Parker student’s art chosen for exclusive honor
Parker School student Lucas Koranda, class of 2022, has been chosen for inclusion in the 2020 College Board Advanced Placement Art and Design Digital Exhibit.
Koranda is one of just 51 international high school artists to receive this honor from more than 62,000 portfolios submitted, landing him in the top tenth of 1% of entries received. Additionally, Koranda is only the second student chosen from the state of Hawaii since the program’s founding in the 1970s.
Koranda’s chosen artwork is the design and digital construction of an elliptical teapot and four complementary teacups.
“I used calligraphy pens and ink to construct a definite shape and size while experimenting with various glaze combinations, textures, and accessories,” shared Koranda. “I experimented with an online software, Adobe Dimensions, that was capable of replicating, manipulating, and professionally rendering my design in a digital realm.”
Koranda was forced to reimagine his advanced placement art portfolio after the world suddenly began shutting down last March due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
“COVID-19 and distance learning diversified my 3-D AP Portfolio tremendously,” shared Koranda. “Prior to the pandemic, I strictly worked on the pottery wheel. However, once quarantine was imposed, I was forced to explore other avenues and artistic mediums to complete my portfolio. I persevered through the materialistic challenges and utilized my extra time as an opportunity to enhance my work,” said Koranda.
Spring Pop-up Art Tour and Sale Saturday
The Kona Palisades Artists Group will hold its third annual “Spring Pop-up Art Tour and Sale” on Saturday.
This year’s spring event will feature five locations, with 12 artists inviting the public to view their creations during the one-day showcase event that will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The public will be able to meet the artists and learn about the unique work processes and inspirations for their art.
The event is also an opportunity to purchase art directly from the artists. During the tour, all current federal CDC, state and county guidelines regarding the COVID-19 pandemic will be followed. Facemasks and social distancing will be required at each stop.
Member artists participating in the event include: Jennifer Azzarone (acrylic photo transfer, mixed media); Roxanne Barnes (oils, pastels); Stefanie Culbertson (watercolors, digital design); Amanda and Chris Freed (woodcraft, laser engraving); Cynthia Hankins (photography); Bill Jaeger (stained glass); Kathleen Jaeger (mosaic, acrylics, pen and ink, painted glassware); Barbie Koncher (hand forged copper jewelry); Heather Mettler (sandblasted glass vessels); Maya Sorum (watercolors, jewelry); and Bill Twibell (gyotaku or fish printing).
For more information, find the group on Facebook at “Kona Palisades Artists.” To preview the artists’ work and obtain a map, email the group at KonaPalisadesArtists@gmail.com or call Bill at (808) 345-1549.
EHCC adds new twist to old favorite
For 33 years, children and families across the Big Island have delighted in “Young at Art.” Every March, in cooperation with the Department of Education, the East Hawaii Cultural Center (EHCC) exhibits the creative efforts of Hawaii’s children from K-12.
“It’s such a thrill and inspiration for keiki when they see their very own art displayed in a real art gallery,” says EHCC Executive Director Kellie Miyazu.
This year, EHCC added a new feature, asking children to reflect on a theme as they created their work. In keeping with the unprecedented events that our island and the world have struggled with, the theme of the 2021 Young at Art Exhibit is CommUnity: Finding Togetherness in Distance. By theming each year’s exhibit, EHCC hopes students will express their thoughts and feelings about the world around them while exploring the “why” behind their creative process.
“It’s more important than ever to create and use art as a form of expression. Creativity is essential in problem solving and facing challenges. We want to encourage the development of this essential tool among our keiki, and challenge all young artists to explore topics and issues that are important to them,” said YAA Coordinator Marisa Miyashiro.
For the 2021 show, students were asked to create artwork that shows a current event or issue that they find important, including but not limited to equality, climate change, health, and being apart from loved ones and classmates. They were asked to pull inspiration from their feelings and emotions in the past year, considering that even though we are physically apart, we are able to remain connected through a shared love of art.
While there will be no opening ceremony this year due to the pandemic, the public is invited to visit the gallery or explore the show online at www.ehcc.org/content/young-art-2021. Hours for the Hilo gallery are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
For more information, visit www.ehcc.org, call (808) 961-5711.