‘Dance on the Edge of the Witches’ Cauldron’ Opens at Downtown Art Center, Curated by Tom Klobe
Five of Hawaii’s most established artists are coming together for a provocatively titled group exhibition at Downtown Art Center this month, united by curator Tom Klobe’s vision of artistic practices that challenge conventional boundaries.
“Dance on the Edge of the Witches’ Cauldron” opens Friday, May 1, with a First Friday reception from 5:30 to 8 p.m., bringing together the works of Fred Roster, Pat Hickman, Allyn Bromley, Sally French, and Linda Kane. The exhibition runs through May 29 at the Chinatown gallery space.
Klobe, a respected figure in Honolulu’s art community, selected these five artists for their willingness to explore unconventional materials and push the limits of traditional media. The exhibition’s mysterious title hints at the transformative, almost alchemical processes each artist employs in their work.
“These artists don’t just create—they conjure,” Klobe explained. “They take ordinary materials and through their vision and skill, transform them into something that speaks to deeper truths about our island experience.”
The diverse lineup spans multiple generations and artistic approaches. Fred Roster, known for his innovative printmaking techniques, will showcase works that blur the line between traditional printmaking and mixed media installation. His pieces often incorporate found materials from Oahu’s beaches and urban environments.
Pat Hickman brings her expertise in ceramics and sculpture, creating pieces that challenge viewers’ perceptions of familiar forms. Her work frequently draws inspiration from Hawaii’s natural landscapes while questioning humanity’s relationship with the environment.
Bridging Traditional and Contemporary
Allyn Bromley’s contributions to the exhibition continue her exploration of textile arts and fiber sculpture. Her pieces often incorporate traditional Hawaiian materials and techniques, reimagined through contemporary artistic practices that speak to cultural continuity and change.
Sally French, whose paintings and mixed media works have been featured in numerous island exhibitions, presents pieces that capture the ephemeral qualities of island light and atmosphere. Her work in the exhibition explores themes of transformation and the passage of time.
Linda Kane rounds out the group with her distinctive approach to sculpture and installation. Her pieces often incorporate elements of performance and interaction, inviting viewers to become part of the artistic experience rather than passive observers.
The Downtown Art Center, located in the heart of Chinatown at 1041 Nuuanu Avenue, provides an ideal setting for this ambitious group show. The gallery’s industrial space allows each artist’s work to breathe while creating unexpected dialogues between the pieces.
Klobe’s curatorial vision becomes apparent in the way the artists’ works complement and challenge each other. Despite their different media and approaches, all five share a commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities within their respective practices.
First Friday Spotlight
The opening reception coincides with Honolulu’s monthly First Friday celebration, when downtown galleries and cultural spaces stay open late to welcome art enthusiasts and curious passersby. The timing positions the exhibition as a highlight of the monthly arts walk that draws hundreds of visitors to Chinatown’s cultural district.
For longtime observers of Honolulu’s art scene, this exhibition represents something significant—a gathering of artists who have individually shaped the island’s contemporary art landscape over the past several decades. Seeing their work in conversation promises insights into both their individual evolution and the broader development of art in Hawaii.
The exhibition’s title suggests something slightly dangerous, experimental, and transformative—qualities that define not just the featured artists’ work, but the best of contemporary art in Hawaii. These five artists have consistently refused to play it safe, instead choosing to explore territories that might make more conservative practitioners uncomfortable.
Downtown Art Center continues to position itself as a vital space for ambitious contemporary art in Honolulu. This exhibition reinforces the gallery’s commitment to presenting work that challenges both artists and audiences while contributing meaningfully to ongoing conversations about art’s role in island culture.
“Dance on the Edge of the Witches’ Cauldron” runs through May 29, with regular gallery hours Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The exhibition offers Honolulu residents and visitors an opportunity to engage with work by five artists who have consistently pushed the boundaries of their respective practices while remaining deeply connected to their island home.
