The exhibition Ke Ala Wai: Young Artist Exhibition features artworks created by artists between the ages of 6 and 17 as they follow the journey of water—from its first breath in the clouds to its return to the sea. Rooted in place-based learning and the cultural and ecological wisdom of Hawaiʻi, this five‑week summer program helped young artists understand water as a kumu, a storyteller, and a pathway of connection.
During the Summer Art Experience at the Donkey Mill, artists explored the many stages of the life of water, enabling them to experience creativity as flow, transformation, and abundance. Through hands-on artmaking, movement, moʻolelo, and daily kilo (observation), student works demonstrate their ever-deepening relationship with the ʻāina and waters that sustain our island home.
Families and community members are invited to walk through the students’ artworks, experience collaborative installations, and witness the stories and reflections that emerged over the five weeks. This gathering honors the creativity, curiosity, and relationships that have taken shape—just as water completes its cycle and begins again.
This exhibition is curated by the Donkey Mill’s Youth Program Coordinator, Gerald Lucena, and Mina Elison.
Exhibition on View: July 10 – August 8, 2026
Featured artwork is by Liliaokahaku Hind, Program A (Ages 6–8) with Kumu Gerald Lucena
Mahalo nui loa: The Summer Art Experience and this exhibition are made possible by the Hawaiʻi Island Community Health Center, Suzanne and Carl Merner of the Mary Silverwood Fund, Hawaiʻi Artist Collaboration, the Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, the County of Hawaiʻi, the Hiroaki, Elaine & Lawrence Kono Foundation, Hōlualoa Inn, and our community of individual donors.
