From the Field

Honolulu Museum of Art Military Outreach

June 5, 2013

Honolulu Museum of Art director Stephan Jost was interviewed on the National Endowment for the Arts’ Art Works podcast about the museum’s close relationship with the military in Hawaii. Jost says the museum is particularly proud of the Warriors' Eyes on Art program, a partnership with Honolulu’s Tripler Army Medical Center. Service men and women in treatment for P.T.S.D. visit the museum before hours to visit the galleries and create art works of their own with professionals from the museum and medical center.  It’s “about using art to help process experiences that have been difficult, if not brutal,” according to Jost. “And it’s kind of a safe space.” More of Jost on the Warriors’ Eyes on Art program is available at the Art Works blog. (The full episode of the podcast features more information on military outreach, the Honolulu Museum of Art’s history, and Jost’s perspective on the day-to-day duties of a museum director.)

The Honolulu Museum of Art is a Blue Star Museum, offering free admission to military personnel, National Guard reserve, and their families between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the NEA, the Department of Defense, Blue Star Families, and over 2,000 museums across the US. Over 160 AAMD members are participating in Blue Star Museums this year.

 

Image: Sgt. Misha Pemble-Belkin poses with his portrait by the late Tim Hetherington at the Honolulu Museum of Art. The portrait was on view as part of Courage and Strength: Portraits of Those Who Have Served exhibition.