We are pleased to introduce a very special Face of the Mill, Eric Edwards. After two decades of developing imaging technology, Eric relocated to South Kona to decompress, build a home, and reconnect with his photographic practice. Part of his plan was to seek out organizations where he could donate his skills to further their missions. Eric reminisces, “I was so lucky to find the Donkey Mill Art Center and wanted to support their mission. The people I worked with and their impact on their community were amazing.”
Eric served on the Board of the Mill for nine years and continues to generously donate his time, offering photographic and video support for Mill exhibitions, events, and professional development workshops. “There are so many things to love about the Mill and the people who have gravitated there. If I had to choose a favorite activity, it would be capturing and sharing the artist’s talks. They are so inspiring.”
In fact, Eric’s skills were instrumental during the pandemic, when the Mill adapted to serve the community in new ways. He worked with the Mill teachers in shooting and editing 22 educational videos for HES during the school closures helped keep the Artists in the Schools program alive. This effort highlighted not only Eric’s talent but also the resilience and collaboration that define the Mill.
Beyond his contributions to the Mill, Eric also volunteers as a media instructor at Kua O Ka La PCS Miloli’i Hipuu Virtual Academy. There, he mentors students in producing work for Hiki No, a PBS Hawai’i student news program. The school received the 2015 Hiki No Award for Best News Writing from Robert Pennybacker of PBS Hawai’i.
We’re so grateful to have dedicated volunteers like Eric at the Mill to help highlight all the creativity and growth under our roof. His generosity, talent, and passion for fostering artistic expression and education make him invaluable to our community. Thank you, Eric, for all you do to inspire and uplift those around you!