THE CONTEMPORARY MUSEUM Ka Wai Hi O Kauila performed at ArtSpree 2001, a performance and visual art and craft extravaganza, which takes place Saturday at The Contemporary Museum.

The Contemporary Museum gives
children a chance to meet artists
and lets parents see the art
from a kid's point of view

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By Nancy Arcayna
narcayna@starbulletin.com

Most children embrace contemporary art with open arms. Unlike adults, they don't feel the pressure to understand it -- they simply experience it. In exercising damage control, parents keep their children away from the hanging treasures.

Marie Carvalho of the Contemporary Museum said she wishes parents didn't feel this way. "Kids really have the right idea," she said. And, although they want to grasp the artwork in their tiny hands, once they realize it's inappropriate to touch things, they really listen, she said.

ArtSpree 2002 presents an opportunity for youngsters and the young at heart to become better acquainted with contemporary art and catch a glimpse of the museum exhibits.

THE CONTEMPORARY MUSEUM Arts and crafts at last year's ArtSpree.

The museum's event flyer sports the following message: "By the age of 11, your brain begins eliminating nerve-cell connections that aren't being stimulated -- It's not too late to do something about it."

ArtSpree offers children the opportunity to interact with various artists. "The artists are here, doing what they do best," said Carvalho.

In addition, Dr. Gadget presents "Explorations in Music," in which he provides instructions in making musical instruments from recycled materials. Kazoos are made from film canisters, and string instruments are made using bamboo. Dave Landry makes wire sculptures with the kids. Mark Chai works on cardboard sculptures, with pieces in puzzle shapes that can be glued together and decorated. Grant Kagimoto demonstrates screen printing. Carl Fieber and Rochelle Lum make pinch pots and ceramic animals with dry hard clay. Suzanne Marinelli makes contemporary head leis using mixed media. And Cheri Keefer will be on hand for some face painting.

Music stages will also be set up on the museum grounds, at the Contemporary Café lanai and in the galleries. Scheduled to perform are Jon Osorio, Makana, Rea Fox, Margery Sauvé, Stephen Fox and Michael Tannenbaum, and Eleven Gallon Hat.

THE CONTEMPORARY MUSEUM Performers in body paint encircle the pool at The Contemporary Museum as last year's ArtSpree audience enjoy a day of arts, crafts and entertainment.

Drama and dance are also a part of the scene. Tangentz will present a Butoh dance performance entitled "An Unexpected Occurrence" in the pool. The piece demonstrates how our lives can be changed in an instant. Helen Lee presents movement exploration with spoken text from "The Yellow Wallpaper."

"Absurdist Theatre meets Modern Dance" when Fay Chun and Cora Yamagata present "The Pageant." The piece centers around the idea of a beauty pageant where the contestants compete in two to three humorous categories for the title.

An "Expression Session" also provides an opportunity to make decorated masks using feathers, beads and other materials.

And folks who just want to browse through the museum can view the works of noted artist Tadashi Sato. Guides will be available to answer questions in the galleries.

ArtSpree 2002 Where: The Contemporary Museum at Makiki Heights When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday Admission: Free Call: 526-1322 Free shuttle service is offered to and from Punahou School and King Kalakaua Plaza in Waikiki. Free parking will be available in the King Kalakaua Plaza garage from the entrance on Kalaimoku Street.

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