Utilizing Art to Experience Place
On Saturday, March 2, Historic Hawai‘i Foundation collaborated with artist Brady Evans to hold a sketching workshop at da Shop, a bookstore located on Harding Avenue in Kaimukī. A group of 20 participants assembled to create illustrated stories inspired by one of their favorites places.
To provide local context and character, executive director Kiersten Faulkner presented a timeline of major developments and turning points in the history of Kaimukī, from a dry, sparsely populated area to the beloved neighborhood and foodie destination that it is today. Because the construction of the H-1 in the 1950s diverted commuters away from Kaimukī, the “main street” of Wai‘alae Avenue was spared from pressures to redevelop and many of its original buildings factor into the neighborhood’s present-day charm and nostalgia.
Evans, whose work is inspired by Japanese manga and graphic novels, skillfully guided participants through a sketching exercise. He tasked them with drawing a series of sketches in four panels to tell a story about a place gleaned from their personal experience. While most guests did not have enough time to complete a fully illustrated story, the sketches served as an excellent starting point and example of how place-based ideas, offers something of benefit to everyone.
A warm mahalo to Brady Evans and da Shop for their collaboration and expertise.
