COURTESY KOREAN ARTIST ASSOCIATION OF HAWAII "My Chronological Circle," oil on canvas by Mehee Lee.

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LIFE is all about evolution. Whether you believe it's the reason we're upright and clean-shaven, who can deny we've grown since learning the earth is round, or stepping into the cyberworld?

Korean Artist Association of Hawaii 20th Annual Art Exhibition: Place: Academy Art Center, 1111 Victoria St. When: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays through April 13 Admission: Free Call: 532-8741

With this idea in mind, it seems the Korean Artist Association of Hawaii was savvy in selecting Carol Khewhok to be the juror of its 20th annual art exhibition. As director of the Academy Art Center, Khewhok is in step each day with the art scene locally and globally. She did not disappoint.

"I've followed this show closely, and it's a show that gets better each year," says Khewhok. "The mastery of the medium, the focus, the subject matter -- the overall quality continues to improve. More and more artists are at the world-class level."

The show also features award-winning pieces from past years and a section of works by former jurors of shows past.

"It gives a sense of history to compare shows then and now," Khewhok said.

The show is dominated by two-dimensional works in watercolor, oil, acrylics and other works on paper. A few sculptures and textiles are also included.

Provided with the luxury of the association's high standards, Khewhok ensured that every artist was represented by one piece in the exhibition.

COURTESY KOREAN ARTIST ASSOCIATION OF HAWAII "Fact and Fiction A," lacquer on panel by Yong Ju Jung.

COURTESY KOREAN ARTIST ASSOCIATION OF HAWAII "African Tulip," oil on canvas by Ho Suk Yi.