Kama`aina Christmas 2009: Dec. 12
Director Stephen Little (standing, center) with guests of Kama`aina Christmas 2008.
We are pleased to announce the 24th annual Kama`aina Christmas—one of Honolulu's premiere holiday galas, which helps the Academy's general operating fund. This year the event's theme is From Mauka to Makai, and will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2009, 6 to 11 p.m., in the galleries and courtyards of the Academy. Chaired by Linda Ahlers and Melissa Ching Benjamin, the event is a festive way to ensure that the Academy continues to be a place for inspiration and introspection for everyone.
This year’s Kama’aina Christmas will feature:
- Cartier Lucky Drawing
- Special Silent Auction (see below for examples of items)
- Dinner in the Galleries of the HAA
- Dancing in Central Court with Ginai and the Honolulu Jazz Quartet
This event is SOLD OUT.
For table information, silent auction donations or underwriting opportunities, please contact Denise Nakano at 532-3671.
This year's Kama`aina Christmas committee with chairs Melissa
Ching Benjamin and Linda Ahlers (wearing lei).
Silent Auction items
Please feel free to peruse the complete 2009 Kama'aina Christmas Silent Auction Catalog.
Photos of select items are available here.
This year's silent auction is packed with once-in-a-lifetime experiences and luxe trips that reflect the Mauka to Makai theme.
Here are just a few examples.
Fine Art and Fine Food
Chef Mavro will prepare dinner for 10 at the Academy's Ossipoff-designed Goodsill House, which serves as the director's residence. Chef George Mavrothalassitis will select a painting at the Academy as a theme or inspiration for the dinner. At the dinner, Dr. Little will share insight about the painting, and Chef Mavro will speak on how it inspired his three-course dinner. The meal will be beautifully set up and served by professionals from Royal Party Rentals and The Catering Connection. Date and time to be mutually agreed upon by all parties. Expires December 12, 2010.
Dine with a governor
Lunch for six with the former governor and first lady, Ben and Vicky Cayetano, at the First Hawaiian Bank Banker's Club with expansive views of Honolulu Harbor, the airport and the West Oahu coastline. Get the inside scoop on politics during the Cayetano years and current state of the state of Hawai`i from someone with a unique perspective. Date and time to be mutually agreed upon. Expires December 12, 2010.
View the renowned Cooke collection of Hawaiian art
A VIP Sunset tour for ten guests of the Manoa Heritage Center's Native Hawaiian Garden and Kukao`o Heiau followed by a visit to the historic Kauli`i Cooke home with its stunning art collection. Maximum of ten people. Date and time to be mutually agreed upon. Expires December 10, 2010.
Bhutan journey
Visit the Land of the Thunder Dragon in style at the luxe Aman Resorts. The journey begins with two nights accommodations at Aman New Delhi, India and and then on to Butan wiht eight nights accommodations in a suite for two at any combination of lodges in Bhutan: Amankora Paro, Thimphu, Gangtey, and Bumthang. Expires December 11, 2010. Blackout dates are listed on gift certificate. Voucher must be presented at check-in. Not transferable or redeemable for cash.
Lanikai living
A one week stay in a Lanikai waterfront home of Kitty and Buzz Wo with three bedrooms and two baths, sleeps six. Spend an idyllic week on the beach without the plane ride. No smoking, no pets. Maximum of 6 people. Date to be mutually agreed upon. Expires December 12, 2010.
Art, salon + supper: Behind-the-scenes tour of the Richard Lane Collection with Director Stephen Little
The Academy revives the tradition of the art salon for Kama‘aina Christmas guests. Academy Director Stephen Little will share insider scoops on the Richard Lane Collection of Japanese art—how it was acquired, what its place is in the museum world. Then you and 15 guests will head to one of the Academy's courtyards to continue your conversation with Steve over a candlelit buffet supper.
Due to museum security issues this tour starts at 5:30 p.m. Date to be mutually agreed upon. Expires December 12, 2010.
Art, salon + supper: After-hours tour of From Whistler to Warhol
Entertain 15 of your closest friends at this artful night to remember. Theresa Papanikolas, Curator of European and American Art, will give you and your guests an after-hours tour of From Whistler to Warhol: Modernism on Paper (Feb 17-May 2, 2010), which includes art world giants such as Gauguin, Degas, Lichtenstein and Rauschenberg. After the feast for the eyes, you can feast on chef Mike Nevin’s special supper buffet inspired by the Cubist drawings of Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque.
Due to museum security issues this tour starts at 5:30 p.m. Date to be mutually agreed upon. Expires May 2, 2010.
Art, salon + supper: After-hours preview ofFour Thousand Years of Southeast Asian Art
A unique evening of Art & Entertainment awaits you and your fifteen guests. Asian Art Curator Shawn Eichman will lead an exclusive after-hours preview of Four Thousand Years of Southeast Asian Art, the Academy's major exhibition for Summer 2010. After a behind-the-scenes tour of the objects that will become part of this exhibition, you and your guests will enjoy a candle-light buffet supper in one of the Academy's courtyards. A return to the Art Salon! Due to museum security, this tour starts at 5:30 p.m. Date to be mutually agreed upon. Expires July 2010.
A Sumptuous Indian Feast
Internationally known Indian-born chef Vikram Garg, the Executive Chef at the Halekulani Hotel, will prepare a fabulous Indian meal for 10 guests at the beautiful, art-filled apartment of Indru and Gulab Watumull. Classically trained in Indian and French cuisines, Garg uses imported spices and rubs in innovative ways. Date and time to be mutually agreed upon with a minimum 2 weeks advance planning. No special dietary restrictions or allergies can be accommodated. Expires December 12, 2010.
The Art of Cooking
Ed Kenney, the chef-owner of Town, will cook dinner for ten at the home of noted Hawai’i artist Kelly Sueda. Meet the artist and discover his artistic process accompanied by contemporary Mediterranean-accented food, drink, and friends. Date and time to be mutually agreed upon with a minimum 2 weeks advance planning. No special dietary restrictions or allergies can be accommodated. Expires December 12, 2010.
Design experience: Lunch with Clarence Lee
Renowned graphic designer Clarence Lee, who designed the Chinese Lunar New Year stamps for the US Postal Service, will host a lunch for up to ten friends at the Pavilion Café. He will discuss the fascinating details of creating each of the 12 stamps in the series. Date and time to be mutually agreed upon. Expires December 12, 2010.