John Melville Kelly (1878-1962) came to Hawaii via San Francisco in 1923. Although accomplished as an etching and aquatint artist as well as several other graphic art techniques he became recognized through his vivid depictions of Hawaiian people. He fell in love with the islands and not suprisingly became an early champion of the Hawaiian people and their rights.

Compared to Paul Gauguin during his Tahitian period, Kelly has a unique place in history as an early artist capturing the Hawaiian people. Rich colors make for art of alluring people and the lush tropical setting that is Hawaii.