LIHU‘E — In honor of Girl’s Day, more than 20 budding female artists will have their work displayed from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Kukui Grove Center. The event marks the debut of KSA Jr, a youth outreach program
LIHU‘E — In honor of Girl’s Day, more than 20 budding female artists will have their work displayed from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Kukui Grove Center.
The event marks the debut of KSA Jr, a youth outreach program designed to mentor young artists and provide them a venue to display their art.
“This is our toe in the water to see how the response would be,” said Kelly Bandalos, president of Kaua‘i Society of Artists. “I have been talking to all the different art teachers and parents, and everyone has been overly enthusiastic about it.”
Today’s exhibition features works from girls from grade school all the way through high school. The art will be displayed in Kukui Grove’s center pavilion. Female members of KSA will also be on hand to mentor and support the young artists.
“KSA Jr program is something to give back to the community,” Bandalos said. “There’s a big, huge hole on this island. I see there’s a lack of programs for the kids.”
Not to be outdone, young male artists will have the opportunity to display their work at a future exhibit. By next summer, Bandalos hopes to establish an educational program for youth.
“It’s really a no brainier,” Bandalos said. “It’s about momentum and getting the word out letting the kids know there’s a venue for them to show.”
For more information about KSA Jr, e-mail kellysstudio@gmail.com or call 808-852-9932.
• Andrea Frainier, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681, ext. 257 or afrainier@
thegardenisland.com.