The ARTS at Marks Garage is art center rather than art gallery; its function is to incorporate the general community in its mission rather than have folks simply come in as passive viewers. The venue’s current exhibit, "From Here to Nowhere: The Future History of Navigation," illuminates this objective.

The juried show drew some 60 submissions exploring "the course of our vehicle, our community and our life," as stated in the exhibit announcement. The beauty of the more than 20 pieces selected for the show is in the range of artists who created them.

"It’s a very egalitarian show. Artists are different ages with different educational levels and different backgrounds. We got a great mix of people," says Rich Richardson, creative director of Marks Garage. "The show fulfills our mission as a community art center."

Richardson says the art of creating a theme for such a show is in navigating between topics too broad or too narrow.

"You need to find a bandwidth that everyone can tune into," he explains.

"I thought the theme of navigation was broad enough to invite explorations of intellect, spirituality, physical navigation and transportation. Our geography in Hawaii is so incredibly unique, we have this position on the globe that is so challenging, I thought this was a topic that would appeal to the collective imagination."

The works were juried by the dozen partners of Marks Garage, including members of Hawaii Craftsmen, Hawaii Watercolor Society, the Pai Foundation and Cherry Blossom Cabaret.

"We wanted pieces that provoke people, that are smart and well done," he says.

They weren’t disappointed. Pieces range from paintings and map drawings to a metal sculpture of wire, screws, springs and plates, an intricate hand-cutout work on recycled paper and a collaborative paper sculpture by University of Hawaii students.

Marks Garage also invited printmaker Laura Smith to show her artful prints on maps, and residents of the Chinatown Artists Lofts contributed work.

One piece brings everything together into a cohesive whole, Richardson says.

"The whole thing finally clicked when the Hokule’a steering paddle was finally installed," he says. The huge, 20-foot paddle hangs from the ceiling, spanning the gallery.

"It’s an object that combines all the disparate submissions. It’s majestic and weighty in more ways than one. It connects the whole gallery like a spine to the whole show."

Richardson says he finds it particularly appropriate to include such cultural artifacts in shows at Marks Garage.

"In the right context, it’s the perfect contribution to fine art," he says. "It adds unexpected connection to our daily lives."