KOLOA — A collaborative effort between art and music groups gave birth to a variety of murals dotting walls around Koloa town.
The overall effort is labeled Spectra Fest 2024 and will result in murals appearing primarily on the walls of Koloa Elementary School, Koloa Public Library and walls facing Koloa Village shopping center.
“I don’t have a plan,” said local muralist Seth Thomas, who is one of 18 participating artists from Kaua‘i, O‘ahu and even Los Angeles. “I don’t even know where I’m going to be working. Starting in Hanapepe this morning, I’m just going to feel the wall to see what develops.”
The weeklong project is scheduled to be done by Friday, when musical groups and craft vendors will fill the Koloa Village shopping center from early afternoon until night.
“I’m painting Bree Blake’s grandpa and his brother,” said artist Bethany Coma, who said her most important job at the moment is taking care of her newborn. “Bree was supposed to come and help, but she’s on O‘ahu today. Maybe she’ll drop by, this evening, or tomorrow. I want to be done by Thursday.”
Noah and Lauryn Gordines, described by blessing officiant Jade Waiale‘ale Battad as the son of Johnny and Terry Gordines and coming home to make a difference in the community, are both connected with Creative Mornings, a global network fostering monthly creative gatherings.
Creative Mornings is joined by Hawai‘i Walls, Art+Flea and The Gangway Gallery to give birth to the massive street art project.
“I couldn’t help but notice that Koloa had the first sugar mill,” said artist Derick “7 Sketches” Fabian, who was born and raised in Hanama‘ulu and now lives in Honolulu.
“I’m using that and incorporating Hawai‘i icons like the arch of the feathered helmets and the tiki into art of ‘The Transformers.’”
Layla Maeda-Kobayashi, the Koloa Elementary School principal, said she is hoping the school’s children will appreciate and embrace the historical and educational demonstration of the pop culture.
During the non-painting time, Spectra Fest offers other free events, including the Kate Wadsworth Book Reading on Thursday, starting at 2 p.m. in an area provided by Friendly Waves at Koloa Village.
A free music workshop on Thursday starts at 5:30 p.m. at the same Friendly Waves space.
