StarBulletin.com

Big talents, small canvases


By

POSTED: Sunday, November 23, 2008

With works by just more than 100 local artists, “;Matchbox Plus IV”; offers a “;great selection of great works by great artists,”; says Michael Schnack, owner of Cedar Street Galleries, where the annual miniature show runs through Dec. 7.

Not only is the show a perfect means for the public to educate itself about contemporary local art—the show features new work by a who's who of Hawaii artists—the small size of the pieces makes the works relatively affordable, as well.

“;It's great for gift-giving and stocking stuffers,”; Schnack says.

Cedar Street Galleries caters to mainland clients as well as local collectors, and Schnack says tourists come specifically to see the “;Matchbox”; show. Either way, he says, “;The real fun is seeing people come in and look around to try to get a feel for the scene.”;

Another nice aspect of the show is that it offers an opportunity for the artists to try out new approaches in their work, Schnack says. “;They use the show to experiment with other types of styles. It's always fun to see people stretching themselves.”;

“;Matchbox”; is being exhibited in a new space above the original gallery; titled Second Floor@Cedar Street Galleries, the area provides a dedicated space for monthly exhibits. Schnack says after the end of the show, pieces that haven't sold will still be available for purchase downstairs.

Cedar Street Galleries, 817 Cedar St., is open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. The gallery will be open on Dec. 7, a Sunday, the final day of “;Matchbox.”; Call 589-1580.