POW WOW: White knights for the arts at 'Blank Canvas'

Nadine Kam photos
Blank Canvas committee member Anna Meng, right, with, from left, Reg Worthley, Eve Shere, Kathy Inouye and Myles Inouye.

Hundreds were willing to flout the old fashion rule about never wearing white after Labor Day in support of POW WOW Hawaii's "Blank Canvas" fundraiser that took place Oct. 6 at The Warehouse, at 683 Auahi St.

The evening of art and cuisine included food served up by Mark Noguchi, Whole Foods Market, Whole Ox's Robert McGee, Daniel Anthony, and others, as guests dressed in white dropped off white T-shirts to be worked on by artists Matt and Roxy Ortiz, Kamea Hadar, Jeffrey Gress, Jasper Wong and Cade Roster.

POW WOW Hawaii is a group of contemporary artists committed to community enrichment through art outreach programs. You may have driven past the many Kaka'ako murals painted by artists from all over the world, organized by POW WOW members.

The organization has also partnered with likeminded 808 Urban to go into schools as advocates of art as expression, speaking to youths at risk because they have no outlet for their energy and creativity.

I wasnn't able to stay long, and missed the evening's highlight speed-painting event, which had the artist's creating a giant mural of Marilyn Monroe's face on the building's back wall. We didn't know what they would be creating, and MM made an intriguing choice!

For more information, visit http://powwowhawaii.com

Mike Hogan with his white accessory, Kea.

Artists Matt and Roxy Ortiz at work on event tees.

Anne Namba took a break from her fashion biz to worked on the Blank Canvas committee in support of her nephew, artist Kamea Hadar.

Carole Hayashino, president and executive director of the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i, said she typically dresses in black, and had to pull together every white piece she owns just for the event. I told her she should wear white more often.

Cade Roster works behind a display of one of his finished shirts.

Designers and artists contributed one-of-a-kind table runners that were auctioned off. Styles ranged from classic Japanese embroidered imagery to a faux fur-trimmed creation, below. Each table had its own unique creation.

Anne Namba with Jayme Alexander, center, and Tina Salz.

The only ones allowed to wear black were board members, including Christa Wittmier, left, and Tiffany Tanaka, with publicist Pauline Worsham.

Artist Gary Hostallero was in town just for POW WOW.

Victoria Nakamura, left, and Alexa Nakamura.

Haku Chamberlin-Bee, left, and Quinn Fisher.

Chef Kathi was among the chefs participating in the event, serving up garlic crostini topped with Waialua root beer-braised shortrib, pureed kiawe-smoked local vegetables, smoked provolone and Kula strawberry.

Before dinner, guests could also help themselves to antipasti.

Traditional and new works of art, from stone and Buddha sculptures to this oil painting by Aaron de la Cruz were up for grabs in the silent auction. Other artists represented were Satoru Abe and John Koga, who both offered tabletop sculptures.

Several bottles of wine were also auctioned.

The event formally began with a dance performance.

Kat Wade photo from Honolulu Pulse. Click here to see more people photos from the event.

>>>>><<<<< Speaking of white, the 5K Color Run makes its Oahu debut Nov. 3, with race participants requited to wear white. True to the event’s name, they must be prepared to get doused with a different color “paint” at each kilometer mark. The color is made from a dyed, gluten-free, non-toxic cornstarch based powder. Goggles or sunglasses are recommended to prevent accidental color-blindness. A middle lane is available for those who might want to steer clear of throwers’ aim. And, at the finish line, runners will get their revenge with receipt of a packet of color to toss, before the finale dance party. The cost to enter The Color Run is $60 for individuals; $55 for team registration. Visit thecolorrun.com/hawaii/

Funds raised will benefit Ocean Lotus Hawaii, an agency serving homeless and underprivileged youth by providing after-school tutoring and mentoring, and weekend surfing and ocean sports programs.