Congratulatory Message First and foremost, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Downtown Art Center in Hawaii and all those involved for graciously inviting us and creating this meaningful opportunity to gather with talented contemporary craft artists from around the world. It is truly an honor and a joy to participate in this international exhibition held in Hawaii, a place where nature and culture coexist in beautiful harmony, and where artistic worlds come together to share inspiration and dialogue. This exhibition, with the participation of artists from approximately 28 countries, is a significant platform for global artistic exchange. It offers a rare and valuable opportunity to explore how contemporary craft continues to evolve and engage with the rapidly changing realities of modern life. More than a display of technical skill, this exhibition invites us to reflect on how artistic sensibility and practice can be expressed through material forms-reaffirming the cultural and social relevance of craft today. Korea Craft Designer Association has long explored the identity and future direction of contemporary craft. The Korean artists participating in this exhibition reinterpret traditional techniques through a contemporary lens, experimenting with new materials and concepts to create unique and meaningful works. Their pieces reflect not only the aesthetics and sensibilities of Korea, but also engage deeply with global artistic conversations. Craft is no longer a practice confined to the past. It is an art of our time one that explores identity, lifestyle, and sensory experience in a deeply human way. In an era of technological acceleration, craft reclaims the value of the hand, and in a culture of mass production and rapid consumption, it raises essential questions about sustainability and individual expression. For this reason, craft is becoming an increasingly vital and future oriented field of artistic practice. Hawaii, with its rich natural environment and multicultural identity, resonates deeply with the material and emotional qualities of craft, as well as its communal values. I hope this exhibition will go beyond mere cultural exchange and become a meaningful space for global reflection where artists and audiences from around the world can consider the future direction of contemporary craft and its role in shaping our shared lives. Once again, I offer my heartfelt thanks for the warm invitation extended to the Korean artists, and I kindly ask for your continued interest and participation. Thank you very much! August 2025 Hyung Kyu Lee Chairman, Korea Craft Designer Association
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