Here's a sneak peak at a portion of the six twelve foot panels of the mural.
It appears to depict the presence of na kupuna (our ancestors) in the coconut
grove known as Helumoa that stood at the site of the Waikiki hotels.

Event: Unveiling of "Arting in Place" Mural and Paintings of Helumoa

FREE Opening Ceremony:  Saturday, October 10th from Noon to 2 pm

For Unveiling:  Be present by 11:45 am

Location:  Sheraton Waikiki Hotel (Diamond Head side, at the base of the escalators)

RSVP:  Alice Chen, 673-1885

The moment we have been waiting for, the unveiling of the mural of Helumoa is here!  The artists, kumu (teachers) and haumana (students) invite anyone interested to join them at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel.  To see the unveiling of the murals, be present on the ground level of the Hotel, Diamond Head side, at the base of the escalators by 11:45 am.  A reception will follow on the second floor in front of the ballrooms.  You are also welcome to take walking tours of the "Arting in Place" paintings by na Kumu (teachers) Al Lagunero, Carl Pao, Solomon Enos, Harinani Orme, and Meleanna Meyer, that will be permanently installed.  Maps will be available for your tour.  Validated free self-parking is available or you can valet for $8.  Please RSVP with Alice Chen at 673-1885.

Kumu Meleanna Meyer identified Mahealani Pa Garcia at an early age, while
teaching art at Ke Kula O Kamakau, as having natural artistic talent.  Now an
aspiring artist and 10th grader at Roosevelt, Mahealani is one of the fortunate
students selected to participate in this special project.  Ho'oipo photos

The haumana (students) were specially selected for their unique skills and talents by Kumu Meleanna Meyer, the primary driving force for this fascinating project.  The haumana and other helpers that worked on the mural include, Malia Andrus, Woori Bae, Kaipu Baker, Alice Chen, Lilia Chan, Kahi Ching, Kala Domingo, Kupono Duncan, Jade Fernandez, Kahiau Freitas, Max Gibbons, Welo Gossline-Niheu, Tara Gumpac, Paige Ka'ea, Susanne Kurisu, Hale Mawae, Malia Kanaiaupuni-Naff, Kapeliela Kipi, Kapono Lucas, Kau'i Uakea McElroy, Kelly Nakasone, Mahealani Pa Garcia, Makana Phillips, Waialeale Sarsona, Katherine Terada, Alana Tyau, Austin Vistacron, Mahiemaikalani Wilhelm, and Amy Yamasaki.  Each of the students received a valuable lesson, and a lasting experience that has already contributed to their growth.

All the Kumu will be present for the opening ceremony Saturday, at Noon.

As a consequence of government budget cuts, art classes have been discontinued in many of Hawai'i's schools for many grades, depriving students of an essential communication tool.  Art develops powerful skills of observation and critical and creative thinking processes which help students to articulate, and solve problems, through highly effective, non-verbal media.  The study of art is important for student reflection and visual literacy, and should hold a significant place in a balanced school curriculum.  Projects like this "Arting in Place" project in Waikiki will hopefully become more commonplace in the near future as a way to improve overall academic achievement in Hawai'i.  A look at the slideshow below and the other articles featuring artists involved with this Project should provide an understanding of the merit of these enriching "arting" experiences.  Event details can be found at:  http://wcitarch.com/invite.html.