Celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Exhibition

 "I ola na oiwi" digital painting by Makaiwai Kanui. " I Ola Nā Iwi, that the bones, generations, and families would live! Kalo is one of our earliest ancestors, sprouting from our eldest brother planted in the earth, becoming a staple for the Hawaiian people who came thereafter. Kalo has sustained our iwi, and cultivating, preparing, and partaking in kalo, grounds us and reminds us of where we come from. The kalo depicted in this artwork stand as a representation of our people, may we thrive and flourish in our homelands and beyond." said Kanui.

Join us to celebrate this May as Hayward kicks off Asian American, Pacific Islander Heritage Month with an art exhibition co-sponsored by Hayward Arts Council and Hayward Public Library with a special display “Hawaiians in Hayward,” presenting the city’s rich history of culture and aloha and curated by award-winning Hawaiian musician, author, educator and Bay Area native Patrick Kahakauwila Kamaholelani Landeza www.patricklandeza.com 

“Hawaiians in Hayward,”  takes us back to the 1830’s and William Heath Davis and his contributions, touches on the migration of Hawai`i people to Hayward and celebrates the rich Hawaiian culture that lives in the Heart of the Bay.

The art of Makaiwa Tong Kanui, a Native Hawaiian Artist based out of the Big Island of Hawai`i will be on view. Makaiwa spent much of her time in Hayward while attending Mills College where she graduated in 2015. “There were always Hawaiian events happening in Hayward, I really never felt like I left home” said Makaiwa.

In addition, exhibiting artists Hetal Anjaira, Anna May, Chandana Srinath, and Ruey Syrop will be showcasing an array of media during the "Celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Exhibition." 

“Celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander” exhibit runs from May 2 to June 24th with an opening celebration reception on May 6, 2023 from 2pm-4pm at the Hayward Public Library Galleries, 888 C Street, second floor in downtown Hayward. At the reception event there will be speakers, live music and pupus. All are welcome. 

Hayward Arts Council stimulates community interest in the arts and encourages the participation of artists in all media. Hayward Public Library Galleries exhibitions are curated by HAC Board Member Karla Lopez. 

Visit https://wwwhaywardartscouncil.org/ for more exhibitions and programs.

Winda I. Shimizu is Hayward Arts Council Executive Director.