors)crocheted yarn2024"Fiber Hawaiʻi 2024" Hawaiʻi Craftsmen at Downtown Art Center Gallery
07/17/2024Mary MitsudaIsland Manuscriptacrylic on canvas painting2023"Allegory" at Bishop Square Pauahi Tower Lobby
07/17/2024Noreen NaughtenOrange Hau Treesoil on linen painting2008"Allegory" at Bishop Square Pauahi Tower Lobby
07/17/2024Sanit KhewhokDoubleoil on canvas painting2024"Allegory" at Bishop Square Pauahi Tower Lobby
9/11/24Mayumi OdaMorning Breath, My Breathprint on paper, diptych1983"Happy Veggies" at Donkey Mill Art Center
9/11/24Mayumi OdaHaloaprint on paper2005"Happy Veggies" at Donkey Mill Art Center
9/11/24Mayumi OdaHeart Sutra with Uluprint on paper2008"Happy Veggies" at Donkey Mill Art Center
9/11/24Jennifer LugrisThe Mother Who Never Smiledoil and acrylic on canvas painting2021"The Paths We Cross: Perspectives from the Korean Diaspora" at Wailoa Center
9/11/24Kainoa Gruspethe location of the very, absolute, tippety top of the mountain is not yet known"egg tempera, gathered and processed pigments, various rocks, yarn on polycotton2021"The Location of Up and Down" at Aupuni Space
9/11/24Kainoa Gruspestool teetering on the fabric of reality and everything itselfwood veneer, pencil, acrylic, rust from years of sharpening chisels, yarn on polycotton2024"The Location of Up and Down" at Aupuni Space
9/11/24Stephanie Ross and Hugh JenkinsUpper Road Mistglass2009"Under the Influences: Glass Work by Stephanie Ross and Hugh Jenkins" at Downtown Art Center
9/11/24Wayne LevinColumn of Akulesilver gelatin print photograph2000"Wayne Levin: A Life in Photography Retrospective 1965-2024" at Downtown Art Center
9/11/24Wayne LevinSub-Pod of Melon Head Whalesarchival pigment print photograph2007"Wayne Levin: A Life in Photography Retrospective 1965-2024" at Downtown Art Center
9/11/24Wayne LevinThe Edge #101, Sand Cloudsarchival pigment print photograph2024"Wayne Levin: A Life in Photography Retrospective 1965-2024" at Downtown Art Center
11/13/2024Haʻa KeaulanaHoʻokupu, a traditional "gift" or "offering." Mākaha, Oʻahu.digital photographs mounted on e-panel2016"Heʻe Nalu: The Art and Legacy of Hawaiian Surfing" exhibit, Manini Gallery at Arts and Letters Nuʻuanu
11/13/2024Haʻa KeaulanaChad Keanu Kalanikuakapu Keaulana, between sets on a traditional Alaia board. Mākaha, Oʻahudigital photographic print mounted on e-panel2018"Heʻe Nalu: The Art and Legacy of Hawaiian Surfing" exhibit, Manini Gallery at Arts and Letters Nuʻuanu
11/13/2024Haʻa KeaulanaMegan Godinez, Core surfer affectionately known as Aunty Megz, at her home break in Waikīkīdigital photographic print mounted on e-panel2022"Heʻe Nalu: The Art and Legacy of Hawaiian Surfing" exhibit, Manini Gallery at Arts and Letters Nuʻuanu
11/13/2024Shawn SpanglerPrecis 3porcelain2023"Flowers 4 My Friends: Re/Marks on Color" exhibit at Kahilu Theater
11/13/2024Kalani Largusa and Dhehee LeeUntitledAcrylic and water-based media on canvas2024"Flowers 4 My Friends: Re/Marks on Color" exhibit at Kahilu Theater
11/13/2024Sue TanakaVoice of Windink on rice paper2024"2024 Abstract Only - Annual Multimedia National Juried Competition", Hawaiʻi Arts Alliance at Wailoa Center
11/13/2024Forest LeonardLei Standraku ceramic2024"RE:Casting" Manini Gallery
11/13/2024Forest LeonardMergancereclaimed stoneware and glaze2024"RE:Casting" Manini Gallery
11/13/2024Chiho UshioShangri La 2020linoleum cut and screenprint on paper2020"Bitter/Sweet" exhibit at Hōʻikeākea Gallery, Leeward Community College
11/13/2024Anika KuntzeHead in the Cloudsgraphite drawing on heavy Strathmore paper2020"Bitter/Sweet" exhibit at Hōʻikeākea Gallery, Leeward Community College
11/13/2024Kathy ChangSurrender #6acrylic and oil paint on wooden hexagon panels2024"Bitter/Sweet" exhibit at Hōʻikeākea Gallery, Leeward Community College
11/13/2024Lorena GheorgheHonolulu Pride Portrait IIphotograph2023"HERE: Contemporary Queer Portraiture from Hawaiʻi", Manini Gallery at The Manifest
11/13/2024Marie Eriel SagradoKumu Hinadigital photography print2023"HERE: Contemporary Queer Portraiture from Hawaiʻi", Manini Gallery at The Manifest
11/13/2024Cyan GarmaPoints of Lightacrylic on canvas painting2023"Fertile Ground" exhibit at Arts and Letters Nuʻuanu
11/13/2024Mary DownesElection Seasonfiber2024"Hawaiʻi Craftsmen Annual Statewide Exhibition 2024" at Downtown Art Center
11/13/2024Claudia JohnsonCollective Grieffallen wood, paint2024"Hawaiʻi Craftsmen Annual Statewide Exhibition 2024" at Downtown Art Center
11/13/2024Michael and Misato MortaraEnigma Cubehot and cold worked glass2024"Hawaiʻi Craftsmen Annual Statewide Exhibition 2024" at Downtown Art Center
2/11/2025Clayton AmemiyaHanawood fired ceramic2024"Altered Earth" at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center
2/11/2025Jake BoggsMonument to Kaumakapili Churchceramic2024"Altered Earth" at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center
2/11/2025Rachelle DangUlu triptychglazed ceramic2024"Altered Earth" at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center
2/11/2025Rachelle DangUlu singleglazed ceramic2024"Altered Earth" at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center
2/11/2025Codie KingThe Bluesmixed media sculpture: cement, plaster, pigments, clay balls, finishing wax2024"Altered Earth" at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center
2/11/2025Sarah MetzLei for Queen Lili?uokalanimixed media sculpture: pitfired porcelain, terra sigillata, wire2024"Altered Earth" at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center
2/11/2025Pierre FichefeuxKiss (le baiser)acrylic on canvas painting2012"All That Gather Under the Sun" at the East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center
2/11/2025Pierre FichefeuxDanse-l'ombre-de Sa-Main (Within-shadow-of-His-Hand)acrylic on canvas painting2010"All That Gather Under the Sun" at the East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center
2/11/2025Satoru Abe169oil on canvas painting2019-2021"Satoru Abe: 100 New Paintings" at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Art Gallery
2/11/2025Satoru AbeAoil on canvas painting2019-2021"Satoru Abe: 100 New Paintings" at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Art Gallery
2/11/2025Tomoko OuchiInvitation Extendedacrylic on canvas painting2024"Art Kauaʻi 2024" at Kauaʻi Society of Artists
2/11/2025Joan LuzneyKauaʻi Twigswatercolor and pencil2024"Art Kauaʻi 2024" at Kauaʻi Society of Artists
2/11/2025Brooke MahnkenCloacaceramic2024"Mālama Wao Akua" at Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center
2/11/2025Tracy DudleyWiliwili and Lion's Ear - Survivor and Intruder"acrylic painting2024"Mālama Wao Akua" at Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center
2/11/2025Gwen ArkinKa Uluwehi O Ke Kai (Polyptych)lumen print2024"Mālama Wao Akua" at Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center
2/11/2025Ed ClappDaphnepainted and patinated bronze sculpture2024"Hawaiʻi Surrealist Exhibit" at Wailoa Center
2/11/2025Joseph RuesingIn Mind Timearchival digital print on paper2024"Hawaiʻi Surrealist Exhibit" at Wailoa Center

Invite Committee

Relocatable Works of Art for the Art in Public Places Collection are selected via an Art Acquisition Selection Committee (AASC) from juried or curated exhibits statewide. An AASC visit must be requested by the exhibition organizers and approved by the SFCA Board of Commissioners.

Recent and Upcoming Exhibit Visits

IslandCityVenueExhibit TitleExhibit OrganizersTypeExhibit Dates
MauiKahuluiMaui Arts and Cultural Center, Schaefer International GalleryMACC Biennial 2025Maui Arts and Cultural CenterjuriedJuly 8 - August 30, 2025
O'ahuHonoluluDowntown Art CenterWondrous Light: Aurora BorealisHawaiʻi Handweavers' Hui / Glass Fusion CollectivejuriedJuly 7 - 27, 2025
OʻahuHonoluluArts and Letters Gallery NuʻuanuKahi Ching: Chinese Zodiac, Part 1Arts and Letters NuʻuanucuratedJuly 11 - August 31, 2025
MauiMakawaoViewpoints Gallery MauiLucky Live Hawaiʻi 2025 InvitationalViewpoints GallerycuratedJuly 13 - September 7, 2025
OʻahuHonoluluDowntown Art Center2025 Hawaiʻi Watercolor Society Open ExhibitionHawaiʻi Watercolor SocietyjuriedJuly 29 - August 23, 2025
Hawaiʻi IslandHiloWailoa Center2025 Abstract Only! 15th Annual Multimedia Juried CompetitionWailoa CenterjuriedAugust 1 - 28, 2025
Hawaiʻi IslandKamuelaKahilu Exhibits at Kahilu TheatreMany Hands, Many Journeys: A Cross-Pacific Artistic DialogueAndi Campgonone and J. Jay WestcuratedAugust 9 - September 14, 2025
Hawaiʻi IslandHolualoaDonkey Mill Art CenterSynergystic Tendencies: Explorations in Collaborative CeramicsDonkey Mill Art CentercuratedAugust 23 - October 11, 2025
OʻahuKāneʻoheGallery ʻIolani, Windward Community CollegeKULEANAGallery ʻIolanicuratedAugust 29 - December 12, 2025
OʻahuHonoluluThe Art Gallery, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Art BuildingInterisland (New Paintings from New York and Hawaiʻi)University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Art DepartmentcuratedAugust 31 - December 7, 2025
OʻahuPearl CityHōʻikeākea Gallery, Leeward Community CollegeMy Monumental Summer: Live, Love, Paint: Summer EditionLeeward Community CollegecuratedAugust 30 - November 14, 2025
KauaʻiLīhuʻeKauaʻi Society of Artists GalleryArt Kauaʻi 2025Art Kauaʻi Society of ArtistsjuriedSeptember 12 - October 24, 2025
MauiMakawaoHui Noʻeau Visual Arts CenterMālama Wao AkuaHui Noʻeau, East Maui Watershed PartnershipjuriedSeptember 12 - November 7, 2025
Hawaiʻi IslandKamuelaKahilu Exhibits at Kahilu TheatreTextiles of Moku o KeaweKahilu Exhibits at Kahilu Theatrecurated invitationalSeptember 25 - November 2, 2025
OʻahuHonoluluCapitol Modern: the Hawaiʻi State Art MuseumKaiāulu: Rising TogetherHawaiʻi State Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission and University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Sea Collegeartist residencyOctober 3 - 30, 2025
OʻahuHonoluluDowntown Art Center"Hawaiʻi Craftsmen Annual Statewide Exhibition 2025"Hawaiʻi Craftsmenjuried and invitationalOctober 3 - November 1, 2025
Hawaiʻi IslandHolualoaDonkey Mill Art CenterI Mana Ka MoʻomoʻoDonkey Mill Art Centercurated invitationalOctober 25 - December 13, 2025
OʻahuHonoluluBishop Square, Pauahi Tower LobbyJourneysDexter DoicuratedNovember 1, 2025 to January 3, 2026
OʻahuHonoluluDowntown Art Center"From River to Richards"Floyd Takeuchi and Shane SakatajuriedNovember 6 - 29, 2025
Hawaiʻi IslandHiloWailoa Center17th Annual Hawaiʻi Nei Art ExhibitionThree Mountain Alliance, Hawaiʻi Island Art Alliance, State of Hawaiʻi Dept. of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, and Wailoa Center State ParksjuriedNovember 7 - December 11, 2025
MauiKahuluiMaui Arts and Cultural Center, Schaefer International Gallery"Ocean of Peace"Maui Arts and Cultural Center, East-West CentercuratedDecember 6, 2025 - January 31, 2026

Capitol Modern (Hawaiʻi State Art Museum)

Engaging the public with arts and culture in downtown Honolulu.

Art in Public Places Video Gallery

Short videos featuring artists talking about their artworks in the Art in Public Places Collection.

Short videos featuring artworks from the Art in Public Places Collection.