Get Down with ARTafterDark

Los Angeles Times

Saturday, January 10, 2009

The last Friday of every month (except Nov and Dec), the place to be after the sun goes down is the Honolulu Academy of Arts' ARTafterDark, a pau-hana (after-work) mixer in the art museum that brings residents and visitors together around a theme combining art with food, music, and dancing. In addition to the exhibits in the gallery, ARTafterDark also features visual and live performances. Last year the themes ranged from "Plant Rice" -- with rice and sake tastings, Asian beers, live Asian fusion music, and a tour of the "Art of Rice" exhibit -- to "'80s Night," "Turkish Delights," "Cool Nights," "Hot Jazz and Blues," and "Havana Heat."

The party gets going about 6pm and lasts until 9pm. The crowd -- ranging in age from their 20s to 50s -- dresses in everything from jeans and T-shirts to designer cocktail party attire. Entry fee is $7. For more information, call tel. 808/532-6091 or visit www.artafterdark.org.