Nohea Gallery Remains Committed To Local Artists

Twenty-five years ago, with a passion for creativity and the arts fueling her forward, Laurie Baron opened the front doors of Nohea Gallery to the public for the first time.

Like all small-business owners, Laurie knew that going out on her own was a gamble. However, with her mother, Gail, as her business partner, she decided to jump in head first anyway. Two-and-a-half decades later and Nohea Gallery is thriving in their Ward Warehouse location.

Prior to opening up Nohea Gallery, Laurie actually worked in the space's current location, when it housed an artist co-op. As fate would have it, the model for the co-op proved unsustainable, but amid the closing of that operation, Laurie saw an opportunity - a silver lining amid the shuttered storefront.

"I've always been passionate about the arts, ever since I was little," recalls Laurie. "My grandmother, Verdella Flaherty, was a very talented artist. She instilled a love of art upon me when I was young. But once the co-op closed, I still believed there was a market for me to support local artists, display their work, and still have a viable business. So I went into business with my mom and we opened up this space in the summer of 1990. Like all businesses, there have been ups and downs but we love the work we do."

A quick walk through Nohea Gallery reveals an eclectic mix of art in a variety of mediums neatly displayed along the walls and showroom floor. Whether it's jewelry sourced from a local craftsman or a series of mesmerizing painting, cute notecards, or wooden furniture, Nohea Gallery carries it all. It's easy to see yourself walking into the storefront to gaze at a new collection and walking out with a handful of small gift items for yourself, coworkers, or friends. Their hand-carved koa boxes are particularly beautiful and would make the perfect gift for a loved one.

When asked why she thinks Nohea Gallery has been so successful over the years, Laurie is quick to point out that it's her love of art that pushes her forward.

"There are so many talented local artists that impress me with their work day in and day out. I think people, as a whole, have a thirst for art that engages them and makes them feel something and we help fulfill that need."

Laurie is also quick to note that her business model is a key ingredient to the success of her gallery.

We make it a pillar of our business to support the artists in the best way possible, all the while still giving our customers the best rate possible. So far, that's one of the reasons I believe we've been able to succeed all these years. But running a gallery is about more than simply making money. If you're going into this business with that mindset, it's going to be a lot more difficult to stay in business. You have to have a love and appreciation of art first and foremost.