Slow Art Friday / We’ve all seen them–souvenir shops filled with the brightest “Hawaiian” paintings (actually laser-painted in the Philippines), coconut purses “hand-made” from a factory somewhere in rural India, cheap kitsch representing Hawaii nei that profits faraway manufacturers who may never have even set foot in the Islands.

It’s been like this for a long time now, but in a variety of areas, people with an eye for a slower way of life are beginning to push back.

Born during a 1986 protest against a McDonald’s restaurant opening in Rome, the organization Slow Food International soon became a powerful cultural movement. In the decades since, people from all walks of life have applied Slow Food’s emphasis on sustainable, locally-focused, socially responsible consumption. That movement also gave birth to subcultures like Slow Travel, Slow Shopping, Slow Design and many others. This weekend, downtown Honolulu gets its first big taste of Slow Art. “We’ve become too dependent on overseas goods, and people want an alternative,” says Rich Richardson, creative director of the ARTS at Marks Garage. “Because of the Slow Food movement, people are beginning to understand the positive impacts from supporting local restaurants, artists and shops. It’s perfect timing for local businesses to come together in the spirit of the Slow Movement.”

Richardson and Kimi Morton Chun of Peggy Chun Gallery have helped unite many of the businesses in Chinatown for a new monthly event–Slow Art Fridays.

“It’s sort of a happy addition to First Fridays,” says Chun. “We’re not replacing First Fridays, we’re just giving the public another, less hectic evening to connect with artists on a deeper level.”

Since 2003, First Friday has grown from a draw of around 200 to an estimated 10,000 people. Richardson praises local artists, who he says are “definitely responsible” for First Friday becoming such a hit.

“They started out by bringing their friends and family,” says Richardson. “The result was a very slow avalanche.”

And while that’s undeniably a success story, some local art lovers have shied away from the crowded monthly event, which also draws an enormous contingency of bar-goers to Chinatown. Richardson, Chun and the team of people who help organize Slow Art Fridays hope to accomplish an alternative experience for those serious about art, serious about food and serious about slowing down.

“People are craving a turn from commercial to authentic culture,” Richardson says. “This new event gives people an opportunity to see our neighborhood for what it really is–quality entrepreneurs making and selling quality food, art and music.”

Chun echoes that belief, and says Slow Art Fridays are also aimed at bringing people together and encouraging a creative dialogue.

“I think people desire more connectedness,” says Chun. “What we hope people experience from these monthly events is the simple act of thinking, looking, considering art and connecting with those who create it.”

Richardson says he’s found the businesses in Chinatown’s arts district appreciative of the efforts made by the Slow Art committee and a general support for banding together in times of economic difficulty.

“We’re keeping the dollars in the local economy,” says Richardson, “giving families and individuals a free cultural experience, and as a result, we hope to create an urban core celebration.”