More than 20 students, faculty and staff gathered in the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College’s Heona Fine Arts Studio in September to begin work on a new three-panel, 40’ by 8’, acrylic-on-canvas mural, which will be the centerpiece of the new student lounge.
”The idea started with bringing the outside in,” said creator Marc Antosch, a UH Maui College graphic designer. “It began with ʻāina (land) as a central subject, then wai/kai (freshwater/sea), and then Indigenous animals. The artistic style was inspired by the works of Hawaiʻi artist (and UH Mānoa alumna) Heather Brown. I’ve always felt her use of color, movement and theme brings a sense of positivity while embracing the natural beauty that’s all around us—in a very stylized, aesthetically pleasing way.”
Although the mural was planned long before the August wildfires, Antosch said its purpose has taken on additional meaning.
”It felt like the time was right to start bringing the idea to life,” he said. ”Collaborative art really brings people together. It builds a connection. It allows everyone a chance to meet new people and work together toward a common goal. Personally, I feel there is a therapeutic component to the creative process, especially when brush meets paint and paint meets surface. What happens after that is when the magic begins.”
Feeling of aloha
Most of the students who participated in the session are in a printmaking class taught by Art Professor Michael Takemoto, the mural project’s co-coordinator.
Before the group got to work, Takemoto gave a short history of public art and demonstrated acrylic painting, which helped to calm the jittery nerves of some first-time painters.
”I am a big fan of public art,” said student Stephanie Serraglio. ”I think murals enrich our campus and help us make spaces look more like the ways our community feels. I am not usually a painter, but I found it relaxing to paint and it was beautiful to see all that we created together, as a group. I would love to participate in the other panels, and I am so excited to see them installed.”
Third-year liberal arts student Pokai Kanaele focused on painting an ʻulu (breadfruit) tree on the panel.
”This project is a great way to have students and faculty members participate in creating art with each other as well as to create beautiful art around the UH Maui College campus,” Kanaele said. ”I think the murals will enable new and enrolled students to see the beauty of Hawaiʻi and create the feeling of aloha that the island and the school have to offer.”
Developing community
The Kahului campus showcases art in public places, most notably the Makahiki mural on the Kaʻaʻike Building. Antosch said initially, the idea was to transform a huge wall inside the Kaʻaʻike Building, however, Chancellor Lui Hokoana suggested the new student lounge might be a great place to showcase the mural, especially since students are part of the process.
”It was really wonderful to see students, faculty and staff working together on a creative endeavor,” said Takemoto. ”I feel that the arts have the power to develop community and at the same time, give individuals a means to express themselves. This first mural project session was successful on all those levels. Stay tuned for parts two and three!”
