The Arts at Mark’s Garage

The Arts at Mark’s Garage are now showcasing artwork from Honolulu Waldorf School for February. As soon as you enter the premises there will be a sheet of paper on the counter that has a list of all the artists. Majority of the artwork is not for sale. There are some artwork that would have a price as low as $ 140 to as high as $ 500.
The artwork featured are acrylic paintings of different creatures of water, land, and air. My favorites are the howling wolves, the grizzly bear, the octopus, the seahorse, and the bird with its wings spread in the air. There are other acrylic paintings of people, plants, and one with eyes in the sky.
There are couple head sculptures of a female, a display case that features metal knives and what looked like ivory carvings with string attach to make necklaces.
The students of Honolulu Waldorf School are very talented and creative when they did their artwork. Different animals within one animal or fast food icons found on a fish.
Besides the artwork in the gallery… Arts at Mark’s Garage holds Throwdown Improv Comedy every Wednesdays at 7:30pm. I have attended the improv twice already and each time the actors had me laughing up a storm and practically pissing my pants. The improv actors that I really enjoy watching are Rebecca and Sheldon. Rebecca when she’s talking in a British accent and she can even do the Worm which is a breakdance move. Sheldon… a fellow who could speak like he’s from India though his nationality is of Asian descent and he also does carpentry on the side. Sheldon built the wooden donation box for Arts at Mark’s Garage.
Wednesdays would be an awesome night to enjoy the featured artworks and to get some much needed laughs at Arts of Mark’s Garage.
⁶²⁄₂₀₀

Some may disagree with me, but Arts at Marks is a cultural hub bringing together people of all different backgrounds to celebrate everything from holidays, movies, fundraisers, and of course all different forms of art (photos, sculptures, dance).
We held a fundraiser at Marks. The venue price was very reasonable as we are a small non-​profit with a small budget. We were able to cater ourselves. AND, they helped us with advertising! It was also awesome that they had some of their board members attend!
Marks has a great community feel. It’s a place for all people of all ages. You should never think twice about attending an event or supporting such a great establishment.

Well, for the few minutes I spent in there, I can say that it sucked. I have to agree with other Unilocalers about this placed being disorganized.
I wanted to see the Rocky Horror Picture Show advertised on
so I clicked the link to Eventbrite which explained $ 20 for advanced tickets, $ 25 at the door, showing Fri & Sat… but the system only allowed me to select Fri & when I did, it said «ticket sale ended»
I called several times to ask if ALL the tickets were already sold out, or just the cheap online tickets, with some still available at the door? But no one answered. Since we were in the area, my bf & I decided to stop by & check about an hour before showtime.
He waited in the car while I went in so that we wouldnt have to pay for parking if it was in fact sold out. I walked in & just saw blobs of people with no direction or organization. There was a (kind of) line to the right with no signage to indicate what it was for or where it was going, except for a «fog machine in use» warning. I saw a curtain at the front of the line so I used my good judgement to determine that it was the line to be seated, even tho there was no employee taking tickets or letting anyone in.
To the left was another blob of people but it seemed to be heading toward a counter. The only sign on the counter was a list of drink prices, so I assumed it was the bar but stood in the blob anyway cuz I didnt see any other place where tickets could be sold & not 1 employee had stepped up to greet or assist me during my many laps around the people blobs. I reached the counter & asked girl #1 if its still possible to purchase tickets for Rocky Horror Picture Show. She pointed at the girl next to her & said
«you have to see her».
So I waited till girl #2 was done with another customer then literally took 1 step to the right & said «I was told to see you for tickets»
She hesitated
«um… well… er… how… for how many?»
Just 2 tickets
«Well… uh… but where’s the other person?»
In the car, waiting, does he need to be present or can I take 1 ticket for him & 1 for myself?
«Ohhh… uhhh. Ok, you know, yea, lets just… Ok, I’ll sell you the tickets then you can get him, but really fast though.»
WTF? I have no idea what her deal was or why she felt like it was such a struggle to sell me some tickets but I pulled my credit card out for her «fast» transaction, only to be shut down by the
«oh, we dont accept credit cards»
I just kinda stared at her in disbelief because tickets online would have been purchased by credit card so how can they not accept it? And there’s nothing on the door that says «cash only»
Hell, there’s nothing on the door to even indicate that tickets can be purchased here, or even any advertisement at all that there’s actually a show happening here. Wth is wrong with this place?
Girl #1 broke my gaze by telling me that there’s an ATM right across the street. She pointed toward a bus-​stop & I walked outside to see the bus-​stop engulfed in garbage & homeless people, some sleeping, some awake, yelling & spitting, etc.
I got in the car to tell my bf what was up, he looked at the bus-​stop & blurted a «f*ck that» then took off.
I never went back that night & I can say I wont ever go back any night. If there’s that much confusion selling tickets, I dont see how these people could pull shit together for a 90 min play/​show.

it has been a while since I have gone to this location for first Fridays. I was pleased to see different types of exhibits that are in the area. Also it is a very good place to check out on a first friday and other events and they are very clear on what you can and cannot do, like for example bring any alcoholic beverages beyond a certain location. I really appreciate the hard work that each artists do and be very creative and freely showcasing their art work. If you are in the area, stop by for free ice cream till the 20^th of this month! Although I didn’t win the raffle ticket prize drawing, main thing is I got to see the fabulousness showcase of the ice cream exhibit. It was worth going back and forth between the chocolate place and the exhibits. So go and see what exhibits you like and just remember that just enjoy your time and this is worth going to and going on a First Friday is the best and they do hold other events as well.

This is a must do during First Friday. I love coming here.
The art is always changing and many times the artists is on sight.
I went to a public forum about immigration and the space was perfect.
Missed neon dreams there but I am going to make it for sure next time.

We had our daughter’s wedding reception here. It was awesome. They were mondo helpful. And Sergio was the bomb!!! The reception went without a flaw. Thank you to all at Art at Mark’s Garage.

I am not really a snob but I do enjoy class and culture– I speak 2 languages other than English and Sign some. I studied abroad in Austria and traveled. The reason I bring this up before the review is to frame what I experienced at Arts at Marks.
If one goes to Europe– there are many more venues to show art — all kinds, meaning both good and bad clean and not clean. Very rarely do I ever see this kind of venue here in America. At different times during different mayors recently Chinatown and specifically Marks there was a push to bring back a community sense and reasons for being downtown at night expecially other than ice.
I really am impressed with the depth and breath of the artists that really do work out of very small office like spaces to work on real art — meaning they are creative and try to bring creativeity in the youth as well.
I watched 2 shows/​showcases from Ohana Art and the Pureland groups. They really did have the clean cut kids that are mentored and guided to use their talents for good– and the showcase in Art at Marks was the perfect venue for them to preform.
The stage is really small, the seating is great for an audiance of mainly family. The sound in the room is contained (as a large dark sound absorbing curtian surrounds the whole of the theater portion). There is all the tech needed to give a great show — and no need for opera glasses as the performers are literally right there in front of you.
Real– it has a raw real feel to the stage and the presence of actors/​singers/​musicians is real.
In Austria– it is common to see small venues open for a night of Mozart or of modern something and only a handful of tickets are open. It is really a culture– it is not tv which is so crafted but it is a real expereince that can have some give and take with the audiance.
Downsides– some is crass as I mentioned some is not clean. There are posters up in the bathroom and in the poster areas of swearing, foul language (like the V talks). I know it is 1^st amendment rights and I am from Chicago and have been to Second City. As long as you know everyone is over 21 and knows it is swearing then at least you are upfront. We have laws about where you can sell playboy for example in the US but there are huge kiosks in plain sight all of Europe– it will all depend on how the culture tolerates /​approves of different things.
Plus side– go out and explore — get in with a group or start a band. Here is a venue that I would not expect in America let alone HI– I don’t remember places as open of a space as this ever in the past 20 years and feel that it is a great addition regardless of the city politics behind it. It does the community dare good and those that are able to take advantage of it will benifit greatly from performance experiances. Take in a great show and expand your horizans. Again– my caution — know if it is mature audiances rated or clean G rated.
Who knows– the next Darel Labrado, Riata Helm, or Bruno Mars could be performing orgiinal works before they become famous. Anyway — it should be enjoyable to take in a show not just a movie or tv show for 1 night. Just be safe walking around the area at night– expecially alone. Who knows– if more places like Marks open up around there and the community really grows in support — it may help with the ice problems.

Came here yesterday to catch a improv show with my roommate Amara E. :D!
Ever since we started attending improv classes at Loading Zone (check out her review), my respect for these artists have really gone up! If you’ve ever watched «Who’s Line is it Anyway?» and LOVED IT, like I did, then you should really come down and check out a show. They’re held every wed @ 7:30pm.
They call it a «Comedy Throwdown» as improvisors actually challenge each other in various improv games. Plus there is lots of audience interaction as suggestions for locations, actions, relationships, etc will be seeked~ Did I also mention free drinks? (with donation)
Come a few minutes before (or stay a few minutes after) to walk around the art gallery too! The pieces here are always changing (I think every month!) and I’ve never been disappointed stepping in here on First Fridays.

If you’re ever feeling like being all «Artsy Fartsy» in Hawaii… don’t go here. This place gives you the ARTS WITHOUT THE FARTS! I always have fun at ARTS at Marks. Even if no event or show is happening in their performance space, they always display interesting pieces by local artists in their gallery. That’s where I first saw Kris Goto’s work and now I’m a huge fan! I’ve bought several pieces from her since that I LOVE!
The space is super open and features everything from improv to music to burlesque to sketch comedy. They also feature a wine and beer bar sometimes. Can’t find parking? Hellloooo… it’s connected to Mark’s Garage… and guess what? THEY HAVE VALET PARKING NOW!
On The Spot Improv is there resident improv troupe and I’ve had a blast playing in their «Improv Throwdowns» on Wednesday nights. They are super supportive and accommodating folks! I had mentioned the idea of doing a benefit variety show for typhoon victims in the Philippines and Garrick and R Kevin of OTS happily donated their Wednesday night slot as well as performed in the benefit! SO AWESOME.
This is also the home base of «Improvanganza: Hawaii Festival of Improv» and I had THE BEST TIME putting up one of our improvhi shows there. The team always makes sure we have everything covered and run this ship like true captains.
This is a great place to walk into since you never know what you’re gonna get!
It’s a PUPU PLATTER OF ART! TAKE A BITE!

If you want to go back in time to the East Village in NYC before it was Chic to be seen there, then go to one or two events here.
I’ve often lamented about the lost of originality that was so palpable in the village, where people like Eddie Murphy, and Bette Miller cut their teeth.
Every time I enter here its a pleasant surprise to see that in even in «over commercialized» Honolulu there is a place where raw talent meets the streets and people. Or where tourist, locals alike can take in culture and art.

I went here for the annual LaborFest event and thought this was a really cool, roomy space for events. The staff is super friendly, and it seems like it’d be a great place to hold panels, mixers, performances, and more.

The Arts at Mark’s Garage is a small but fabulous venue that has an eclectic assortment of wonderful shows including Shakespearean plays, productions by local playwrights, improv comedy, youth slam poetry, etc.
It’s an intimate setting with art displays in the windows and lobby and is usually BYOB (I think it still is?) and sometimes has alcohol available for purchase. So you’ll be sitting really close to the performers, which is awesome, and during intermission you can wander around with your beer and make smart-​sounding comments about paintings and pottery and newspaper statues as though you actually understand art.
Now, everyone knows my husband and I are very dull people with a bunch of dull children and we never ever leave the house. However, if we were to venture out and if we were to frequent this establishment we would probably be most likely to attend the events put on by the Cherry Blossom Cabaret.
And if we did attend a CBC event, such as, and I’m just throwing this out there not even knowinng if this actually exists, burly-​Q bingo, we would probably reserve a table in the front to maximize the boob and booty action from these extremely talented performers. And we would probably take in a cooler of beer and some friends and some extra dollar bills and I might have a crush on the drag-​king host, who would somehow be one of the sexiest people alive, and it’s possible my husband, who is very white, would be, halfway through, sitting in his chair with only his briefs to keep him warm.
All hypothetical of course, since the only place we go is Costco. And anywhere else I’ve reviewed recently.
Anyhow.
Go check it out. I hear it’s great.

Mark’s is a great venue for performing arts as well as paintings and sculpture. They support new & upcoming artists with good advertisement of the events. Mark’s also is working with the Mendoca Courtyard and artists lofts for our First Friday events. ARTmusicBEER is another of Mark’s events that give space for artists to expose their talents and wares once a month. The setting in the courtyard is mystic & there is really good music, plus spirits and food. Wander around the courtyard booths, then visit the lofts upstairs to broaden your experience of art & just have a great time. Many new ideas are launched here, so come down on the First Friday of the month.

Ahhhh, the Arts at Mark’s Garage! So many many wonderful experiences here, it’s hard to figure out where to begin.
I think I can safely say the Arts at Mark’s Garage is a staple in the arts community of Chinatown. It’s a gallery, performance area, and connected to a parking garage (with a flat rate and open until 2), which makes things a little easier when coming to visit.
I have seen many performances here, and have also helped with and been featured in quite a few as well. Mark’s was actually home to my first debut in acting here in Hawaii! You can regularly see the Cherry Blossom Cabaret’s burlesque Varietease numbers, plays, improv shows, all kinds of dance numbers, from contemporary to belly dancing– it’s a grab bag of all art forms. And while you wait for whatever wonderful performance you chose, you can enjoy the ever-​changing art gallery, that has shown watercolor pieces, molded clay, photography, clothing, and other unique themed crafts.
They usually sell alcohol during shows, so you can indulge in libations if you choose. The space used is constantly changing depending on the show, but it is always fun because it’s an intimate experience. Also, means you need to get there early if you want good seats, or even to be seated at all with the limited number.
There’s always something going on at Mark’s so be sure to check out the upcoming shows. First Fridays are also a great time to swing by for some fun. But just come! You never know what crazy creativeness you’re in for!

I went to an event here the other night and though that this small art gallery was pretty interesting. The pieces that were displayed were very artistic. The event was held in the back area where there’s a small stage. Nice place to hold cozy, intimate events.

When people talk about the arts in Chinatown, this is probably the first place that pops in their mind. Ignoring the fact that the word ARTS is in the name of the venue, this is really an oasis of art and culture for Honolulu. This is as artsy as it gets in Chinatown.
The venue is a combination art gallery slash stage area for all manner of performances. In the lobby is the art gallery, filled with all sorts of art from talented local artists, ranging from sculpture, paintings and the more esoteric, like bicycles hanging from the ceiling painted in garish colors and covered in confetti. That kinda art.
Around the lobby is the stage area itself. There’s a little sound and lighting booth in the back where the Wizard of Oz works his magic for the performance, making sure that the right color light is thrown up against the backdrop to evoke the proper emotion for when poor old Romeo shoves the pointy stick into his softer bits. Sorry, spoiler. And then there’s the zombies. Ah, yes, the zombies. And the improv. Even better is the zombie improv.
The Arts at Mark’s Garage also has decent parking. It’s connected to a parking garage after all. I don’t know who Mark is though. I’ve always wondered. The parking rates are reasonable, but you normally have to get outta there before 2AM. Which is probably a good idea, because would you really want to be in Chinatown after 2AM? Actually, Downbeat Diner is open until 3AM, so I guess, maybe you would.

I have heard of The Arts at Mark’s Garage through the Honolulu Star Advertiser ads in the entertainment section every Friday and random fliers that are posted throughout Honolulu — especially in Chinatown and downtown Honolulu. So I was at Otto Cake checking things out and walked back to the downtown bus station to go home, when I came across The Arts at Mark’s Garage. It was First Friday and the place lit up with a lot of people. I was curious at how much people where in there and I just noted that it was a real art gallery, and not just a club or bar type of hangout place. lol. Stupid me.
So, I just hung out there and saw people just went in and out and thought it just MAY BE free admission. So I just went in not knowing really what would happen and I just did the entire art gallery scene without having to pay up money for it. Thought that was really cool. It turned out to be a wonderful experience, since I didn’t have to pay money for admission. The art work was exquisite and it really helped me to make my mind wonder in places I would have thought possible. Art is amazing and I can see why people do become artists and why people become writers, etc.
But anyway, it was a good experience about being in a real art gallery. I had been in one eons ago when I was a kid at the Hawaii Academy of Art. It was good to be here again and let the time float away. Its quite enchanting. Art galleries are a gateway to escape and it was amazing to be here when all I could do is to go home and watch tv. This was a great alternative to spend an hour or so to admire art that’s sure to take you to places (in your mind) you never thought possible. I can’t help you with parking, since I was walking from Smith Street through N Pauahi and bumped into this fab place on Nuuanu Avenue. I’m sure the parking is quite limited, so if you wanted, you could come here on First Fridays. Most major bus lines run through downtown Honolulu through Hotel Street and it’s a short walk from there. Staff there is friendly and awesome.
B+

I come here for exhibits for first friday, and this month’s exhibitions were great. I had fun chatting about them with my friends. There was a lady from the Iona dance troupe that shot water out of her fingers in a giant inflatable pool. You have to visit this place for the art walk.

Every time I’ve been here for a event its been a wonderful experience! The events they hold at The Arts at Marks Garage are always fun, last show I went to is for Cherry Blossom Caberet Show for there Last Chance Bar & Saloon! Let me say the lighting for theater shows are great, the ladies looked so sexy& delicious it was enticing! They also have a gallery of local artists work up to look at which if I had the money I’d buy it all! sadly that’s not the case, for now I’m just happy to have an excuse to check out Marks Garage, also this place doubles as a parking lot so its convenient for the shows & bar, ^0^o

If there were a central point for the Arts community in Chinatown, it’s gotta be Marks!
I’ve been volunteering there for a few months and it’s a complete joy to see so much artistic talent concentrated in one spot!
If you’ve never been there the concept is easy… it’s a multifunctional space able to accommodate everything from performance art to a gallery show!
Translation: Don’t expect the same thing twice, expect it often, and expect the best!