Hawaiʻi Appleseed’s 10th annual “Artists for Appleseed” fundraiser will be quite a bit different than previous years’ iterations. Like so many other things this year, the 2020 event will be our first fundraiser to take place in a virtual space.

Guests will be able to explore our first-ever virtual art exhibit, showcasing pieces from participating artists, and attend our online event series during the week of Monday, October 12–Friday, October 16. All of the art showcased will be available for purchase, and all event programming is free and open to the public to enjoy. 

“In a typical year, we would be inviting our Appleseed supporters to attend our in-person fundraiser where we showcase work from local artists while celebrating our efforts to build a more equitable society,” said Gavin Thornton, Hawaiʻi Appleseed Executive Director. “While we need to hold off on meeting in person right now, our shared vision for a just Hawaiʻi has never been more important.”

“As we continue to adjust to an increasingly digital work- and social-life, we’ve discovered ways to use technology to overcome challenges created by the pandemic and our necessary physical distancing,” said Connie Choy, Hawaiʻi Appleseed Development Director. “While we are excited about the opportunity to host a week of programming in our first digital fundraiser, we also recognize that our ability to hold an event like this is not universal, and neither is our privilege to be able to carry on our work at safe physical distances. Many in Hawaiʻi are not so lucky.”

In addition to showcasing the work of Hawaiʻi’s deep well of artistic talent, “Artists for Appleseed” showcases the work of Appleseed and its programs. A series of in-house-designed posters in the digital art gallery speak to the work of the Hawaiʻi Budget & Policy Center to provide policymakers with a roadmap to economic recovery, of Lawyers for Equal Justice and its efforts to draw attention to the human rights crisis in Hawaiʻi’s correctional facilities, and of Appleseed’s efforts to focus state policy on the economic and social wellbeing of Hawaiʻi’s working families.

You’ll find a preview of what’s in store at the 10th annual “Artists for Appleseed” below.

Virtual Art Exhibit

October 12–October 31

Take a tour of our first-ever virtual art exhibit where you can explore art by our participating artists all week starting Monday, October 12. All artwork will be for sale and a portion of the proceeds will go toward Hawaiʻi Appleseed. Art pictured: “Touching My Face” by Esther Shimazu.

Film Screening + Q&A

Monday, October 12

Join us on Monday, October 12 at 5 p.m. to watch a short film titled “Rooted to Our Land” by Appleseed’s summer intern, Abbey Seitz, on the barriers of affordable housing for Native Hawaiians. Join us afterward for a discussion with featured speakers.

Conversation with Sen. Brian Schatz

Wednesday, October 14

Join us on Wednesday, October 14 at 1 p.m. for a discussion with Senator Brian Schatz on how we can move Hawaiʻi’s communities forward in the time of COVID-19.

Meet the Artists

Thursday, October 15

Join us on Thursday, October 15 at 6 p.m. and meet this year’s participating artists! Art pictured: “Amanda in Color” by Amber Urias.

Pau Hana with Tavana

Friday, October 16

Our week of events will culminate with our pau hana night on Friday, October 16. Meet us online and enjoy some local music by performers, including Tavana!