As a Peace Corps Volunteer in Iran, Tom Klobe learned the persuasive qualities of quiet leadership that enlightened his 29-year career as Director of the University of Hawaii Art Gallery. He organized and designed over 200 exhibitions, five of which received the prestigious Print Casebooks: Best in Exhibition Design award. His book "Exhibitions: Concept, Planning and Design" was published by the American Association of Museums Press in 2012. He has authored or edited over 35 publications. Klobe was named a Living Treasure of Hawaii in 2005 and was the recipient of the University of Hawaii Robert W. Clopton Award for Distinguished Community Service in 2003. In 1999 he was honored by the Republic of France as a Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres for his contributions to the arts in France and Hawaii.