A Good Start in Art
Photo Slideshow

Put twenty-three artists together with children from kindergarten through twelfth grade and what do you get? Inspired art and a day of fun and growth for Parker School students.

Parker School's sixth annual ArtStart program was a time for students to take a break from their usual class schedules and work in-depth in a variety of art forms. From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., under the direction of acclaimed artists from all over the Big Island, the students explored talents many didn't know they possessed.

"It was an enriching experience," said Djavan Cackley, who studied with artist Tomoko Nakazato for the day. Although he'd never worked with clay before, the 11th-grader made two bowls and a sculpture of a man with a hat.

"ArtStart was created to inspire students and generate an appreciation for an art form that they may not otherwise have a chance to experience," said program coordinator DeeDee Micco.

"A network of fantastic artists unselfishly devotes their expertise and passion for art to our students. It’s a popular day with the students and they really seem to enjoy and excel at their craft for the day."

Computer animation; music; painting with acrylics, watercolors, and oil; digital photography; drawing in pencil and pastels; stained glass; sculpture; and collage were among the choices presented.

The edible art of chocolate making caught the fancy of 11th-grader Alanna Rodrigo, who also enjoyed making, and giving away, a Valentine's Day box.

"(ArtStart) made me appreciate artists and what they do," she said. "Because it's hard."