Jan. 16, 2019
Contributed by Nadine Lagaso
Spanish artist Salvador Dali once said, “A true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others.” This is certainly true of three Kamehameha Schools kumu recently named art educators of the year by the Hawai‘i Art Education Association (HAEA).
KS Kapālama Art Kumu Don Harvey, KS Maui Art Kumu Nicki Barsamian and KS Hawai‘i Art Kumu Tana Rosehill have been named HAEA’s 2018 high school, middle school and elementary school art educators of the year.
Each has inspired hundreds of haumāna to embrace their love of art. Many have become art teachers – including KS Kapālama alumnus Auli‘i Nahulu, a KS Hawai‘i Middle School art kumu who also serves as board president for HAEA.
“I am proud to work alongside such passionate art educators including Don Harvey who was my high school ceramics instructor,” Nahulu said. “Mr. Harvey inspired me to peruse the arts as a career.”
The Hawai‘i Art Education Association is dedicated to building art advocacy, education, and appreciation. This is the first year that HAEA has given awards based on grade level.
In years past, the association named a single “Hawai‘i Art Educator of the Year” for the entire state. In 2017, KS Maui Elementary School Art Kumu Diane Fell received the statewide award, and Harvey received the award in 2012.
For the 2018 awards program, art educators submitted nominations. HAEA board members – including professionals from public schools, private schools and UH – selected the honorees based on achievements in the field of art education and contributions to the art profession.
Nahulu said that KS’ art programs are distinct among others in the state.
“Our programs keep pace with new technologies and techniques in the art field but still maintain a strong foundation of ‘ike kūpuna (ancestral knowledge) so that we can continue to ensure the vibrancy of the community locally and abroad.”
“I feel very fortunate to work at a school that both values and supports a strong art program. To be able to work in such a creative environment, to be able to share my skills and love of art and to see our students grow artistically by creating such powerful artworks has been extremely fulfilling. Over the years, many of my students have gone on to receive local and national recognition for their artworks, I am deeply humbled to have played a small part in their success.”
– Don Harvey, KS Kapālama High School Art Kumu
“I love seeing students gain a better understanding of themselves as Hawaiians through their art, taking traditional craft and practices and applying them to their contemporary lives. When students are able to make connections between themselves and their local and global community, their artwork becomes empowering, and by extension, they themselves become empowered!”
– Nicki Barsamian, KS Maui Middle School Art Kumu
“While at KS, I have grown as an educator, artist and person. I have been able to fine-tune my craft within a community committed to the growth of our lāhui. It has been a privilege and honor to perpetuate Pauahi’s vision, to educate her haumāna and an even greater joy to work with our youngest keiki. Who can resist those smiles and hugs received every day?!”
– Tana Rosehill, KS Hawai‘i Elementary School Art Kumu