Punahou School celebrated the 50th anniversary of its extraordinary glassblowing program with an exhibition featuring the work of 17 glass artists – 16 alumni and program founder Hugh Jenkins. The work was showcased in Kirsch Gallery and Cooke Library from February 23 – March 9, with a private reception held on Feb. 28 and a large public event on March 2. The exhibition complemented a feature in the Winter 2023 Punahou Bulletin highlighting the history and impact of the glass program.
More than 35 pieces displayed in Kirsch Gallery and in the main library demonstrated a range of styles from jewelry to conceptually mythic creations. Alumni artists were invited by current program director Mark Mitsuda ’88 to ship up to three pieces to show. Artists also submitted slides or videos of their work to represent the range of their creations and display works that might be room-sized or environmental. All work was available for saie.
Many artists flew from the West Coast and Neighbor Islands to join their Honolulu-based colleagues in the celebration. Undaunted by wind and rain, both events drew hundreds of admiring visitors, welcomed by President Mike Latham ’86, Hugh Jenkins and Mark Mitsuda ’88 along with Academy Art faculty Tracy Kirchmann and Pete Hansen ’84.
Artists represented in the show were:
Hugh Jenkins
Michael Mortara ’79
Chuck Vannatta ’85
Lee Miltier ’86
Boyd Sugiki ’87
Dan Wooddell ’87
Mark Mitsuda ’88
JP Canlis ’92
David Naito ’92
Evan Jenkins ’94
Brendan Jackson ’95
Alex Stanyon ’97
Patrick Nelson ’99
Russ Katto ’01
Tate Newfield ’14
Ethan Townsend ’16
Carly Murakami ’17
