Arts & Culture

Tuesday, February 28. In 1967, Hawai’I made history with its “Art in State Buildings” law, becoming the first to set aside one percent of state building construction costs for the commission and purchase of art to beautify and humanize the environment. The Hawai’I State Art Museum is a showcase for the “Art in Public Places” collection, a rich treasury of works primarily by Hawai’I artists. HPR’s Noe Tanigawa visited the museum in advance of this Friday’s big open house and lawn party. Runs: 4:11.

Friday, February 24. Ukulele great Bill Tapia is wrapping up a year long tour in Honolulu tonight at the Hawai’I Convention Center. His 80-year career as a jazz guitarist includes performances with Billie Holiday and Fats Waller. More recently, he picked up the ukulele again and his career rebounded 4 years ago, when he was 94. Touring with singer Mihana, he has been wowing audiences ever since. Just back from the Grammys, Raiatea Helm joins tonight’s line-up. HPR’s Noe Tanigawa reports. Runs: 3:34.

Thursday, February 23. Hawai’I Opera Theater opened the 2006 season with a resoundingly successful production of Rigoletto, and Friday is opening night for Il Trittico, Puccini’s trio of three very different short operas. HPR’s Noe Tanigawa stopped by for a behind the scenes look at the production, a first both for HOT and for its General and Artistic director, Henry Akina. Runs: 3:31.

Thursday, February 9. Runs: 3:09. This weekend the monthly Second Sunday Gallery Walk promises a lively day in Kailua town. Pottery and glass-blowing studios, galleries with artists’ demonstrations, restaurants and other shops will welcome afternoon visitors. HPR’s Noe Tanigawa dropped in to The Balcony Gallery, which has been spearheading a budding arts scene in laid-back Kailua. For more information visit the www.balconygallery.com. This Sunday, the Second Sunday Gallery Walk in Kailua highlights a dozen galleries, restaurants and shops. Festivities run from 2 to 5 pm throughout the center of town, mostly on Kailua Road, Uluniu street and Hamakua Drive.