Pegge’s Italian past

BEFORE she caused a stir in Hawaii with her now-classic paintings of Polynesian women, artist Pegge Hopper honed her craft in Europe at an Italian department store chain.

From 1961 to 1963, Hopper was employed in Milan by La Rinascente, a reknowned retailer, creating advertising posters for the store.

La Rinascente developed the unique concept of promoting seasons and holidays rather than simply merchandising products, and Hopper's posters were displayed in stores and on kiosks throughout Italy.

Hopper's works for La Rinascente were recently reprinted and are showing in her downtown gallery through Jan. 18.

Revisit 1960s fine graphic arts at The Pegge Hopper Gallery, 1164 Nuuanu Ave. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays to Fridays and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.

Call the gallery at 524-1160.