LIHU‘E — At first, I wanted to create a mural on mental health illness and thoughts of suicide, said Kaua‘i High School senior Edilyn Marquez.
“I spoke with Trysen Kaneshige, a local muralist and alumnus of Kaua‘i High School,” Marquez said. “He really helped me, and got my fliers distributed within the art community. He’s even thinking of putting some pieces in the show.”
Marquez, as part of her school’s Capstone Project in Design and Art, is hosting External Euphoria KSA Fundraising Art Showcase on Feb. 6 from 2:30 to 8 p.m. at the Kaua‘i Society of Artists gallery at the Kukui Grove Center.
“I wanted to use art to raise awareness about mental health illnesses and suicide,” Marquez said. “Mental health is important, and I want to use art as therapy to calm the self from the thought of the final action — I know because I’ve been there. I want to spread this to other people, and raise funds at the same time.”
“It’s not just me,” Marquez said. “I’m putting out a call for all artists and non-artists to submit. Eventually, I’d like to see more than 30 pieces of art, including photographic, digital art, sculptures, and more. The displayed artwork can be purchased with either funds or canned goods that will be turned over to the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank. Funds will be donated to the International Association for Suicide Prevention.”
“Trysen said he wants to put some pieces in, and Tiffany Sagucio, the reigning Miss Kaua‘i Filipina, said she wants to participate,” the Capstone Project student said.
Artists and non-artists interested in submitting items for consideration should contact Marquez at 21edilyn_marquez@kauaihs.k12.hi.us.
Leah Aiwohi, Marquez’s Capstone instructor at Kaua‘i High School, said the senior has been making progress in her Passion Project since she was in the 10th grade.
“She created an animation piece with a strong message that ended up first place in the Olelo Youth Exchange during her sophomore year,” Aiwohi said. “She also worked with Kate Mie Nakamura, and Ryland Balbin on the technical team that put together the ‘A New Day, a New World of Hopes and Dreams’ with Music of Kaua‘i producer Art Umezu. That CD with Daphne Sanchez was only recently released.”
These projects are just steps in the Capstone Project that will be unveiled, Feb. 6.
“Edilyn has a love for art and creating,” Aiwohi said. “Adding that proceeds benefiting another organization, or organizations only adds to my admiration of what she’s doing.”
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
