February 9, 2012
Contributed by ksinfo
For the first time in Pow Wow's history, a total of 40 youth from Roosevelt High School, McKinley High School, Voyager Charter School, Kamehameha Schools, YMCA and 808 Urban will participate in this week-long gathering gleaning lessons on how to transform a neighborhood via street art and personal expression. At the end of the event, a culminating student art piece will be mounted at Voyager Charter School.
"I grew up in the public school system of Hawaii and there was definitely a lack of focus in art. It's always been considered of lesser importance to the grander educational experience. So, as an artist now, I've always wanted to give back to my hometown, and art education is a key aspect to that," said Jasper Wong, creator and founder of POW WOW Hawaii. In a society accustomed to celebrating a final product, POW WOW seeks to engage the broader community by highlighting the creation process of art.
"It's about the breaking down of those closed doors and making art accessible," said Wong. "We wanted to educate young people about the art form and have them take an active part in it, hopefully triggering an interest in art as both a viewer and a participant."
"I am so excited to learn and be inspired by new things and can't wait to get a taste of what they have to offer," said Roosevelt High School senior, Miwa Yamaguchi. "As a participant in this event, it means that I have the privilege to interact and engage with internationally renowned artists and share our talents together and influence our community."
As an educational institution, Kaka'ako landowner Kamehameha Schools was eager to dive into a creative collaboration with POW WOW Hawaii and offered up two buildings within its master-planned development area to serve as a canvas for the community project. POW WOW Hawaii 2012 is only the beginning of a culture & arts revival that is steadily becoming more visible in Kaka'ako.
"Art and expression are the cornerstone of community and innovation. We are embracing Pow Wow, local artists, and members of the creative community as we move towards Kamehameha's vision of a vibrant, sustainable, 21st century Kaka'ako," said Christian O'Connor, senior asset manager at Kamehameha Schools. "We believe redevelopment efforts and events such as Pow Wow, will inspire a new generation of urban community participants who will co-author Kaka'ako through their ideas, aspirations and involvement."
Schedule of events:
Friday, Feb. 10, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Jasper Wong lectures to Kamehameha Schools' art students KS Kapalama campus
Monday, February 13
POW Wow Hawaii 2012 begins; artists from around the world gather in Kaka'ako to prep mural project for student tour
February 14 – 17
Painting murals in Kaka'ako neighborhood Pohukaina, Halekauwila, Koula, Queen streets & Auahi Business Center warehouse
February 15 – 17, 3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Students tour mural and are mentored by artists
Friday, February 17, 3:30 p.m.
Students finalize mural project; mural is erected at Voyager Charter School
Photos from Pow Wow 2011 are attached for media use. To view a video on POW WOW Hawaii 2012 visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIUM7wO6T2E.
For more information go to www.powwowhawaii.com
About Kamehameha Schools
Kamehameha Schools is a private, educational, charitable trust founded and endowed by the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop. Kamehameha Schools operates a statewide educational system enrolling over 6,900 students of Hawaiian ancestry at K-12 campuses on ''ahu, Maui and Hawai'i and 31 preschool sites statewide. Over 40,000 additional Hawaiian learners and caregivers are served each year through a range of other Kamehameha Schools' outreach programs, community collaborations and financial aid opportunities in Hawai'i and across the continental United States.
Kamehameha Schools’ policy is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
