Hawaii Artist Collab

Collab group shot

Reflecting on a Week at the Hawaii Artists Collab: Creativity, Community, and Collaboration

I’m thrilled to share my recent experience at the Hawaii Artists Collab (HAC) – a week-long creative gathering set in the beautiful, rural community of Holualoa, nestled in the hills above the Kona coastline on the Big Island of Hawaii. This event brought together over 40 talented artists from around the world, including painters, jewelers, woodworkers, metal smiths, glass artists, and many other skilled craftspeople. Being invited to join HAC as both an artist and an art teacher was a true honor, recognizing my role on the island and my passion for fostering art collaborations in our community.

Throughout the week, we immersed ourselves in creative exploration, learning and sharing skills, trying new techniques, and brainstorming fresh projects. The Parts Room was full of amazing quirky parts and upcycled objects that we could choose from and incorporate into fine art assemblage pieces. The atmosphere was electric, with artists exchanging insights and pushing their boundaries within a supportive, collaborative environment. HAC wasn’t just about individual creation—it was about the synergy of ideas and the shared intention to create something meaningful together.

Living in close quarters, camping, sharing meals, and spending long hours working side by side made it feel like we were one big family. I had the chance to connect with so many gifted individuals, all passionate about their crafts, and it was a thrill to share my own skills while learning from others. The week culminated in an exciting in-person and online auction that raised nearly $72,000! These funds will help support local art programs in Big Island schools and provide materials for future collaborations.

HAC is much more than a single event. It’s a non-profit, collaborative mission centered on making art, sharing skills, and nurturing our growth as artists. The true essence of HAC lies in developing our ability to work together, to create together, and to inspire each other. Participating as an artist and teacher was a deeply rewarding experience, and I’m inspired to bring this spirit of collaboration back to our community. I can’t wait to start organizing similar events that foster connection, creativity, and the joy of artistic collaboration right here on the Big Island.

Thank you to the Hawaii Artists Collab, and to everyone who made this experience possible. Here’s to the art of collaboration and to many more creative journeys ahead!

People’s Choice Award

People’s Choice Award from the Wailoa Art Center in Hilo, HawaiiImage of painted and sculpted portraits on paintbrushes
People’s Choice award from the Wailoa Art Center in Hilo, Hawaii
I was so pleased and honored to receive the People’s Choice award for my artwork. Thanks to friends and fans who voted for my mixed media sculpture I entered into the surrealist show.
From Wailoa Art Center:
Hoʻomaikaʻi e Abbie Rabinowitz!
Her piece, “Board Members”, featured here, won the People’s Choice for the Hawai’i Surrealist Exhibit!
Rabinowitz shares this about her captivating piece, “As a painter, I often hold onto ruined brushes—those too stiff or frayed to be used for painting—believing they might still serve a purpose one day. Although I don’t typically identify as a surrealist, the theme of this show prompted me to revisit these discarded tools and explore new ways to give them life. Initially, I considered painting small portraits on them, but this idea quickly evolved. I began sculpting miniature clay faces onto the brushes, transforming each into a unique character. Now, they stand together, gazing out at the viewer in their afterlife, carrying memories of the strokes and paintings they once contributed to, yet now animated with a spirit and attitude of their own.”

“No Place Like Home”

Hawaiian artshow blessing

Kumu Ehulani blessing our community art show at Arthur Johnsen’s studio.

 

“No Place Like Home”: A Celebration of Community, Art, and Healing
On July 27th I had the privilege of hosting a community art show themed “No Place Like Home” in my neighborhood,  This event was not just an exhibition of artwork but a culmination of a year-long journey made possible through my the Vibrant Hawaii Artist Fellowship.

This event was part of the Arts for EveryBody campaign, an initiative of One Nation/One Project, a national arts and health initiative designed to activate the power of the arts to repair the social fabric of our nation and heal our communities. Simultaneously, ten other Vibrant Hawaii Artist Fellows presented their artist showcases on the Big Island of Hawaii, along with 18 different cities across the nation, all using the same theme No Place Like Home.

Art as Healing: The Fellowship’s Impact
I focused my fellowship year by teaching art and hiring other community artists to share their passion and skills, and by partnering with our neighborhood hub, the Seaview Performing Arts Center for Education. By teaching and encouraging others to make art, I’ve seen how this creative expression fosters healing, well-being, and community.

No Place Like Home
The theme “No Place Like Home” resonated deeply with each artist who participated in the show. Home is a concept that transcends physical space—it’s about belonging, comfort, and connection. Throughout the fellowship year, I explored these ideas with the artists and students I worked with, using art as a tool to delve into what home means to each of us.

Each piece of artwork was a personal reflection of what home means. Some artists focused on the physical spaces that evoke a sense of home—landscapes, familiar objects, and places of comfort. Others delved into the emotional and spiritual aspects of home, expressing feelings of safety, belonging, and identity. 

A Day of Celebration and Community
The day was not just about art—it was about coming together as a community. Our local Seaview Baroque Trio provided beautiful music, setting the tone for the day. Kumu Ehulani Stephanie and her hula dancers performed a Hawaiian blessing ceremony and dance, honoring both the space and the legacy of Arthur Johnsen, whose studio we were fortunate to use for this event. Each artist had the opportunity to talk-story to visitors and share their personal experience making and showing art.

Looking Forward
As I reflect on this incredible experience, I am filled with gratitude for everyone who made it possible—the artists, the students, the volunteers, and the community members who came out to support us. This show was a testament to the strength of our community and the healing power of art. I look forward to continuing this journey, creating more opportunities for artistic expression and connection. 

Video
Watch the 11-minute Youtube video of the art show, focusing on artists’ talk-story about their art.

Artists “Collab”

Over the weekend, I embarked on my inaugural artists’ “collab,” an experience that completely took me by surprise. I hadn’t realized how much of a phenomenon collabs had become until then, and I must say, the two days spent collaborating with a diverse group of about 15 fellow artists left me feeling truly inspired.

Hosted by the Queer and Abled Hawaii Artists Art Collective, the event extended an invitation for me to represent our local non-profit, S.P.A.C.E. (Seaview Performing Arts Center for Education), where I’ve been leading painting classes over the past year.

Gathering in a spacious art studio, we were encouraged to either initiate a new art piece or contribute to ongoing works started by others. Tables adorned with a plethora of art supplies and boxes brimming with found objects—ranging from organic materials to driftwood, discarded toys, and various odds and ends—beckoned us to delve into our creative realms. With an emphasis on play rather than striving for “high” art, each day offered opportunities to exchange knowledge, experiment with novel techniques, and foster a spirit of camaraderie.

It proved to be an extraordinary avenue for connecting with fellow artists while relinquishing any sense of ego. This experience has ignited within me a fervor to pursue future collaborations and extend the joy of collective creation to others.

New Art Classes at S.P.A.C.E.

I’m delighted to share my experience as a teaching artist in the new community adult art classes available at our local community center, the Seaview Performing Arts Center for Education in our very own Seaview Estates neighborhood. Thanks to funding from the Vibrant Hawaii Arts Fellowship I received, I’ve had the opportunity to not only support my own artistic journey but also contribute to a diverse range of visual arts classes led by fellow artists in our vibrant community hub.

It’s been akin to planting seeds in a garden and watching what matures. This has only been a few months in, but the response has been so positive! My vision and personal goal is to create jobs for artists and offer creative experiences so that others in the community can benefit by making art. My hope is that this will be a way to build a stronger community by sharing ongoing creative connections.

RachelOrr-Spsce-class
abbie teaching at SPACE

Studio Tour Show

This past December I had the most wonderful experience sharing my artwork in the Hawaiian Paradise Studio Tour. It was my first time participating in the tour, and it was an honor to show my paintings at the home of my friend Henry Bianchini, one of Hawaii island’s most talented artists. He let me convert his large carport into a gallery space for the weekend. Hundreds of people stopped by and several of my paintings found new homes. Having the opportunity to share my paintings in person with so many friends and art fans was a thrill. 

HPP show panarama sm

Award Winning Painting!

I’m thrilled to share some exciting news – I’ve been awarded a Juror’s Award for my abstract painting The Garden at the Abstract Only show hosted by the Wailoa Art Center in Hilo, Hawaii. This recognition holds a special place in my heart, acknowledging my journey as an abstract painter and my dedication as a teacher.

Abstract art is a canvas for emotions and imagination, and receiving the Juror’s Award is an incredible honor that motivates me to continue pushing my creative boundaries. Beyond my personal achievement, this recognition has a wider significance. Four of my students also participated in the show, with two of them exhibiting for the very first time. Witnessing their growth and courage fills me with immense pride.

The art community in Hilo is a vibrant and supportive space, and this award reinforces the importance of creative connections. As an artist, I’m inspired to keep exploring and expressing myself, and as a teacher, I’m reminded of the transformative power of sharing inspiration with others.

This celebration of creativity reminds us that art is both an individual and collective journey. I’m deeply grateful to the Wailoa Art Center, the juror Ming Li Jiang, my students, and the arts community for their support. Here’s to the unlimited creativity in all of us!

Successful Abstract Painting Retreat 2023

Aloha Art Enthusiasts!
I just led my winter Abstract Painting Retreat and I’m still buzzing with excitement.

The retreat was held on the scenic Puna coast of the Big Island of Hawaii and the location was the perfect backdrop for a week of creativity and inspiration. Though the weather was wetter than usual, no one’s spirits were dampened. Our fabulous art studio proved to be an artistic haven, where my students had plenty of space to spread out and wasted no time getting to their easel each day.

We gathered each morning at the studio where I offered students a visual concept or lesson to help guide them forward with their abstractions. Not everyone followed the prompts, nor did it matter. With our magnificent light-filled studio surrounded by a mature tropical garden, there was no lack of visual stimuli to inspire some very exciting large abstract paintings.

Over the course of the week, I watched as my students became more and more confident in their abilities. Though each came from a different artistic background, everyone brought their unique perspective and style to their work.

One of the things I loved most about this retreat was the sense of community that developed among the students. They supported and encouraged each other, shared ideas and techniques, and celebrated each other’s successes. Gathering for delicious catered meals every day allowed us time to relax and deepen our connection.

On the final day, we held a critique that showcased each student’s work. It was incredible to see the variety of styles and techniques on display, and I was so proud of each and every one of my students. They had all grown artistically over the course of the week, and it was an honor to be a part of their journey.

As a teacher, there’s nothing more satisfying than watching your students discover their creative potential. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to have taught this Abstract Painting Retreat on the Big Island of Hawaii, and I can’t wait to see where my students’ artistic journeys take them next. Mahalo!

Award-winning painting

I was pleased to have all five of my paintings accepted to this year’s juried en pleinair show at the Wailoa Art Center in Hilo. It was also an honor to receive my third-place award for my painting Red Road at Makakau!

In addition, my painting Mango Canopy was placed on its own pedestal at the front entrance, where visitors see it first thing when they enter the show. Mahalo to the juror and Wailoa Center staff for presenting my work with so much respect.

It’s a wonderful thing to receive an acknowledgement for the work it takes to be an artist, especially the time spent practicing my art. As an artist, the magic for me is in the actual creation of a piece, especially en pleinair painting where I am outdoors and completely immersed in the breeze, colors, light, and sounds of nature. Receiving an award or selling a piece of art is the icing on the cake. Yes, it’s sweet, but the making of the art is the cherished experience itself.

Selected Student Abstract Paintings: Spring 2022

Student paintings from five artists/students who participated in Part 1 of my Online Abstract Expressionism Painting course. Their work is based on the various visual parameters that I assigned each week over an 8-week period. I continue to receive deep satisfaction in facilitating a creative experience and witnessing each student develop a unique abstract voice.
If you are interested in participating in an art workshop or retreat, please join my email list so I can inform you of upcoming classes.

Elias

Abby Jane Wiltse

Steven Whaley

Miriam Dretler

Kathleen Dragoon