- Clockwise from left: A panel on display as part of the ‘Infamy: December 7, 1941’ exhibit on the second floor of Historic City Hall. Artifacts on display at the “Art of the Aloha Shirt: Kenoi of Hawaii, 1938-1951” exhibit on the third floor. “Drifters”, pyrography on wood by Christina Brown at the Black Heritage Gallery. (Donna Price/American Press)
The historic City Hall Arts and Culture Center features two traveling exhibits, one showcasing the history of popular Hawaiian clothing and the other highlighting the impact of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
“The Art of the Aloha Shirt: Hawaii’s Kenoi, 1938-1951” can be viewed through May 28. It features 60 items, ranging from vintage shirts and sketches to textile artwork.
The exhibit gives viewers an insight into John “Keoni” Meigs and his influence on the fashion world. His skill as a painter caught the attention of shirt makers in Honolulu. Meigs created his first designs in 1938, and he later created up to 300 Aloha shirt designs. Aloha shirts became very popular after World War II.
Dale Hope, originally from Hawaii, is the exhibit’s curator. He is the author of “The Aloha Shirt: Spirit of the Islands”. Most of the exhibits are from the Dan Eskenazi Collection and the exhibit is organized by ExhibitsUSA.
“Infamy: December 7, 1941” tells the story of the deadly Japanese surprise airstrike on Pearl Harbor, as well as similar attacks on US territories such as Guam and the Wake Islands. Viewers can see footage from the destructive day and read first-hand accounts from those who witnessed the attacks.
The exhibit, produced by the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, is on view at historic City Hall through May 21.
The Judah exhibit is also on display in the Black Heritage Gallery. The work of artist Christina Brown will be featured in the exhibition until May 27. The first floor of the building will also feature “Rites of Spring,” a collective exhibition by members of the Artisans’ Gallery, through June 11.
The historic City Hall, at 1001 Ryan Street, is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Free entry.
•
For more information, call 491-9147 or visit cityoflakecharles.com.