The Vogels’ gift of 50 works of art to each of the 50 states was meant to inspire. This reaction from one critic in Hawaii

This is why the Vogels should be role models for all of us who believe in contemporary art in Hawaii. If we want to support and develop local contemporary artists, then they have to see art-making as a viable career. Which means we have to buy their work, which like the conceptualists and minimalists in this show will not be immediately recognized as “good” or even “local” art. Just as the Vogels challenged themselves to recognize the valuable in the new, so must we. Luckily the work of emerging artists is inexpensive! “Exquisitely Modern” is an educational opportunity for all who are willing to see with open eyes, and to dig into a background story that shows life itself to be art.

Taking the Vogels’ View (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)