Association of Hawaii Artists

About the Gallery

Association of Hawai‘i Artists: Nearly 100 Years of Creative Community Approaching its centennial, the Association of Hawai‘i Artists (AHA) stands as the oldest continuously active art organization in the state, with a legacy rooted in elevating and celebrating local creativity. Founded in 1926 as the Association of Honolulu Artists, the group originally organized annual exhibitions that helped introduce the public to Hawai‘i’s growing community of painters, printmakers, and illustrators. Over time, AHA became a vital connector—linking artists with museums, educational institutions, and mainland art movements, while fostering deeper appreciation for the visual arts across the islands. AHA’s early membership included influential artists such as Huc M. Luquiens, Madge Tennent, Lionel Walden, and D. Howard Hitchcock, whose contributions shaped the direction of Hawai‘i’s modern art history. By the mid-20th century, the association’s exhibitions expanded in scope, and traditions like the annual Aloha Week art show became enduring pillars of the local arts calendar. Today, AHA welcomes artists working in all media and from all islands, continuing its mission to inspire, educate, and support creative expression. Through juried exhibitions, workshops, scholarships, and collaborative programs, the association remains a thriving force in Hawai‘i’s cultural landscape.