This past Tuesday, 40 first grade Kamehameha students and 8 parent-volunteers participated in the Hui’s Explore & Discover program during a field trip developed in partnership with Kamehameha teacher Diane Fell.
The half-day visit consisted of a guided tour of the Primarily Red exhibition in the space that served as the living and dining room space for Harry & Ethel Baldwin in the early 1900’s, two artist-led workshops in professional artist studio spaces and lunch & play time on the front lawn beneath the hibiscus trees.
“This was a wonderful experience for our keiki, and the teaching artists were outstanding- great enthusiasm, knowledge and attitude!” said Diane Fell. “I could see the teachers’ enthusiasm and love for art inspiring the children. Thank you for your strong commitment to arts education,” remarked parent-volunteer Kekai Delmendo.
The Hui offers multiple collaboration opportunities like these for schools and community groups. From free tours of the gallery and historic estate to sequential based workshops customized for a particular age-group or special needs to artist residencies, matching funds are available to keep programming affordable. So far this year, more than 300 students have been served on-site through these exposure visits, with 700 more through additional children’s programming.
Kihei Charter School’s Virtual-Hybrid Academy teacher Leslie Baldridge brought her class to the Hui earlier this year remarking, “the setting alone brought out the creativity of each student; the teaching artists were clear and concise in their delivery. The program was amazing. The students did not want to leave when the trip was over. Many of them commented the next class day that it was the best field trip that they had ever attended!”
