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News and voices from Hawai‘i Island, Maui, Lana‘i, Moloka‘i and Kaua‘i.

Moloka‘i Arts Center Offering Free Classes to All

Molokai Arts Center/Facebook

Mental health is a growing concern at this stage in the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Health Organization is supporting artist-led projects that contribute to mental, social and environmental health.

Various studies have found that making art can significantly reduce stress-related hormones. This month, people on Moloka'i can test that hypothesis for free.

You never know what you'll run into at the Downtown Art Center in Honolulu. Three days ago, cups, bowls and handsome ceramic platters from the Friendly Isle were stars at a popup craft fair.

Artist Kim Kai had flown in with work from the Moloka‘i Arts Center (MAC). They've launched a program called Pana‘i Aloha—Giving Back to Moloka‘i.

The goal? Helping the island cope and revitalize in light of the pandemic.

"There's a special deal right now because we got a grant that is paying our expenses for three months. So all of our art classes are offered free to anyone in the community or any visitors right now," Kai said.

Maui County and the Atherton Foundation are funding free classes for residents and visitors alike.

The MAC offers painting, drawing and ceramics classes for keiki, kupuna, and special needs. The grant is all-inclusive.

"So that covers your art supplies like your clay, your paint, your brushes, any supplies and your instruction and your free time in the studio," Kai told Hawai‘i Public Radio.

All you need to bring is your time. And Kai says there's more of that on Moloka'i.

"From the time you get up in the morning, you have time to make yourself a great cup of coffee and a breakfast, and then you have time to look at the ocean and see the clouds," she said. "Time is slowed down on Moloka'i because we don't have all the distractions. And so a lot of my friends see their lives as expressing their art."

Classes will be expanded to meet demand. The free Pana'i Aloha program at Moloka'i Arts Center will last through June. Due to COVID safety requirements, appointments will need to be made for studio use and keiki classes. Visit their website for dates and times, then email molokaiartscenter@gmail.com or call the center for instructions to sign up.

Noe Tanigawa covered art, culture and ideas for two decades at Hawaiʻi Public Radio.
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