PROMOVENDO A CULTURA BRASILEIRA EDUCANDO
Waialua,
Hawai'i, May 3, 2008
A community mural project by marine artist and waterman Hilton Alves, which depicts Waimea Bay and spans Waialua High School's 28' tall x over 120' long gym wall, was a huge success. Hilton began the mural on April 21st, 2008 and finished in time for the Waialua Complex Education Fair held on Thursday, May 1st where, among others, Mayor Mufi Hanneman was in attendance. The mural, named 'Mali'e Waimea,' took 9, 10 hour days to complete, used 40 gallons of paint, 150 bottles of water, one man lift, about 200 paint brushes, and included over 300 students, community supporters and volunteers. Student involvement was a highlight of the project and teacher Kenneth Capes, says that the mural, '… generates so much positive energy to those who look at it. The project took on a life of its own when the students got to be a part of it [and they] were really able to connect with… [the] project. They were able to become artists, assistants, supporters, promoters, and to some students it became a reason to come to school. The mural is beautiful and holds a lot of history behind its nine days of coming to life.' Kenneth used several of Hilton's paintings to teach students how art can convey powerful messages. The painting titled 'Cry of Dolphin' was used as an example of art which demonstrates the destructive forces of man on nature.
The mural is the biggest to date and is part of a project started by the artist called Surf Art Kids in 2004 in Brazil. The project was spread to 20 cities and 3 states in Brazil. Surf Art Kids is designed to expose children and youth to environmental awareness and foster in them a respect and love for the ocean and marine life through art. The mural is Hilton's 5th in an island school and his goal is to bring the same type of success to as many Hawai'i schools as possible. Kenneth Capes says that Hilton will accomplish this goal through persistence and a willingness to share his gift with students. At the completion on Thursday, Kenneth stated 'Hilton and his Surf Art Kids program definitely made me a believer in following dreams. His talents and willingness to share them with youth and community is a beautiful gift to those willing to receive. He is a gem to our communities and we have to let that gem shine through supporting his efforts with Surf Art Kids.'
This project was made possible through partnerships with Kono's Cafe in Haleiwa, North Shore Equipment Rentals, Bob's Equipment Rentals, Schofield Barracks Community Partnership Program, Green Hawai'i Tree Service, Del's Photo Lab in Haleiwa, Da Hui, C4 Waterman and Waialua High School. Past Surf Art Kids murals include one at Waialua Elementary School, two at Sunset Beach Elementary School, and one at Waialua High School. Hilton is working to build similar partnerships on O'ahu to reach more schools through his project and plans to complete his next mural at Kahuku High School.
For additional information on 'Surf Marine Artist Paints a Big Wave of Happiness' or the Surf Art Kids Project visit www.hiltonsurfart.com.br or email Jessica@hiltonsurfart.com.br.
Pictures: all courtesy of Jessica DelaCruz and Kenneth Capes
Full Surf Art Kids interview with Kenneth Capes, Special Education Teacher at Waialua High School
1) Did the mural turn out as you expected?
Hilton's art works always amazes me and this mural did no different. It generates so much positive energy to those who look at it. The project took on a life of its own when the students got to be a part of it. Students were really able to connect with this Surf Art Kids project. They were able to become artists, assistants, supporters, promoters, and to some students a reason to come to school. The mural is beautiful and holds a lot of history behind its nine days of coming to life.
2) How was it working with the students on this project?
The students had nothing but great things to say about
the project and the outcome. There were a few that were a part of
the project in the beginning but in the end there was about 300 students, staff,
and community that got directly involved with the project in one way or
another.
3) Was there anything special that happened during the mural creation?
Hilton influenced many in the Surf Art Kids project at
Waialua High, but one student in particular did this project strongly influenced
a students' life into a more positive direction.
4) How did you feel once you finished the mural?
Hilton and his Surf Art Kids program definitely made me a
believer in following dreams. The dreams he has for the Surf Art
Kids program to visit as many schools in Hawaii as possible through grant and
sponsorship support will become a success. His persistence will
prevail. His talents and willingness to share them with youth and
community is a beautiful gift to those willing to receive. He is a
gem to our communities and we have to let that gem shine through supporting his
efforts with Surf Art Kids. Go Hilton, Go Surf Art Kids!!!
ABOUT: Surf Art Kids Project
Presented by: Marine Artist Hilton
Alves
Who: Marine
artist and surfer Hilton Alves is a lover of the sea. This passion leads him to
express all the beauty of the aquatic world in drawings, paintings and murals.
Self-taught, Hilton began painting professionally seven years ago. Through
outreach to youth, Hilton fulfills his drive to give back to the community and
spread the word of protection of the world's most precious
resources.
What: Surf Art
Kids, created by Hilton Alves, is a social project designed to expose children
and youth to environmental awareness and foster in them a respect and love for
the ocean through art. The initiative aims to bring marine art into the lives of
the youth through social activities. These activities include, but are not
limited to, live art exhibitions, community art projects, teaching painting
techniques, teaching air brush techniques, drawing techniques, murals in
schools, painting in hospitals and in organizations for special needs children
and interactive community displays. 'The project was developed because I wanted
to broaden my horizons as a marine artist. This could spread my gift and put a
little art and fun in the life of others '. - reports Hilton
Alves.
When: The
project began in 2004, in partnership with the city of Guaruja in Sao Paulo,
Brazil. With the help of many sponsors, including Hawaiian Dreams, Petrobras,
Tamar Project, El Camino Tour, DN Design, and more, Hilton was able to spread
the project into over 20 cities and 4 states in Brazil.
How: Surf Art
Kids is able to touch the lives of many youth and communities with the help and
support of community partners and sponsors.
Why: A
difference will be made in the lives of many people through the experiences and
art created through Surf Art Kids. A difference will be made in the quest for
environmental awareness and protection through the lesson taught and art created
through Surf Art Kids.
Goals:
· Creating mural art in schools.
· To visit, teach and create art in as many Hawai`i schools as possible.
· Teaching techniques of drawing, painting and airbrush to youth.
· Conducting interactive and live art displays in schools.
· To foster partnerships to make a difference in the lives of youth.
