Reflecting on a Week at the Hawaii Artists Collab: Creativity, Community, and Collaboration
I’m thrilled to share my recent experience at the Hawaii Artists Collab (HAC) – a week-long creative gathering set in the beautiful, rural community of Holualoa, nestled in the hills above the Kona coastline on the Big Island of Hawaii. This event brought together over 40 talented artists from around the world, including painters, jewelers, woodworkers, metal smiths, glass artists, and many other skilled craftspeople. Being invited to join HAC as both an artist and an art teacher was a true honor, recognizing my role on the island and my passion for fostering art collaborations in our community.
Throughout the week, we immersed ourselves in creative exploration, learning and sharing skills, trying new techniques, and brainstorming fresh projects. The Parts Room was full of amazing quirky parts and upcycled objects that we could choose from and incorporate into fine art assemblage pieces. The atmosphere was electric, with artists exchanging insights and pushing their boundaries within a supportive, collaborative environment. HAC wasn’t just about individual creation—it was about the synergy of ideas and the shared intention to create something meaningful together.
Living in close quarters, camping, sharing meals, and spending long hours working side by side made it feel like we were one big family. I had the chance to connect with so many gifted individuals, all passionate about their crafts, and it was a thrill to share my own skills while learning from others. The week culminated in an exciting in-person and online auction that raised nearly $72,000! These funds will help support local art programs in Big Island schools and provide materials for future collaborations.
HAC is much more than a single event. It’s a non-profit, collaborative mission centered on making art, sharing skills, and nurturing our growth as artists. The true essence of HAC lies in developing our ability to work together, to create together, and to inspire each other. Participating as an artist and teacher was a deeply rewarding experience, and I’m inspired to bring this spirit of collaboration back to our community. I can’t wait to start organizing similar events that foster connection, creativity, and the joy of artistic collaboration right here on the Big Island.
Thank you to the Hawaii Artists Collab, and to everyone who made this experience possible. Here’s to the art of collaboration and to many more creative journeys ahead!
