Masterpieces in
Hilo
Art museum coming
by Nicole Pugh and
Gwenette Sinclair
Ted Coombs is a forensic computer
sleuth and intellectual property expert. He is also a portrait artist
and art lover who enjoys the work of classic painters such as Michelangelo,
Leonardo de Vinci and Pablo Picasso. When Coombs moved to Hawai'i five
years ago to retire, he embraced the island and all it had to offer
but felt one thing was missing.
"As soon as I came to Hawai'i I felt a need to form an art museum,"
says Coombs, who has exhibited at Art in the Ironworks Gallery and at
the East Hawai'i Cultural Center, both in Hilo.
East Hawai'i currently has no permanent collection of art, though the
East Hawai'i Cultural Center, Volcano Art Center and various private
galleries carry rotating exhibits. The only two public art museums with
permanent collections on this island are both in Waimea.
This desire to see and experience works of the masters inspired Coombs
to talk with friends and colleagues about his dream. He discovered that
others shared this vision. On April 15, the Hilo Art Museum board of
directors was created and Coombs was nominated Museum Director.
Board members are looking at various possible properties for the museum's
permanent home. Coombs and the Board are flexible about the type of
space they find.
"If we have many small rooms it will be like several quaint galleries
to wander through," says Coombs, although "a large open space
would have a modern look, with art hung in thematic clusters."
Hilo Art Museum's missions include bringing the work of great masters
to Hawai'i and offering classes in art, art appreciation and art history.
The group is working with MasterClass Art, based in Melbourne, Australia,
to set up a teaching library of classical works. MasterClass Art has
donated 20 hand-painted reproductions of Old World Masterpieces. Coombs
has donated a few pieces that he has painted as well.
Classes will be held at the museum and the collection will also travel
to area schools.
"We want to get kids excited about art and let them see the Masters'
work up close and learn about their lives," says Coombs.
"I am sure you've heard of people sitting in the Louvre and copying
the masters. It is really the best way to learn how to paint,"
says Cynthia Linet, a lawyer and artist, museum board member and board
secretary. "Now people in Hawai'i will be able to see the masters'
reproductions and go to classes to learn their techniques…
"Ted Coombs is an amazing man," believes Linet. "…He
has done an amazing number of things. Now his incredible creative energy
is focused on the vision of a teaching museum in Hilo."
Linet's own journey into painting began five years ago with an art class
she participated in near Pahoa. Now she shows and sells her work in
area galleries.
The collection will include the masters' series as well as a cross-section
of art from around the world and various time periods. Local artists
will be featured as well.
"The pieces will be hung so they look good together and not by
time period or style," Coombs says. "Art is meant to be experienced,
not stamped on you. Coloration, thematic elements, things that create
synergy will determine how the art is hung."
The museum will have a café and gift shop where students' work
will be for sale. The Web site already has an online store. The long-term
vision includes developing a center that could include space for both
visual and performing arts.
The museum already offers free art classes every Sunday at the Pahoa
Farmer's Market, 10-11 a.m., for students aged 9-17. The market is located
in the parking lot behind Luquin's restaurant in downtown Pahoa.
The museum is also seeking members, volunteers, and donations of cash
and art. Contact Coombs at 982-6006 or director@hiloartmuseum.org.
On the Web
hiloartmuseum.org
masterclassart.org
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