Our vision is a community where the rich history and culture of our region are preserved, celebrated, and accessible to all. We envision a thriving local museum that serves as a dynamic center for education, inspiration, and connection, fostering a deep appreciation for our shared heritage across generations.

Enhance the work of the Hawaii State Art Museum (Capitol Modern) and its programs:

Build and activate a community to support the “People's Museum”

Bring Culture and Arts Experiences to the Community

Operate Amenities and concessions to support the museum.

Generate revenue to support the operation and activities of the museum.

Advocate for arts and culture.

Karen Ewald

Director of Friends of Capitol Modern (Ex-Officio)

Melly Wilson

Treasurer, Executive Committee Dr. Melly Wilson brings over 20 years of experience transforming outcomes for young people and their families through research, policy, and technical assistance. She served for 15 years in various leadership roles at Hawai'i-based non-profit research, development and service organizations that supported growth, innovation, and impact, including leading the U.S. Department of Education’s Region 19 Comprehensive Center (2019-2024) and Pacific Region Comprehensive Center (2012-2019), driving major policy changes related to early learning; opportunity for migrant, newcomer, and immigrant students; K–12 funding and accountability systems; and building and strengthening development and operational systems for Pacific region state educational agencies. Melly is passionate about the arts and the role that the arts play in empowering social justice and structural change to promote equity in our communities. She brings a deep commitment to the Friends of Capitol Modern’s mission to foster creativity, build community, and increase access and opportunity. She earned her PhD at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and holds a certificate in Education Finance from Georgetown University.

Britt Portlock

Secretary, Executive Committee Britt is an LA native, marketing and communications professional with experience managing integrated campaigns across television, radio, and photo production. Known for her fearless approach and attention to detail, she delivers seamless, client-focused work from concept to completion. She has earned experience working with Apple Music and iTunes, Savage X Fenty by Rihanna, Saatchi & Saatchi (Publicis Groupe), and Anthology Marketing Group/Finn Partners. Britt holds a bachelor’s degree in communication and a master’s degree in strategic communication from Hawai‘i Pacific University, and is actively involved in youth mentorship and arts-focused initiatives.

Board Members David Ball Randall Fujiki Simone Fromen Alyson Ishikuni Eric Johnson Kaela Kado Milton Lafitaga Kristina Lockwood Jean Schneider Jay Suemori Sherman Warner

BYLAWS OF FRIENDS OF THE HAWAI`I STATE ART MUSEUM, INC.

Section 1. The name of the organization shall be the Friends of the Hawai`i State Art Museum, Inc. (hereafter referred to as the “organization”). The Friends of the Hawai`i State Art Museum, Inc. is established by law (Statute 9-23); as such, the organization is a 501(c)(3) corporation.

Section 2. The Friends of the Hawai`i State Art Museum is organized exclusively to further the artistic, cultural, and educational programs and purposes of the Hawai`i State Art Museum (hereinafter referred to as HISAM or the “Museum”), a state-established and owned museum as now or hereafter constituted or named, as set forth by State of Hawai`i Statutes.

Section 3. The organization’s objectives are to receive, raise, and administer funds for the benefit of the Museum and to provide the Museum with a widespread base of support. All privately raised funds, grants, memberships, and earned income of the Museum are collected by and administered through the Friends of the Hawai`i State Art Museum

Section 4. The Friends of the Hawai`i State Art Museum, Inc. will have none of the authority vested by statute in the Executive Director of the Hawai`i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (HSFCA) nor any of the authority vested by statute and charter in the HSFCA Commission.

Section 5. The registered office of the Friends of the Hawai`i State Art Museum, Inc. shall be located at 250 South Hotel Street, 2nd Floor, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813.