News Release, August 1, 2024
(HOLUALOA, HI) – About 20 West Hawaiʻi community members gathered at the Donkey Mill Art Center in Holualoa on Hawaiʻi Island on Thursday evening for the first State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA) strategic planning sessions. Attendees not only provided feedback but had a unique opportunity to work alongside artist Solomon Enos who is sharing his design concept for the Capitol Pools waterless art project.
Since the last five-year Strategic Plan there have been increased changes that evolved from the COVID Pandemic, specifically financial resources.
“We are keeping in mind that we have restricted funding services, so we want to ensure the monies we do have are directed to areas that are determined as priorities for communities,” said SFCA Executive Director Karen Ewald.
Guild Consulting is contracted to lead the SFCA Strategic Planning Sessions with a goal to develop a five-year plan for SFCA.
West Hawaiʻi participants discussed a range of topics from arts education to the lack of venue spaces.
South Kona resident and artist Gerald Lucerna has worked at the Donkey Mill Art Center since 2003. He receives SFCA program funding for ʻāina art work with Holualoa keiki in collaboration with area public school teachers. Lucerna said he found the session helpful in his understanding of the SFCA and appreciated getting to know others in attendance.
“Having a shared space is important so that we can actually talk about our challenges and learn from each other – it helps to build community and we can become better advocates,” said Lucerna. “Arts education is a big piece that I am grateful for.”
In March 2024, the SFCA Board approved the selection of artist and illustrator Solomon Enos to develop a design for a State Capitol waterless pool. His design concept involves community participation, inspired somewhat by the concept of groups and individuals who worked together to build a loko iʻa, Hawaiian fish pond. Those who attend the sessions are invited to contribute small strokes on paper using a paintbrush that will be laid into the design.
“People will have an impression of an image and at the end of the public participation, I will be weaving everyoneʻs strokes together,” said Enos. “This project celebrates a little bit of individuality and our collective community.
Four more SFCA Strategic Planning Sessions that will take place at the following locations and times:
- Hilo: Thursday, Aug 8, 11:30am -1:30pm, University of Hawai’i Hilo
- Maui: Tuesday, Aug 13, 4pm – 6pm, Maui Arts and Cultural Center
- Kauaʻi: Thursday, Aug 22, 11:30am -1:30pm, Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall
- Oʻahu: Thursday, Aug 29, 4pm – 6pm, State Foundation on Culture and the Arts
Those interested in attending are asked to email [email protected]. Others who are unable to attend are also encouraged to email their feedback at the same address. Learn more about SFCA at https://sfca.hawaii.gov/.
Photos and Videos
Photos and videos are available for download via Dropbox: August 1 Session Photos and Video. Closed captions are auto-generated.
Media Contact
Donalyn Dela Cruz
Telephone: (808) 216-4747
Email: [email protected]