Koa Gallery presents approachable exhibit

In keeping with a new direction of presenting small group shows, Koa Gallery at Kapiolani Community College is exhibiting works by two longtime artists, Ka-Ning Fong and Shi­geru Miya­moto, in "Cultural Landscapes."

Fong, whose popular paintings often capture street scenes of familiar landmarks, pre­sents works from Paris and Hono­lulu. Miya­moto displays a diverse collection of ceramic pieces from classic pots to whimsical figures.

The show runs through March 15.

The charm of the show is its accessibility, said gallery director and KCC instructor David Behlke.

"You don’t need an art degree to enjoy the subject matter," he said.

That doesn’t mean the works fall short. Fong’s skill at depicting the color of the sky at dusk in one Hono­lulu painting, for instance, is breathtaking, Behlke said. And Miya­moto’s fun figures with giant heads "show such simplicity, they’re sophisticated."

Fong has long been a part-time instructor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Miya­moto is a ceramics instructor at Leeward Community College.

Behlke said the quality of the shows at Koa Gallery has continued to improve through the years. He and a committee of eight decide on what is to be exhibited, always guided by the bottom line that every show forward the education of students. Artists do their part by giving gallery talks to students about their work.

"The gallery is an extension of the classroom," Behlke said.