The Waimea Arts Council celebrates National Youth Art Month with the 37th Annual Nā `Ōpio Youth Art Exhibit. Young artists in grades 6 through 12 from schools and homeschooled students in the North and South and Hāmākua districts of the Big Island were invited to show their original works of art for this year’s show.
This popular event has provided an opportunity for young artists’ works to be shown to the public for many years, sometimes leading to their own one-person shows. Some students who have gone on to professional art and creative careers have had their start with the Nā `Ōpio. In lieu of the Annual Nā `Ōpio Juried Art Competition at Waimea Arts Council’s Firehouse Gallery, this year’s show is can be safely viewed by the public in a Virtual Art Exhibit, which can be viewed on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Although the show focuses on the students and their work, we must recognize the teachers who tirelessly guide, teach, inspire and support young artists. Mahalo to Heidi Buscher at Parker School, Christina Culligan at Parker Middle School, Margaret Hoy at Kohala High, and Tina Yohon at Waimea Middle. It has been a difficult year for all, especially for teachers who had to learn new skills in teaching and double tasking teaching in-person and virtual classes simultaneously.
