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 21^st, 2008 and finished in time for the Waialua Complex Education Fair held on Thursday, May 1^st 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 5^th 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 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

0 Comments