Pohl Gallery opens doors to creative classes

Always wanted to create art but not really ready to commit to a multisession class? Can’t decide if you want to paint, draw or create wearable art?

The Louis Pohl Gallery is offering an opportunity to let your creative imagination loose on a weekly basis, with a new “Make Art Every Saturday” experience that began this month.

“It’s a great way to sample techniques and find your inner artist,” said gallery owner Sandy Pohl. “Or just have fun!”

Each Saturday afternoon, would-be artists can learn from some of Hawaii’s top artists and crafters. All materials are included in a $10 fee and there will be a different teacher and a different art taught each week.

Pohl is setting aside funds earned from the art classes to set up a Chinatown arts center, which would hold classes in the future. The center is a dream of the late, renowned Hawaii artist and gallery founder Louis Pohl, a World War II veteran who served on Oahu and returned to Hawaii after the war, teaching at the Honolulu Art Academy for 35 years.

“We have large locations, up to 4,000 square feet, we are considering but are open to all ideas,” said Sandy Pohl, Louis Pohl’s widow. “The plan is to be up and running within the year.”

All fees collected from the Saturday art classes will go directly to an account set up for the arts center; larger donations are also accepted.

LOUIS POHL Gallery has become a central location and art hub for Honolulu residents and business owners. Formerly located at Hotel Street and Nuuanu Avenue, the gallery moved to Bethel Street in 2011. Municipal parking is offered at Kukui Plaza, just a block away.

The first “Every Saturday” event Jan. 6 featured artist Noreen Watanabe, who used Vincent van Gogh’s famous painting “Sunflowers” as inspiration. Participants created their own drawings with oil pastel chalk.

On Saturday, participants will create a “Joy Book” under the tutelage of artist Sushen, who will lead students through a series of activities. “I think everyone can find a joy that they cherish,” she said.

On Jan. 20, Elaine Imoto will bring out boxes and bins of beads passed on by late master beader Helen Patterson for a Bead Challenge. It will repeat on Feb. 17, March 17, April 21, May 19 and June 16.

Jan. 27 is a day to make cards for upcoming holidays, including the Chinese New Year.

“There will be lots of red and gold paper and a dragon or two,” Pohl said.

The materials include card stock, envelopes, Chinese paper and hundreds of images from magazines. Artists are invited to bring their own cut-out images as well.