For one Kauai artist, a surfboard isn’t just an instrument for riding waves but a canvas for creative chaos, expression, and unity. His latest work is a vibrant, colorful art piece adorned with over 50 concealed cartoons, which is slated for donation in the second annual North Shore Give Charity Auction.
Today marks the commencement of a two-week online auction that invites residents, visitors, and global supporters to participate digitally and donate to programs designed to empower the North Shore community.
This year, the auction will feature a special focus on multi-artist and President of the American Childhood Cancer Organization, Trevor Romain, who has generously donated his latest surfboard artwork “Cartoon Chaos” which is now live and available for bidding until Feb. 26.
Romain is also recognized for writing and illustrating children’s books and explains his ongoing challenges with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) as his inspiration behind the surfboard art. He also expresses joy in not only donating his work but empowering his community.
“The struggle for me is that I usually have a bunch of ideas running around my head all at the same time and it’s difficult to focus on one idea at a time, explained Romain, “I have struggled with ADD my whole life.
“So when I sat down to paint this board there was just no favorite idea, so I just decided to paint what the inside of my imagination may look like to an outsider looking in, monsters, warts and all— the words ‘cartoon chaos’ come to mind,” he said.
Romain added that the artwork required approximately 90 hours to complete and encourages bidders to search for the more than 50 concealed cartoons, as well as his tribute to Bill Watterson, which is featured on the surfboard.
“Not only will you get a unique piece of art, and a glimpse inside a knucklehead’s imagination— which is guaranteed to entertain your friends and family— but you will have so much fun searching for more than fifty classic cartoons hidden in the illustration. I just love Calvin and Hobbes so I hid the two of them, to pay homage to Bill Waterson, the incredible artist who created the Calvin and Hobbes strip.”
“More importantly winning this board will help people in our community who need support, he said, “I hope the board brings you hours and hours of smiles and joy, especially during these crazy times in the world,” said Romain.
The funds raised will have a direct and significant impact on programs focused on education, medical services, and community resilience. This includes initiatives such as the expansion of healthcare services and providing diagnostic equipment for the Makana North Shore Urgent Care Facility.
Funding will also be allocated to support water equality testing initiatives aimed at identifying and addressing land-based pollution. This initiative will further assist collaborative partners, including Reef Guardias Hawaii, in their efforts to promote clean water practices.
Lastly, funds will also assist in Community Preparedness by enabling the training of a significant number of community members in emergency response training. This includes the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, as well as providing essential Emergency Communications training such as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AED).
Stefan Swanepoel, President of the North Shore Give Foundation also invites everyone to get involved and said; “Giving is the essence of living, and we are delighted to have this awesome annual auction enabling so many to give back to the community.”
The auction is now live and will conclude on Wednesday, Feb. 26, with a Gala event at the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, during which the winner of the surfboard will be announced. Individuals interested in placing a bid on the over 150 items and adventures can visit, nsgive.com.
