Galerie 103 to Reinvent Itself in Lihu‘e

By Pam Woolway

Galerie 103 founder and director Bruna Stude with the gallery’s canine ambassador, Brolie. Foreground, “Taro” installation by sculptor, Bernice Akamine

Galerie 103 in Koloa celebrated its 9^th anniversary with artists and art lovers last month. Gallery founder and director Bruna Stude revealed intent to expand the contemporary gallery’s vision.

“The concept is still being developed,” she said. “The idea is for Lihu‘e to have a creative hub for the community.”

Plans for the enormous space Salvation Army Thrift Store used to inhabit include a print shop for artists to create editions of their work, a design shop with books, sculpture and woven works for sale, as well as an educational component.

“This is what every downtown has,” Stude said.

Galerie 103 will remain open at The Shops at Kukui‘ula in Koloa until renovations of the Lihu‘e space are complete. Opening date is unknown.

“I feel so lucky and proud,” Stude said of her time in Koloa. “Galerie 103 introduced Hawai‘i artists to a global audience through exposure on artsy.com where (they) receive exposure worldwide. That is my biggest accomplishment.”

Visit their Instagram account, @galerie103upstairs, for updates.

Rhonda Ballard and Chris Atkinson, of Kalaheo

Galerie 103 director Bruna Stude, of Kalaheo, with Penny Nichols, of Lihu‘e

Imani Belt and Makena Andres, of Kalaheo

Crystal Lover, of Kalaheo, with Karen Gally, of Wailua

Clarke Andros, of Kalaheo, with Jeremy Dean, of Kekaha

A. Kimberlin Blackburn, of Wailua

Steve Ezekiel, of Kekaha, with Wes da Silva, of Kapahi

Carol Bennett, of ‘Omao

Keith Tammarine, of Lawa‘i

Margaret Ezekiel, of Kekaha, with Liedeke Bulder, of Kalaheo

Norman Brand, of Po‘ipu, with Wayne Zebzda, or ‘Omao

Sally French, of Kalaheo

Galerie 103 mascot and installation consultant, Brolie Stude, of Po‘ipu

Roberta Griffith, of Po‘ipu, with Teri Sakai, of Waimea

Galerie 103