WAIMEA — “Be steadfast in the seeking of knowledge” was Queen Liliuokalani’s motto.
Students from schools throughout Waimea were asked to interpret this motto and illustrate it in their own artistic creations now showcased at the eighth annual All-Schools Show at Kahilu Theatre through May 6.
Works by faculty, family members and students from Waimea Middle Public Conversion Charter School, Kanu o ka Aina, Alo Kehau o ka Aina Mauna, Na Kula Kamalii o Kamehameha, Waimea Elementary After-School Art Program, Hawaii Preparatory Academy, Waimea Country School and Parker School are on display in two galleries.
According to Waimea Education Hui — a voluntary group of area educators, school representatives and cultural practitioners through which the exhibition is sponsored — each class interpreted the Queen’s motto in different ways. Some compared it to their school’s vision, theme, values and principles and illustrated this in their art pieces. Others identified knowledge in the skills or goals they plan to use in college, future careers, community and culture, and selected places or people that inspire them to be committed to their long term goals as highlighted in their artwork. Students of all ages expressed how nature, creativity, imagination, dreams or visions grounded them to seek knowledge.
“Kanu O Ka Aina elementary students and I took the theme and went into an in-depth study of who they are as this generation, continuing to be steadfast in how they seek knowledge and how they interpret that,” Pua Case said, a hui member and the art exhibit’s coordinator. “They created 3-D art pieces made from recyclable materials transformed into double hull canoes that mark the Hokulea crew members who came to teach them what each part is of a canoe and then work with them on construction ideas to create their masterpiece.”
To get their creative juices flowing, teachers also asked students guiding questions such as, “What do you want to become more knowledgeable about? Or how will you remain steadfast, dedicated and committed to obtaining that knowledge?”
Waimea Middle School expressed their knowledge through other unique art forms.
“This year they have an art teacher, Susan Gallery, and her students provided their artistic interpretation of the theme and beyond — cubes, artwork and displays. She also created handmade frames for the exhibit, so we’re really excited to have not just their work but her work as well,” Case said.
Funding for the exhibition was provided by Parker School, Honokaa Complex 21st Century Community Learning Center Enrichment Program and grants from Mauna Kea Education and Awareness and Native Voices Rising.
The free display is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and during all performances.
Info: Visit http://kahilutheatre.org/Exhibits/Waimea-Education-Hui or call 885-6868.