Modeling shop sets up in isles

Top modeling agency Wilhelmina has joined with longtime Hawaii agent Ryan Brown to open an affiliate office in Hawaii.

"This is a first for Hawaii’s market. There is no bigger name or network in modeling than Wilhelmina," Brown said in a press release. Brown is owner of the local Screen Actors Guild franchise agency, ADR Agency, which will continue its operations under established Nazarene Anderson.

Wilhelmina Hawaii will initially open with two divisions, men and women, and is holding an open call for men and women Feb. 19 at Windward Mall. The agency will be looking for models for editorial, fashion, ramp and commercial modeling, and will scout and develop models for national and international markets.

The agency plans to add teen and child divisions in the fall.

Wilhelmina International is one of the most prominent agencies in the fashion and talent industry worldwide, listing clients such as singer Natasha Bedingfield and actress Rebecca Romjin. For more information, visit www.wilhelminahawaii.com or call 447-9434.

‘Mighty Mo’ has special opening

The Battleship Missouri Memorial, which commemorates the site of the signing of the Japanese surrender documents in World War II, will be open for free tours to military and kamaaina families Saturday.

The tours are being offered to commemorate the first year of the restoration of the 887-foot, Iowa-class battleship, which went into dry dock in late 2009 to be repainted and renovated. Since its reopening in January 2010, .50-caliber machine guns, a 40 mm quad gun and other features have been added.

Guided and self-tours will be available for active-duty and retired military personnel and local families with appropriate identification. There will be a volunteer recognition ceremony at 11 a.m. and other educational activities throughout the day. The memorial is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shuttle buses provide round-trip transportation from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Call 973-2494 or visit www.ussmissouri.org.