Keiki Bring Art to Life with Visiting Caricature Artist

caricature by Waihala’i Purdy-Avelino,

CTOM News Release

Hokulani Children’s Theatre of Molokai (CTOM), in proud partnership with the University of Hawaiʻi Molokai Education Center, welcomed 21 young artists to a three-day Drawing and Digital Art Camp July 14–16. 

The camp featured caricature artist Jake Bright, visiting from the Houston, Texas area, who brought dynamic hands-on instruction and a passion for empowering youth through visual storytelling.

Students ranging from ages 9 to 18 dove into the foundations of artistic expression — learning how to use shapes to bring characters to life, sketch caricatures, and even explore the natural world through drawing. They also explored color theory to convey mood and message.

“Thank you so much for allowing your kids to join this program and being supportive in their artistic journey. Whether they pursue art for a year or 30 years, they’ll take this experience with them for the rest of their lives,” Bright said, adding the keiki were really invested in the class; they pushed themselves, asked questions, and gave true effort without hesitation. 

“It was very exciting for me to see how quickly they were learning and how much they wanted to grow. To witness them immediately implement what they learned was amazing. I hope this is the first of many challenges they take on with this much dedication,” Bright said.

The program marks an exciting chapter in Hokulani CTOM’s growing investment in digital arts and self-expression, helping bridge creative opportunity gaps for Molokai youth.

“I am so grateful to have had this level of art offered to our keiki. Mahalo to CTOM for making this happen. As we could see by the turnout, this is where our keiki’s interests are,” Parent Kilia Purdy-Avekubi said.

Special mahalo to Kelley Dudoit of the University of Hawai‘i Molokai Campus, whose continued support of enrichment programs is helping shape the future of Molokai’s youth.

“Hokulani is more than a children’s theatre—we are community builders, empowering the next generation with skills, confidence, and opportunity,” CTOM Director Vicki Boswell said. 

Stay tuned for more creative camps and classes as Hokulani CTOM continues to grow its reach and impact through the arts.

For many young artists, the experience of drawing by hand still holds a special kind of magic. The feel of graphite moving across paper, the sound of pencil strokes, and the ability to physically shape an idea from scratch creates a connection that digital tools cannot always replace.

While technology continues to expand creative possibilities, traditional drawing remains an important foundation for understanding form, movement, and personal expression.

Programs that encourage hands-on learning give students the chance to slow down, observe closely, and build confidence through practice.

Through initiatives such as Drawing with Dawn, aspiring artists can learn directly from experienced instructors who guide them step by step through essential techniques, helping them strengthen both skill and imagination.

Beginning with simple shapes and sketching exercises, students discover that meaningful artwork often starts with patience, curiosity, and a blank sheet of paper.

For many keiki, holding their artwork in their hands becomes a source of pride and accomplishment that stays with them long after the lesson ends.

Learning art from the ground up in a supportive environment allows students to embrace mistakes as part of the creative process while developing their own artistic voice.

As community arts programs continue to grow across Molokai, opportunities that balance traditional drawing with modern creativity are helping inspire the next generation of storytellers and visual thinkers.