Marking a new chapter for the Irvine Valley College Art Gallery, the School of the Arts presents E Hele Mai: Grounded Elsewhere, Rooted Here, the inaugural curated exhibition in its new gallery space. Featuring contemporary works by Dane Hiʻipoi Nakama, Alina Kawai, Anela Ming-Yue Oh, and Nainoa Rosehill, the exhibition will be on view August 12 through October 1. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, August 27 from 4–6 pm at the Irvine Valley College Art Gallery. Admission is free and open to the public.
E Hele Mai—a Hawaiian phrase meaning "come here" or "come along"—serves as an invitation into dialogue and shared experience. Through ceramics, painting, photography, installation, paper, and mixed-media works, the exhibition explores place, memory, migration, identity, and cultural inheritance, considering what it means to arrive, belong, and remain connected across generations.
Inspired by Hawaii as both a lived place and a historic crossroads of Indigenous, diasporic, and migratory histories, E Hele Mai uses the islands as a metaphor for convergence. Just as Hawaii has long been shaped by intersecting histories and traditions, Irvine Valley College is a place where many different journeys meet, creating new relationships and shared understandings.
"An inaugural exhibition helps define the character of a new gallery," said Dr. Vi Ly, Dean of the Arts, Library, and Online Education. “We wanted to begin with an exhibition that reflects the many paths that have brought us here to IVC. Our hope is that visitors will gain a renewed sense of connection—to the artwork, to one another, and to their own stories."
Exhibition Information:
Exhibition: E Hele Mai: Grounded Elsewhere, Rooted Here
Artists: Dane Hiʻipoi Nakama, Alina Kawai, Anela Ming-Yue Oh, and Nainoa Rosehill
Dates: August 12 – October 1, 2026
Opening Reception: Thursday, August 27 from 4–6 pm
Location: Irvine Valley College Arts Hall and Gallery, W4.103
5500 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, CA 92618
Admission and Parking: Free and open to the public. Parking in Lot 6 will be free during the opening reception.
About IVC Art Gallery:
The IVC Art Gallery offers a vibrant and welcoming space that serves both the campus and broader community. Through curated exhibitions and engaging public programs, the gallery enriches the academic experience and supports the artistic and professional development of students and faculty. We are committed to presenting diverse, inclusive, and multidisciplinary work that reflects a wide range of perspectives and artistic practices.
The Art Gallery is part of the IVC Arts Village, a new $61 million creative hub that also includes Music, Dance, Visual Arts, and the Performing Arts Center.