Henderson City Hall is stepping into the spotlight with an art exhibition that delves into the world of Hawaiian culture and its diaspora. "Our 9th Island: Art of the Hawaiian Diaspora" is a free show that offers a gateway to explore the vibrant connections and personal narratives of Hawaiians who have set down roots in Southern Nevada. If you're interested in witnessing this cultural showcase, it is open to the public through May 12, as per the Henderson City Hall press release.
Featuring the works of artists Nalani Kumiko, Niko Navalta, Jelena Bosanac, Samantha Sambrano, and Tyra Stovall-Ha'o, the exhibit presents a visual narrative that is both intimate and broad-reaching. “We’re proud to feature local artists, all of whom identify with Native Hawaiian culture in ways that are once personal and universal,” said Megan Heeres, the Visual and Public Arts Supervisor for the City of Henderson. The array of drawings, paintings, carvings, and leis on display reflect the cultural imprints and experiences of the Hawaiian community far from their ancestral lands.
The "Our 9th Island" exhibition is an accessible cultural touchstone for anyone looking to understand the Hawaiian experience outside the Aloha State. Available for viewing at Henderson City Hall, located at 240 S. Water St., during their regular business hours, which run Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Artists Kumiko, Navalta, Bosanac, Sambrano, and Stovall-Ha'o bring their personal stories to life in this exhibition, creating a dialogue about connectivity and cultural inheritance. As Heeres eloquently put it, “Many of us have relocated far from our origins to create new spaces and communities that we call home. This exhibition examines and celebrates how we connect with our own cultures and how we influence and are influenced by cultures outside our own,” a statement obtained by Henderson City Hall.
