Pilot Orientation for Mele Murals
Mahoa Gallery & Fresh Cafe (both now closed), Kakaʻako, Honolulu, O‘ahu
This was the first pilot workshop before the Mele Murals series started in 2014. Estria and John Prime shared an art gallery in Kakaʻako called “Mahoa” and it was the gathering space for the four day workshop. Besides teaching the basics of painting a mural, this was the first trial of teaching students how to meditate, ground and reflect with their ancestors before starting the creative process. Keola Nakanishi from Mana Maoli lead the basic oli/chanting workshop.
The mo‘olelo of the mural is of an ʻulu (breadfruit) tree that is known to feed the nation of Hawai‘i. The ʻulu tree cries a sap that drips down to the ‘āina (land) and helps the kalo (taro) plants to grow, all in the goal of nourishment for our nation of Hawai‘i to grow. In the clouds of the mural, there is a formation of floating islands known as Kane huna moku. In folklore legend, it is said that the islands Kane huna moku will be seen if one paddles hard and far enough. In oneʻs ascension to heaven, you will see these floating islands.
With the success from all schools and teachers involved, this pilot workshop launched the Mele Murals series to start in 2014.
Mural Title
E Ulu
Date Completed
November 20, 2013
Schools Served
Kamehameha Schools, Hālau kū Māna, Kanu O ka ‘Āina, Donkey Mill Art Center, 808 Urban
Teachers
Carl Pao from Kamehameha Schools, Lindsay Lander from Donkey Mill Art Center, and Melanna Meyer lead the acrylic mural painting workshop. Estria Miyashiro, John Prime Hina, and Mike Bam Tyau lead the spray painting workshop.
Cultural Practitioners
Keola Nakanishi (Mana Maoli), Jenn Gonsalves, Auli‘i Hirahara
Sponsors
Montana Cans & Art Alternatives, Fresh Cafe, Kona Brewery Restaurant
Documentation
ʻŌiwi TV and Photography by Darryl Oshiro
We Need Your Help
Your tax deductible Annual Membership provides much needed support for arts education in Hawaiʻi.
Help purchasing much needed supplies for our wall murals.
Assist in funding cultural advisers for our youth workshops.
Help stage events surrounding our public mural unveilings.
We Need Your Help
Your tax deductible Annual Membership provides much needed support for arts education in Hawaiʻi.
Help purchasing much needed supplies for our wall murals.
Assist in funding cultural advisers for our youth workshops.
Help stage events surrounding our public mural unveilings.