Are you seeing the same artists over and over again on your feed? Not surprising. Algorithms tend to push what’s already popular which makes it harder for emerging artists to be seen. If you want to discover new talent, here are four intentional, community-rooted ways to find them and actually build a deeper connection to the creative scene around you.
1. Visit Local Markets & Pop-Ups
It’s one of the most reliable ways to find new artists as these spaces are often where they test new work, sell directly to the public, and experiment without the pressure of a formal setting like a gallery.
Places like the Kakaʻako Farmers Market, Honolulu Night Market, or the Kailua Town Night Market regularly feature local illustrators, painters, ceramicists, photographers, designers, and more. So head down, wander, and look closely to find them between the various food vendors and live music stages.
And don’t forget to strike up a conversation! Ask what inspired their work, where else they showcase their products, or who they collaborate with. This can often lead you to discover other artists, studios, or upcoming pop-ups that also get buried online.
2. Follow Event Pages & Artist Collectives
Stay ahead of the curve by following the people doing the curating, who are often event organizers, art nonprofits, and collectives who tend to feature new talent. Organizations like this include First Friday Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi Contemporary, Capitol Modern, and The ARTS at Marks Garage.
If you haven’t already, find an artist you love, follow them, then see who they follow and collaborate with. You’ll uncover a lot of creative networks hiding under the algorithm surface.
3. Explore Small Galleries, Cafés & Unexpected Spaces
Art can be found in more than white-walled galleries. Try local coffee shops, boutiques, libraries, and temporary pop-up spaces.
Cafés like Try Coffee are known for showcasing local artwork on their walls along with small galleries like The Arts at Marks Garage that put on pop-up exhibitions regularly with new mediums or themes.
You’re also likely to run into the artist themselves, especially if it’s during openings or special events. Pay attention to the artist statements on the wall, take note of their names and discover all that their body of work has to offer.
4. Talk Story
Word-of-mouth remains as one of the most powerful ways to discover local artists. Ask friends, chat with market vendors, or ask artists directly about who inspires them. Creatives are typically eager to uplift others in the community.
Some of the best recommendations can come from casual conversations in openings, workshops, or even while waiting in line at the store. These moments often lead to artists who aren’t actively self-promoting online but are doing deeply compelling work behind the scenes.
Why Supporting Local Art Matters
Buying art is not only showing support for local artists. It’s about sustaining creative ecosystems. You help preserve local stories, culture, and perspectives that can’t be replicated anywhere else. You’re giving artists the ability to continue creating where they live. Discovering new artists takes curiosity, patience, and intention, and the reward is a deeper and more meaningful connection to the place you call home.
