Lisa Yoshihara selected as next director of University of Hawaii Art Gallery

HONOLULU - Lisa Yoshihara has been selected as the next director of the University of Hawai'i Art Gallery through an international search conducted by the Department of Art & Art History at the University of Hawai'i at Mänoa. Yoshihara will fill the position held by Tom Klobe who retires on June 30, 2006 after 29 years of service.

Yoshihara brings extensive experience to the UH Art Gallery. She has worked at the Hawai'i State Foundation for Culture and the Arts for 20 years as the curator of Art in Public Places program, and as the founding director for the Hawai'i State Art Museum.

"I have the utmost respect for Lisa's knowledge, abilities, and her dedication to the promotion and advancement of the arts in Hawai'i. She has a proven record of exceptional organizational skills and the intellectual capacity to develop exhibitions of conceptual relevance to the community. I look forward to her vision and leadership, and I pass the torch to her with great confidence," Klobe stated.

Yoshihara said, "I am honored by the appointment. I look forward to developing innovative exhibitions and programs to continue the national and international reputation of the UH Art Gallery, the Department of Art & Art History and the University. It is a wonderful opportunity to lead one of Hawaii's premier exhibition venues and to continue working with the community to advance the arts in Hawai'i. I wish to contribute my passion and dedication to curatorial work and arts management to future generations and hope to inspire others to pursue the arts as a career."