PUHI — Art programs across the country have taken a beating in recent years. While many schools and universities have seen their programs vanish, the Fine Arts Department at Kaua‘i Community College is fighting to not only keep its programs,
PUHI — Art programs across the country have taken a beating in recent years. While many schools and universities have seen their programs vanish, the Fine Arts Department at Kaua‘i Community College is fighting to not only keep its programs, but to expand them.
“Art and music are crucial to develop a child’s brain,” said Greg Shepherd, associate professor at KCC. “That’s something being neglected and overlooked. We are trying to do our best to stave off an onslaught of cuts.”
KCC’s music and art departments will host numerous concerts and exhibits during the next two months, with the hopes of joining together for future endeavors.
“KCC is a natural nexus on the island,” Shepherd said. “We are trying to bring it all together.”
Among the events are two student-driven art exhibits, a vocal concert, a Mother’s Day orchestra concert and a performance of Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” — one of the more popular pieces of classical repertoire — by the KCC Band and Kaua‘i Chorale.
Norman Acupan, who teaches digital photography, Jordan Fong, who teaches classes about visual arts and graphic design, and Patricia Yu, who teaches introductory drawing and painting classes, said they are channeling new energy into the school’s art programs.
“For many students, it’s the first time their work is displayed,” Acupan said. “It’s a good experience.”
“It helps showcase the quality for the department in general,” Fong said. “I bring all my students to the One Stop Center to help them discover a passion, to challenge themselves and to explore what KCC has.”
During the month of April in the library, Carol Yotsuda’s art students will display handmade and wheel-thrown ceramic lamp bases.
Shepherd said many art students choose these classes as electives. Because they are not a required course to graduate, students tend to be more involved and engaged in the process because they are not motivated by grades, he said.
The university’s professors hope these collaborations between students, professors and lecturers will spur future endeavors.
“There’s been a much stronger collaboration between the KCC Concert Band and Kaua‘i Chorale,” said Louis Riccardi, conductor of the chorale. “(‘Carmina Burana’) is a big undertaking.”
Riccardi also noted the choral society will be celebrating its 50th year in 2013.
“Few community choruses have endured this because of the economic situation.”
“There’s so much happening on Kaua‘i for such a small island,” said Mary Genegabuas of the chorus. “We have an incredible amount of talent. We want to share it with the community, and we want everyone to join in.”
Want to see KCC students in action?
— At 7 p.m. April 28, the KCC Vocal Ensemble presents “Voices for Spring” at Lihu‘e Parish Hall. Free, but donations are appreciated.
— At 4 p.m. May 13, the KCC Orchestra presents a Mother’s Day concert at Kaua‘i Community College Performing Arts Center.
— At 7 p.m. May 5 and 4 p.m. May 6, the KCC Band and Kaua‘i Chorale presents Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” at the KCC Performing Arts Center.
— Join art students at 11 a.m. May 1 for the opening reception for their spring art show at KCC. There will be refreshments prepared by the culinary department followed by Greg Shepherd’s vocal ensemble at 12:30 p.m.
— In April, look out for “Light Show,” a display of wheel-thrown and handmade ceramic light bases at the KCC library’s art display area.
