As part of Punahou’s Clarence T.C. Ching PUEO Program (Partnerships in Unlimited Educational Opportunities), students in grades 6 – 9 from neighboring public schools engaged in a day of interactive arts with some of the Island’s prominent artists, musicians, poets and producers.
The event took place on campus in early November, with art educators from the Honolulu Museum of Art, Punahou faculty and outside experts leading students through such activities as drawing, painting and performing art – all with the theme of self-exploration. One of the day’s highlights was an exploration of hip-hop and beat-making presented by Punahele and Navid, who are Na Hoku Hanohano award winners for their hip-hop albums.
The event was organized to integrate art into students’ lives, so they can better understanding their own identities and values, become more comfortable with other cultures and views, and imagine who they can become in the future as they think about college and beyond.