Molokai Printmaking Studio Gains Statewide Recognition

Pa'a Printmakers student Leila Anasazi selected for prestigious Honolulu Printmakers juried exhibition

Mar. 21, 2026 at 6:51am

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Less than a year after opening, Pa'a Printmakers on the island of Molokai is already making a name for itself in the statewide art scene. The studio is celebrating the selection of student and Kaunakakai resident Leila Anasazi for the prestigious Honolulu Printmakers 98th Annual Juried Exhibition, which opens on April 3, 2026.

Why it matters

This achievement highlights the growing creative community on Molokai and the impact that Pa'a Printmakers is having in providing resources and opportunities for local artists to develop their skills and gain recognition. The studio's collaboration with Honolulu Printmakers has been key to bringing specialized workshops and expertise to the island.

The details

Anasazi's accepted piece, 'In the Ulu,' was created using gel plate printing, a technique she first learned in January during a workshop at Pa'a Printmakers taught by visiting Oahu artist Helena Noordoff. She is one of only 68 artists chosen from across Hawaii for the Honolulu Printmakers exhibition.

  • Pa'a Printmakers opened less than a year ago.
  • Anasazi's accepted piece, 'In the Ulu,' was created in January 2026.
  • The Honolulu Printmakers 98th Annual Juried Exhibition opens on April 3, 2026.

The players

Leila Anasazi

A student and Kaunakakai resident whose artwork was selected for the prestigious Honolulu Printmakers 98th Annual Juried Exhibition.

Pa'a Printmakers

A printmaking studio located in Kaunakakai, Molokai that was founded to provide tools and space for local artists to create and showcase their work.

Honolulu Printmakers

An organization that hosts an annual juried exhibition featuring artwork from artists across Hawaii, and has collaborated with Pa'a Printmakers to bring specialized workshops to the island.

Helena Noordoff

An Oahu-based artist who taught a gel plate printing workshop at Pa'a Printmakers in January 2026.

Keao Chow

A representative of Pa'a Printmakers who expressed excitement about the studio's success and impact on the local creative community.

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What they’re saying

“We are thrilled to see our local artists gaining statewide recognition so quickly.”

— Keao Chow

What’s next

The Honolulu Printmakers 98th Annual Juried Exhibition featuring Leila Anasazi's work will open on April 3, 2026 at the Downtown Arts Center in Honolulu.

The takeaway

Pa'a Printmakers' success in supporting local artists and its collaboration with Honolulu Printmakers demonstrates the power of community-driven arts initiatives to nurture creativity and provide pathways for recognition, even in smaller island communities like Molokai.