Seven can't miss arts and culture events in January

An exhibit focused on a single color — red —  is just one of the artistic endeavors leaving Oahu in January. So is a gallery featuring the artwork of alumni of a local high school. Check out this list of art exhibits  and cultural activities happening this month. Want Aloha State Daily to feature an event not on this list? Email katie@alohastatedaily.com. 

1. New Year’s Ohana Festival. Free. Jan. 11. Celebrate the Year of the Snake! Hosted by the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, this event shares Japanese traditions and will include local vendors and entertainment.

1. Kamaaina Sundays. Free. Iolani Palace opens from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every second Sunday to Hawaii residents and includes food and local entertainment and vendors. Hawaii state ID required.
2. Kamaaina Thursdays. Free. Waimea Valley opens from noon to 4 p.m. every Thursday. Stroll the botanical gardens, talk story with resident artisans and explore the waterfalls. Hawaii state ID required.
3. “Home of the Tigers: McKinley High and Modern Art.” $15+ Through Jan. 12. Honolulu Museum of Art, Gallery 28. This exhibit, located just down the street from McKinley High School, explores the work of seven visual artists who graduated from the school between the 1920s through 1960s. The exhibit presents the work of Satoru Abe, Raymond Han, Ralph Iwamoto, Imaikalani Kalahele, Keichi Kimura, Robert Kobayashi and John Chin Young. It also features the art of three of their high school teachers: Minnie Fujita, Charles Higa and Shirley Russell. Exhibit is included in museum admission.
4. “Ka 'Ula Wena: Oceanic Red.” $15.95+ Through Jan. 12. Bishop Museum’s Castle Memorial Building. This exhibit explores “Ka 'ula wena” or the glowing red color that is part of landscapes, memory and expressions of oceania. Exhibit is included in museum admission.
5. “Kenyatta Kelechi: Laulima.” $15+ Through Jan. 12. Honolulu Museum of Art, Gallery 14. Hawaii-based artist Kenyatta Kelechi uses the 19th century technique of wet plate collodion photography to examine Indigenous identity and connect family and place. The exhibit is included in museum admission.
6. Maui Songwriters Festival. $100+ Jan. 15 -18. The Ritz-Carlton, Maui Kapalua. This festival partners with Sony Music Publishing Nashville to bring together world renowned singer-songwriters as well as producers and composers to share music and the stories behind the songs. Featured genres include country, pop, rock, Americana, hip hop and Christian music.

Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.