Society of Asian Art of Hawaii Records

Collection

Identifier: MANUSCRIPT-CAHA00011

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Society of Asian Art of Hawaii, Inc. donated its records to the University of Hawaii at Manoa Library. The Acting President, Li Lundin, and Secretary William W.T. Won signed the deed of gift on February 13, 2008.

The collection dates from the 1975-1976 Season through the end of the 2007-2008 Season. No records have yet been found for the first Season -- 1974-1975.

The Records consist largely of "seasons" by year (e.g., 1995-1996 Season) and contain meeting agendas and minutes, information about speakers, programs, committee reports, correspondence, officer elections and other administrative matters. There are also materials about by-laws, financial matters, board of directors' activities, the organization's history, programs, interns, art treks, exhibitions, and membership.

Note that some material expected to be found in the Seasons files may be found elsewhere, and vice-versa. There are some gaps in the Season files; this repository may continue to add missing items to the collection.

The material was in excellent physical condition. The archives staff removed a few paper clips and rubber bands and discarded deteriorating folders and binders.

Dates

Creation: Majority of material found within 1974-2009

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is part of the Archive of Hawaii Artists & Architects. Access is by appointment only. Please contact the Art Archivist Librarian at the Jean Charlot Collection by email: charcoll@hawaii.edu or phone: 808-956-2849.

Historical

The Oriental Art Society of Hawaii was founded on October 7, 1974 at the impetus of Hawaii collectors Phyllis Spalding, Effie May ('Toots') Allison, and artist and scholar Tseng Yuho (Betty) Ecke [later known as Zeng Youhe]. (See the file "History-Founding" in the Records.) The original stated purpose of the organization was: "To increase our knowledge of Oriental art." They agreed to focus on the art of China, Japan and Korea, with occasional activities concerning India, Indonesia and the Philippines. Dr. Ecke created the Society's logo, a circle enclosing the Chinese character for beauty. Membership since the founding has been an eclectic mix of collectors, scholars, museum professionals, dealers and interested amateurs. (See the file "The History" in the Records.)

The first 10 years consisted of low-key meetings held at members' homes. In the mid-1980s, the Society launched a public program of exhibitions, speakers, and other activities in the community. (See the files "Programs" in the Records.)

On April 19, 1999 the Oriental Art Society of Hawaii changed its name to the Society of Asian Art of Hawaii. On September 24, 2007 SAAH incorporated itself as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization and was renamed the Society of Asian Art of Hawaii, Inc.

Extent

3.5 Linear Feet : (5) 5-1/4" document boxes (1) album

Language

English

Additional Description

Overview

The Oriental Art Society of Hawaii was founded on October 7, 1974 "To increase our knowledge of Oriental art." Founding members agreed to focus on the art of China, Japan and Korea, with occasional activities concerning India, Indonesia and the Philippines. Membership included an eclectic mix of collectors, scholars, museum professionals, dealers and interested amateurs. (See the file "The History" in the Records.) The Society changed its name to Society of Asian Art of Hawaii in 1999.

The Records consist largely of "seasons" by year (e.g., 1995-1996 Season) and contain meeting agendas and minutes, information about speakers, committee reports, treasurer's reports, correspondence, officer elections and other administrative matters. The Records also include material about by-laws, board of directors activities, financial matters, the organization's history, programs, interns, art treks, exhibitions, and membership. The Society incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in 2008.