LIHUE — How does he keep the fabric from falling?
Island School student Carlos Lang was carrying on a discussion with art instructor Penny Nichols on Wednesday during an Island School art class field trip to the Art Kauai 2018 exhibit at the Kauai Society of Artists gallery at Kukui Grove Center.
The fabric in question belonged to the art piece created by Freddie Zolinger titled “The Future,” and stimulated the discussion between Nichols and several students, including Lang.
“Studies have shown that creative expression is a key to problem-solving,” said Rose Anne Jones, a KSA officer and the chair for the Art Kauai show. “Being here exposes the creative expression in each of us. Last week, a group of young students from Island School visited Art Kauai and were delighted to view the outstanding artwork. Penny Nichols was thrilled with their enthusiasm and facilitated more tours for Island School students before the show ends on Oct. 27.”
Wednesday, students coming from a drawing and painting class in grades 9 through 12 made the tour. Another group of students in grades 9 through 12 are scheduled to visit the gallery on Monday, and a final group of fifth-grade students will tour the exhibit next Thursday.
“This is my first time to the Art Kauai exhibit,” said Ema-Lani Ebesu. “It’s interesting because they have different types of artwork available. Other shows that I’ve been to have just paintings.”
During the tour, students were tasked with finding four selections from the collection, and writing something about their choices.
“This is a quality show,” Nichols said. “They have pieces from artists like David Kuraoka who has been declared a Living Treasure of Hawaii for his artwork, and the Hawaii Foundation for Culture and the Arts made a record five purchases from this show for nearly $30,000. Good, or bad, the main thing is to express yourself, and express it well.”
Lang said he was amazed at how people use the strangest materials to build such nice pieces.
“I like how these pieces are made from what you can find at the beach,” said Emma Harris, Island School senior. “You know? Recycle. It is super cool what you can do with what you find off the beach.”
Art Kauai 2018, juried by Maika‘i Tubbs of New York, opened with a reception on Sept. 14. The exhibit runs through Oct. 27. Viewing hours are from noon to 6 p.m. daily and noon to 9 p.m. on Fridays.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
