Culture & Art

Painter-Author Coming to Molokai

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

Painter-Author Coming to Molokai

A nationally-known artist from North Carolina, will be holding a book signing of her new book, “Painter by Providence” at Kalele Bookstore and Divine Expressions on March 4. Dee Beard Dean will be attending the Maui Plein Air invitational Paintout before coming to Molokai.

“Painter by Providence” is a richly illustrated art book, showcasing dozens of recent oil paintings from Dean’s studio, en plein air (out-of-doors) painting and workshop excursions around the world. The book was written by Michelle Morton, an arts writer and book designer for nationally and internationally known artists.

Many of the images in the book were painted en plein air at her easel around Taos, the coastal Southeast, Mexico and Ecuador. In the first several chapters, Dean shares with readers intriguing anecdotes about her life growing up in rural Indiana, raising her children in a “Robinson Cruso-esque” atmosphere in Key Largo, Florida, and her fascinating career as a high fashion designer with her own national designer label. Later chapters are devoted to her full-time career as a renowned painter of breathtaking and color-laden landscapes, figures and portraits.

When painting outdoor scenery, Dean observes, “In plein air (out-of-doors) painting, the brushwork is truly the poetry of the painting. Rich in texture, color, meaning, and layers of emotions such as joy and confidence, brushstrokes reveal the artist’s innermost feelings at the moment the pigment was applied to the canvas.” 

Dean will be at Kalele Bookstore from 12 noon – 2 p.m. on March 4. For more information, her website is DeeBeardDean.com

 

One-Stop Online Shopping

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

molokaiARTgallery.com News Release
 
Navigating all that Molokai has to offer has just become more convenient, and more accessible. Local artist and business owner, Linda Johnston has created www.molokaiARTgallery.com. The site is “the go-to website for Molokai” a community-based forum offering a platform for local artists and entrepreneurs to easily share their work and services with the public. It is also an online resource that serves as a guide to island life, offering touring, entertainment and lodging options for residents and tourists.  Visitors appreciate reliable information from a long-time resident.
 

Teacher Expands Music Knowledge

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

Teacher Expands Music Knowledge

Updated.

Bob Underwood is on a mission to change lives with a new afterschool music program. It incorporates a number of instruments, including the violin.

 “I only do this because I love music,” said Bob Underwood, a first grade teacher at Kaunakakai Elementary School. Underwood is currently offering violin classes through the 21st Century program, and hopes to expand to trombone and trumpet classes soon.

He is joined by bandmate and friend, Rob Stephenson, president of Molokai Chamber of Commerce. Stephenson teaches saxophone, flute and clarinet at Kaunakakai Elementary; Underwood offers his violin classes at Kaunakakai, Kualapu`u, and Maunaloa Elementary. Between the two, there are around 40 students involved, ranging from kindergarteners to senior citizens.

Underwood has been playing bass guitar since his college days and now wants to pass the torch on to his students. He believes that music can further students in other subjects as well.


 “Studies have shown that learning an instrument can tune the ear better, making it easier to hear foreign language,” Underwood said. He also noted a connection to improved science and math scores.

Molokai lost the high school band program in 2004 after the departure of its music teacher. Since then, brass and woodwind instruments have been void in the classroom.

A Legacy

The 21st Century Grant has been stimulating young minds on Molokai since it began in 2001. It has funded programs such as Summer Bridge Math, Robotics, and ‘Connecting Molokai M’s: Me, My Mind, My Mana`o’ - a program which fosters the learning of local heritage.

Underwood wants to thank Kaunakakai Elementary Principal Janice Espiritu for her support. Espiritu was instrumental in bringing the 21 Century Grant program to Molokai.

“We wouldn’t be having these classes if it wasn’t for her,” Underwood


For those who are interested in learning one or more of these instruments, contact Bob Underwood at Kaunakakai Elementary School 553-1730

Painting for Paint

Friday, February 18th, 2011

Painting for Paint

Art shows are a popular way to gather together a community, especially when it’s a family affair. Prisca Bicoy Medeiros set up an art show last Saturday at Home Pumehana with the help of her talented ohana, as a fundraiser for their church.

Girls, Gowns and Grins

Wednesday, February 16th, 2011

Girls, Gowns and Grins

Despite the persistent rain, beauty queens kept their hair neat, makeup unblemished and dresses immaculate at the Lanikeha Carnival and Beauty Pageant last Saturday. After all, the show must go on.

Fistfuls of glitter and shining costumes brightened the dreary day where over 70 girls, ages zero to 18, showcased their talent and beauty for a chance to be crowned winner of their age division.

The Green Rocks the Barn

Monday, February 14th, 2011

The Green Rocks the Barn

Ka Molokai Makahiki 2011 Results

Wednesday, February 9th, 2011

Kane Ano Koa Ki’e  Ki’e Divsion: Individual Event Winners:
1) Ulumaika: Ho’o Kaiama-Lenwai (Molokai)
2) Moa Pahee: Kaniela Buckley (Hawai’i)
3) ‘O’oihe:  Keli’i Kotubetey (O’ahu)
4) Pohaku: Kaina Makua (Kaua’i)
5) Uma: Kaina Makua (Kaua’i)
6) Pa Uma: Kaina Makua (Kaua’i)
7) Haka Moa: Hanohano Naehu ( Moloka’i)
8) 100 yd.: Kaniela Buckley (Hawai’i)
9) 440 yd.: Keli’i Kotubety (O’ahu)
10) Huki Huki: Kupono Kawa`a ( Moloka’i)

4th Place: Keaka Flores = 30pts.
3rd Place: Kupono Kawa`a (Moloka’i) =36 pts.
2nd Place: Hanohano Naehu (Moloka’i) = 40pts.
Ano Koa Ki’e Ki’e Champion: KAINA MAKUA (Kaua’i) = 60pts.

The Green is Growing

Monday, February 7th, 2011

The Green is Growing

The Green started as a band that started to make music for fun. These days, their debut album is the top reggae album of 2010 on iTunes. And they are returning to Molokai once again, this Friday night at The Barn.

Zion Thompson, lead vocalist and guitarist for The Green, remembers the first time he heard their first single, “Love I” on the radio.

“I just laughed. I couldn’t stop laughing,” Thompson said in a phone interview last week. “I’ve heard of people tripping out or crying, but I just couldn’t believe it.”

album of the year. I don’t think we believed it for a couple weeks,” Thompson said. “It was kind of like the worst news and the best news of the year.”

The Green has not forgotten where they came from and the people that have helped them to get to this point in their career. Thompson was not hesitant to thank local musicians in Hawaii.

“We are good friends with local artists like Anuhea. Our friends’ success helps our success and vice versa,” Thompson said. “We consider this a blessing. We work hard and it’s nice to have somebody say, ‘Good job.’”

Local boys Irie Alert will be on hand to open for The Green this Friday evening. Their concert is a benefit for the Friends of the Molokai Middle and High School Fund. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. at the high school gym.

“Molokai is the vibe. It will be a good way to mellow us out before we go on tour,” Thompson said.

It’s That Makahiki Time of the Year

Thursday, February 3rd, 2011

Celebration and the spirit of aloha filled Kaunakakai this weekend as the farmer-friendly Makahiki season was observed.

At the 29th  annual festivities on Molokai since the island’s original celebrations ceased in 1918, Hawaiians reconnected to their land and ancestors by honoring Lono, the god of peace, fertility and agriculture, during customary ceremonies.

“It’s a time to reconnect with our culture and bring the community and family together to practice aloha,” said Kawika Crivello, a local participant in the day’s protocols.

The three-day celebration also focused on the ideals of health, wellness and Hawaiian identity through the practice of traditional games.

HI Finest True to Roots

Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011

In the year since creating his own clothing company, local boy Paulele Alcon has successfully combined his humble country roots with the thriving music scene on Oahu. And following the success of two concerts held on Molokai last year – featuring popular reggae bands Katchafire and The Green – Alcon is staying true to his word.

“This next year, my priority is Molokai,” Alcon said. While working continuously on fresh designs, Alcon is sharing the benefits of his clothing and promotions company with Molokai.