LIHU‘E — Nirmana Kaua‘i is coming, and Seth Womble, Nirmana Kaua‘i’s inaugurating artist, is announcing a call to all Kaua‘i resident artists for 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10, at the Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center.
Nirmana Kaua‘i is a week dedicated to the collaboration of Kaua‘i artists adorning local walls with murals that will run from Oct. 18 through 24 in areas along Ewalu and Rice streets in Lihu‘e.
During that period, a planned 15 artists will collaborate in groups of three on five murals in Lihu‘e, said Womble, the artist inaugurating the mural project. Artists will work together to create the murals, give talks and display and sell their work through a gallery exhibition. Once the project is completed, there will be a wrap-up party with food trucks, live music and giveaways.
Womble said there will also be two community collaborative murals that will need assistance from up to a dozen other artists.
“These artists will be selected by a committee based on submitted proposals,” Womble said. “Each group will collaborate on five final designs and work together to complete their respective murals. Materials are provided, and these artists will be paid.”
Artists, all based on Kaua‘i, need to take in the call to artists meeting where they will automatically get a free listing on the new Kaua‘i Artists Database. Artists will also be able to show and sell some of their art during the Nirmana Kaua‘i mural festival regardless whether or not they are selected as mural painters for this year’s event.
“The possibilities for on-going promotion throughout the year and creating an annual event with room to grow are huge,” Womble said.
“There will be video/photo documentation of the mural-making process and events that can be shared by local businesses and artists through various media streams. An event like this will highlight the creative talent, businesses and colorful nature of Kaua‘i while giving residents and visitors something unique to look forward to.”
Nirmana Kaua‘i is unique from other mural festivals in allowing just Kaua‘i residents to participate in the painting.
“This inaugural year is most unique as a collaborative mural event where multigenerational artists will work together to help revitalize the Rice Street area,” Womble said. “No experience is necessary, but willingness is. You will be learning and working with others of all ages and experience levels.”
Womble envisions the project to grow, as the walls can be updated yearly to keep the displays fresh and exciting. More growth comes with more walls, teams and communities being added, he said.
Artists who want to participate but are unable to make the Feb. 10 meeting can email hello.nirmana@gmail.com for a proposal packet and more information.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
