Andrew Rose Gallery

When I lived in Nuuanu, it was normal for me to take a weekend stroll over to the downtown area and take photographs. I walked by this place so many times but since I was always there on the weekends this gallery was always closed, but, I would always peek into the storefront window so see what current show was going on. I’ve always had a love for art and actually grew up thinking my career would be as an artist. Funny how life gets in the way of some things, well, for me anyway.
Anyway, I was fortunate enough to have a couple of photographs in this year’s «Pacific New Media: Contemporary Photography In Hawaii» exhibtion, which is currently running at the Andrew Rose Gallery, and was at the show’s reception a couple of Fridays ago. The reception was awesome and the gallery, fantastic! (Thank you Andrew for hosting the show this year!)
Located on the Bishop street side on the ground floor of the Pauahi Tower, the gallery is open and inviting, modern, yet tastefully understated, a perfect space to represent the art. Andrew’s gallery showcases some very talented local artists, like Noreen Naughton for instance (my former college art instructor), and Debbie Young (a former co-​worker) :-), so I really hope to be able to see the other exhibitions that he has coming up.
It’s always inspiring to see the creativity of other artists and Andrew’s gallery is the perfect setting for it, not to mention Andrew’s a really nice guy which makes the gallery feel very inviting and relaxed to be in. Some of the other galleries here feel kind of stuffy, the Andrew Rose Gallery is just the opposite.

As I craft this review I have to acknowledge that I am definitely NOT someone who really understands art. I haven’t studied it, I didn’t take any courses in it while I was in college and well, my first real experience with art has been in my adulthood life.
I am someone though, who appreciates travel and experience and when I have had the opportunity, make it a point to visit museums, take in an art showing, visit a gallery or two and try to expose myself to events and activities that have works of art featured.
I also purchase art and normally it’s by whatever I am drawn too, whatever catches my eye and well, basically what I think is cool and unique.
So when I came upon the Andrew Rose Gallery, well I was intrigued. My disclaimer is that I actually met the owner, Andrew, before I made a visit to his gallery so had prior knowledge that the place actually existed. He and I met over some volunteer work he was interested in doing in the community and after chatting, I ended up stopping in to his gallery to ‘experience’ his world.
What I like about the gallery is that it is understated. The walls are stark white and impeccably clean. The art being showcased is what stands out.
Each time that there is a new exhibit being featured, the collections and pieces have been unique, interesting and thought-​provoking. The one thing that I also enjoy is that his gallery is representative of a variety of artists and mediums being featured including photography, water color and the like.
And for those who don’t understand art like me, Andrew is more than willing to share and walk you through each piece, giving you a better understanding and a complete experience when you leave. Love that!
The gallery also hosts First Friday open house events and activities that allow you to mix and mingle.

Great contemporary gallery in downtown Honolulu! I definitely recommend a visit!

FINALLY someone with an eye for great art hits the downtown art scene. Andrew’s eye for the extraordinary makes this gallery a must stop for anyone looking to add to his or her collection. With a variety of artists represented and a mix of prices, there’s something for everyone, from the beginning collector or the sage experienced investor. Do yourself a favor and visit this hot spot in downtown Honolulu, which is more representative of what one would expect from the New York or LA art scene, than a gallery out here on this rock in the middle of the Pacific!

The Rose Gallery is the most important gallery in Hawaii — a must see!