“Better Days,” a digital computer art piece, commanded the attention from the onset of the Eternal Euphoria art showcase hosted by Kaua‘i High School senior Edilyn Grace Marquez Saturday at the Kaua‘i Society of Artists gallery at Kukui Grove Center.
Art Umezu of Music of Kaua‘i was glued to the eyes and texture of “Better Days” before moving on to another piece of digital computer art, commenting on the projected popularity of this type of art in the Japan marketplace.
Umezu is the producer of “We Are One World” CD featuring vocalist Daphne Sanchez, and got help from Marquez and her fellow students in the design phase of the CD jacket.
Edie Ignacio-Neumiller, who accompanied Cyndi Ayonon with the Zonta Club of Kaua‘i, settled the discussion by donating to the International Association of Suicide to have “Better Days” removed from its centerpiece perch to leave with the Zontan.
“This is a really good piece,” said Ignacio-Neumiller, whose daughter works with art. “On top of everything, Edilyn is from Kaua‘i High School. We like to support Kaua‘i High School, where my daughter went to school.”
The “Better Days” donation was just one of many that filled the gallery that was blanketed with the notes from Dr. Addison Bulosan’s guitar stylings.
“You should have seen her reaction on her first sale,” said Kaua‘i High School teacher Leah Aiwohi, who worked with Marquez in putting the show together as a capstone project. “She was so thrilled with that customer’s donation for the artwork that turned out to be one she created, too.”
Marquez said the art showcase was designed to be a fundraiser, with proceeds being donated to the International Association for Suicide Prevention, and if donations were made with canned foods that are unexpired, the food will be donated to the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank.
“This is called ‘Eternal Euphoria’ because myself, and people in the community, will be creating a variety of artwork with meanings about the struggles and obstacles people have with mental health, and how it’s dealt with,” Marquez said.
“The artwork will help people realize they have a purpose in life, and to have hope despite every setback that will occur.”
The KSA gallery will open doors to the 2021 Kaua‘i Quilt Show starting Friday and running through Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
