HONOLULU (KHON2) — On Saturday, Feb. 1, Northern Lights Studios in Honolulu will host an open house. The event offers a unique opportunity to meet the artist and activist behind the studio, Emillia Noordhoek, and explore her vision of blending art, activism and community education through ceramics.
Noordhoek, is a local artist, educator and passionate advocate for social justice. and she opened Northern Lights Studios in 2023.
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Her background spans experiences from growing up on the Navajo Reservation to living in rural Molokai, and all of them have shaped much of her work and teaching impacts her community.
Now, as she calls O‘ahu home, Noordhoek is eager to share her expertise with students, especially youth, in a nurturing, hands-on setting.
“No one teaches us how to slow down and listen to our own bodies, our own instincts, and our own hearts,” Noordhoek said. “That’s something I see art helping people, especially kids, do. It grounds us. And when you’re working with your hands, you realize you are part of something bigger, something ancient.”
A big part of her mission at Northern Lights Studios is to teach children how to connect with their history, themselves and their community through the medium of ceramics.
She plans to offer classes for local keiki (children) and teens, with a focus on neurodivergent students as well. As someone diagnosed with ADHD, Noordhoek understands how creating with your hands can help settle a restless mind.
“I want kids to realize that the act of creating is not just a way to pass time but a way to connect deeply with their past, their culture, and their future,” Noordhoek said. “Ceramics is a way to teach resilience. The mud doesn’t argue with you. It listens and becomes what you need.”
The open house will provide a chance for families to tour the studio, meet Emillia and get information about upcoming classes and workshops. Local youth interested in exploring ceramics are encouraged to attend.
The open house will also feature a look at some of Noordhoek’s own artwork which includes a politically charged series about women’s rights that’s made its way from ceramics to graphic design.
“I believe art can push us to think critically about our world,” Noordhoek said. “One of my pieces — ‘Uterus Guns’ — explores the dangerous ways our bodies are politicized. It started as a reaction to the Supreme Court’s decision on abortion rights, and it’s something I want to share. The t-shirts and prints will be available at the open house.”
Northern Lights Studios is more than just a place to make art. It’s a space for community building and activism where young people can explore their creative potential and learn about leadership in an increasingly complex world.
“Art creates good leaders,” Noordhoek said as she emphasized the importance of fostering creative problem-solving and self-confidence. “We need more leaders who understand the world through a creative lens. we need people who can look at complex problems and figure out solutions that don’t exist yet.”
Noordhoek’s work spans various forms, from pottery and sculpture to teaching; and it reflects her belief that art is an essential tool for self-expression and social change.
Her experience growing up in a community that valued self-reliance and creativity, combined with her own personal journey through illness and activism, has shaped her teaching philosophy.
“As a kid, I was taught by the community how to weave, how to create pottery, how to work with the land,” Noordhoek said. “When I started teaching, I realized the value of passing that knowledge on. I want my students to feel that, whether it’s through clay or art, they’re creating something that will last.”
At the open house, attendees can get a firsthand look at Northern Lights Studios’ creative environment where art is more than about technique. It’s about growth, reflection and being part of a larger narrative.
“The work that comes out of here isn’t just mine; it’s our work,” Noordhoek said. “This studio is for everyone. It’s for the young artists finding their voice, the parents who want to spend time with their children and the community members who want to explore their creativity.”
Noordhoek’s focus on empowering youth through ceramics stems from her own experiences. She understands the power of creative expression to help students process their emotions, build confidence and find a sense of belonging in a chaotic world.
“The thing I love most about ceramics is that it’s hands-on. It’s not about looking at a screen or pushing buttons; it’s about getting messy, making mistakes and learning from them,” Noordhoek said. “It teaches kids that it’s okay to be imperfect. That’s how we grow.”
As the open house approaches, Noordhoek is excited to meet the community and share her vision. She sees Northern Lights Studios as a catalyst for change and not just in the art world, but in the way we connect with each other and the world around us.
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Stone sculpture by Emillia Noordhoek. (Photo/Northern Lights Studios) -
Emillia Noordhoek. (Photo/Northern Lights Studios) -
Stone sculpture by Emillia Noordhoek. (Photo/Northern Lights Studios) -
Sculpture by Emillia Noordhoek. (Photo/Northern Lights Studios) -
“I want this space to be a place where people come together, where young people can feel seen, where they can make something and say, ‘I made that.’ And then, maybe they’ll realize they can do even more.”
For more information about the open house, classes, or to learn more about Noordhoek’s artwork, visit Northern Lights Studios on Instagram or Facebook or visit them at the Cedar Street Gallery in Chinatown.
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The studio’s grand opening takes place on Saturday, Feb. 1, from 1 to 3 p.m. at 111 North King Street in Chinatown, Honolulu.
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