Among the many major artists represented are Jean Charlot, D. Howard Hitchcock, Herb Kawainui Kane, Huc-Mazelet Luquiens, Ben Norris, Louis Pohl, Horatio Nelson Poole, Lloyd Sexton, Jr., Jules Tavernier, and Lionel Walden.

At its completion, the structure was the first public school in the historic ranching community of Waimea and among the earliest schoolhouses built in the Hawaiian plantation style.

Locally, its size reflects the gradual increase in population that Waimea experienced in the early 20th century; nationally, a civic trend toward standardized American education.

At the war's peak, the region was host to approximately 30,000 G.I.s operating out of Camp Tarawa; many would later contribute to major campaigns on Iwo Jima and Okinawa, two decisive installments in the Pacific theatre.

[8] Other Hawaii artists represented in the center's collection include Jean Charlot, D. Howard Hitchcock, Herb Kawainui Kane, Huc-Mazelet Luquiens, Ben Norris, Louis Pohl, Horatio Nelson Poole, Lloyd Sexton, Jules Tavernier, and Lionel Walden.