posted by admin on July 16, 2024 in Blog
We are thrilled to announce a new arts education initiative in partnership with Maui jewelry artist and arts teacher Julie Matheis, funded by an $8000 grant from the Hawai‘i Community Foundation. The initiative, Connecting Kūpuna through the Arts, is part of the Museum Without Walls Arts Education Initiative, a new grant program focused on increasing access to arts education in Hawaiʻi.
The grant will support a residency program that includes 12 visual arts sessions for senior citizens residing in two adjacent low-income housing complexes managed by Hale Mahaolu. The program is designed to foster community connections and personal artistic growth through a series of collaborative and independent art projects.
Six of the sessions will focus on collaborative art projects, where participants will work together to create paintings, chess sets, and checker boards. These artworks will be displayed in communal areas, encouraging residents to interact and bond over the finished pieces. This collaborative approach not only strengthens the community but also provides a sense of accomplishment and belonging among the participants.
The remaining six sessions will concentrate on independent sketching and watercolor painting. These sessions aim to promote personal artistic expression and growth, allowing each participant to explore their creativity and develop their skills. By engaging in these independent projects, participants can enjoy a sense of autonomy and personal achievement.
Julie Matheis is a renowned jewelry artist and arts educator. She attended the Rhode Island School of Design, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Jewelry and Light Metals with a minor in Art History. Matheis’ fine art jewelry has been featured in galleries internationally and in publications like “21st Century Jewelry” by Lark Books.