Originally founded in 2011 in Portland, Oregon, AAC was a haven where creativity knew no bounds, transforming ordinary salad bars into "art bars" for "all you can make art."
It was a sanctuary that grew across three inspiring studios, complete with a mobile unit partnering with schools, libraries, music festivals, and community events. After a cherished journey, life led us to a devastating pause, and by 2019, circumstances drew me back to Honolulu.
But Art ala Carte never faded from my heart. For years, a yearning to revive this soul mate business felt like a distant dream- because of the high cost of living in Hawaii and the impossibly large commercial real estate costs. Until 2025, when magically, the universe aligned my path.
A serendipitous project with a dream client led to a chance to secure a perfect space for AAC in the very neighborhood I dreamed of. This is an opportunity to rent the space at a fraction of the cost.
This is a true full circle moment.
We will kick off the AAC Adventure as a pop up activation in the space in Kailua! We will start out small and share space with other creatives with pop up shops and activations. Allowing it to expand and grow as it is meant to. My heart is telling me that this is going to go in many beautiful directions that can't even be imagined right now.
AAC focuses on process based art allowing artists of all ages to make their own creative concepts with seemingly unlimited supplies. We focus on reusing unique materials and recycled bits in addition to traditional art supplies. AAC helps you look at things in a new way- finding ways to make something beautiful out of unexpected items.
In this world of Ai, social media algorithms, and everything being so content focused- a space for true conversation, community, connection, and creativity is needed more than ever!
Our doors will not only welcome artists but also provide a community space for events that lift other small businesses, making art and innovation accessible to everyone in Hawaii, especially honoring Kanaka and Wahine.
But we can't do it without your help. To open our doors once more, we need your support. Your donations will allow us to transform this dream into reality, to offer a space where creativity, conversation, and community thrive.
Join us in this creative journey and second chance at my ultimate dream.
-Aria Leighty
