An independent jewelry artist, avid Hui open studio user and alumni of the Hui's youth art program, Talia enrolled in her first Hui youth jewelry class at age 14. After quickly becoming one of the strongest open studio users, she became the youngest artist to ever have her work displayed on the cover of the internationally recognized Sports Illustrated magazine. That same summer, Talia also became the youngest girl to paddle in the Molokai to Oahu Championships, finishing with her team in first place. She has now paddled across the Kaiwi Channel seven times as well as the Pailolo Channel from Maui to Molokai via traditional paddle board, OC-1 outrigger canoe, stand up paddle & six man canoe.
Last week, Talia met with youth programs & marketing manager Kelly McHugh, executive director Caroline Killhour and vice president of the Hui’s Board of Directors John Hoxie to present a donation for the $3,000 that she was able to raise during this incredible feat.
“It had been about 1 year since I thought of the idea. I knew that it was time to start. If I was going to make a difference, then I should probably start in my own Home town and community,” remarks Gangini, “I am so happy that I was able to make some kind of difference in a hope to give children of Maui the chance that I had whether it be photography, silk screening, jewelry or painting. I can't wait to continue this each year and hope to give more.”
“Talia’s act of philanthropy at such a young age is a true testament to the impact of arts education on our youth,” remarks Killhour, “Now more than ever, as public arts funding is consistently the fist to be cut in these tough economic times, it is so important to support initiatives like Talia’s that keep these programs accessible to all- and continually shape positivity, self-expression and independence in our future leaders.”
It is expected that Talia’s scholarship donation will provide access to high-quality, sequential visual arts instruction for 30 – 50 youth aged 5 – 17 this year. Visit huinoeau.com/classes to browse our offerings and to access the Hui’s scholarship application today!
Feedback from Talia: "In February of this year I was when I starting planning and really setting my mind to Craft for a Cause it had been about 1 year since I thought of the idea. I knew that it was time to start. If I was going to make a difference, then I should probably start in my own Home town and community by combining Land and Sea, the Art and Paddling world. It was such an amazing and unforgettable experience I had about 30 friends and family that came along for the Maui to Lanai crossing. We wouldn't have been able to ask for a better day the wind was perfect the sun was shining. After paddling to Lanai we had a big family style Pot luck picnic lunch on the Trilogy and enjoyed exploring and snorkeling right off the beautiful cliffs of Lanai, It was a very blessed day. I would not have been able to accomplish this event without Trilogy, Friends and family who supported it, everyone who came along on the boat donated at least $25.00 and moral support. The next week I paddled from Maui to Molokai the conditions were supposed to be totally flat with no wind which is not a good thing. I want it to be windy with a lot white caps, it ended up being another great day out in the Pailolo channel but nothing like the weekend before. I am so happy that I was able to make some kind of difference in a hope to give children of Maui the chance that I had whether it be photography, silk screening, jewelry or painting. I can't wait to continue this each year and hope to give more."
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