On Wednesday, May 8th, we celebrated nine young artists.  These students had work selected to hang at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center for an entire year.  The theme was Celebrating Hawaiʻi with Family and Friends…so we did just that. Timing and resources restricted travel to Honolulu for the opening celebration, but we had ohana join us for a recognition lunch with classmates enjoying a slide show of their work.  I continue to marvel at our creative keiki.  Each child received a certificate, framed copy of their art work as well as a goodie bag full of art supplies.  Congratulation to first graders, Lucas and Tehani as well as fifth graders Kayla, Travis, Anela, Malia, Tatum, Emma and Kaohinani.

As the 2012-13 school year comes to a close, Kamehameha Schools celebrates its ongoing partnership with EHCC as we showcase student work from Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade.  Both two-dimensional and three-dimensional work highlight the artistic growth that is an integral part of each childʻs Kamehameha education.  As in the past middle school students were proud to assist by fabricating frames to display the artwork.  The show opened on May 3rd and will run until the end of the month. It was great to have our principal Mrs. Nāeole-Wong helped us celebrate.

Prince Kuhio Plaza was the location for a small but exciting exhibit of student artwork created by East Hawai’i island children. Beauty Through the Eyes of Children is an annual painting contest sponsored by the Museum of Art in Japan. The exhibit features art work from students in grades K – 6. All work displayed will be sent on to Honolulu for further judging with selected work being sent all the way to Japan.

Best of Show award was presented to first grader Dara for her rain forest composition entitled What a Great Day! Congratulations to all participants: Fifth graders D.J. and Kaʻai, third grader Shania, first graders Kekainalu, Dara, Rhian and Serenity, and kindergartener Leigh-Ann. We can tell by your smiles just how much you love art! A big Mahalo to Mrs. Nāʻeole-Wong and Dr. Holoua Stender for supporting the arts and taking time out of their weekend to be at the awards presentation.

Congratulations to Kayla (Gr. 5), Hayden (Gr. 3), Kalissa and Kahiau (Gr. 1) and Hi’ilani (Kindergarten). They had a wonderful Saturday in Honolulu. Awards were presented by Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and State Senator Ige in recognition of their work in the Youth Art Month State Capitol Exhibit. They wrapped up the exciting day with a visit to the Honolulu Museum of Art. It was fun recognizing works from many artists studied in art class. Click below and travel with them as their day unfolded.

The art room is a place where we honor creative ideas and happy accidents, but yesterday we took this philosophy to the sidewalks of our kula. See the results in the three slide shows below–oh so many wonderful pictures. Thank you to Mrs. Chang for being my photographer, to all teachers and staff for embracing my “crazy idea”, and to you, my amazing students…it was a blast!!!

Slide Show #1

Slide Show #2

Slide Show #3

Photo Collage by Kumu Kanani – Mahalo

Youth Art Month is an annual observance every March to emphasize the value of art education for all youth and to encourage support for quality school art programs. The Young at Art Show is a celebration and a chance to acknowledging skills that are fostered through experience in the visual arts. Supported by the Department of Education as well as East Hawaii Cultural Center, student art work will be on display until the end of March. Twenty five of our Kula Haʻahaʻa keiki were recognized for their amazing work. Congratulations.