The Public Art Podcast

Episode #8: Sean Browne

Today we're joined by Oʻahu-based sculptor Sean Browne, whose 1989 Wailuku public artwork entitled Ua Mau Ke Ea O Ka Aina I Ka Pono became the backdrop of last week's unveiling of The Bits Left Behind (by Adaptations Dance Theater) and Return to the Source (by muralist Cory Taum).
Sean has created public art for more than 40 years. Born in Hilo, Hawaiʻi, he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees on Oʻahu and was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship in 1985, enabling him to study with Isamu Noguchi in Japan. For many years, he taught sculpture at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and at Kapiolani Community College.
His greatest advice for artists today? Chance um.
Please enjoy. 

TALK STORY: Sissy Lake-Farm, Cody Pueo Pata and Amanda Joy Bowers

Here, SMALL TOWN * BIG ART partner Sissy Lake-Farm of Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House Museum/ Maui Historical Society talks story with Kumu Hula Cody Pueo Pata and artist Amanda Joy Bowers about the ways that the work of Mary Kawena Pukui is influencing the revitalization of Wailuku. 

Episode #7: Lori Hepner

Today we're joined by Pittsburgh-based light painting + new media artist Lori Hepner, who recently completed public artwork for Wailuku Town entitled UP TOGETHER JOIN HANDS, which was her chosen proverb from Mary Kawena Pukui's ‘Ōlelo No‘eau: Hawaiian Proverbs and Political Sayings.
Lori has spent considerable time in recent years in community centered artist residencies in Pittsburgh, Norway, Finland, Iceland and the Canadian Yukon. While on Maui this fall (2021), she partnered with ʻĪao Intermediate School + Hālau Makana Aloha O Ka Lauaʻe + Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House Museum/ Maui Historical Society + Wailuku Coffee Company + 62 Marcket + Lokahi Pacific + the County of Maui and more to create light paintings that are temporarily installed in Wailuku Town. Here we talk story about her process, inspiration, public art experience and advice and reflections on Wailuku Town. Learn more at https://www.smalltownbig.org/hepner.html

TALK STORY #5: Clifford Naeole & Hōkūao Pellegrino

In this episode, Clifford Naeole, Cultural Advisor at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua + Hōkūao Pellegrino, Sustainability & ʻĀina-Based Learning Designer & Facilitator, Kamehameha Schools Maui talk story. LEARN MORE: https://www.smalltownbig.org/talk-story.html

TALK STORY #6: Gordean Bailey & Sissy Lake-Farm

In this episode, Gordean Bailey, Kumu Hula, Hālau Wehiwehi of Leilehua + Sissy Lake-Farm, Kumu Hula, Hālau Makana Aloha O Ka Lauaʻe talk story at Bailey Farms in Kula, HI.

Episode #6: Heather Knowles Negaard

Today I sat with Heather Knowles Negaard, founder of the Des Moines Poetry Slam which is now more than 20 years old - who is a working artist here on Maui as well as one of the many smiling faces that runs the wildly popular Wailuku Coffee Company on Market Street. 
In preparation for her October 2, 2021 (Free) Slam Poetry Workshop for ages 13-18, I was excited to talk story today, get to know Heather as the Eternal Slam Mama and learn more about her artistic discipline. Please enjoy. 

TALK STORY #4: Wallette Pellegrino & Kalapana Kollars

In this episode, Kalapana Kollars, Hawaiian Cultural Programs Director of Lahaina Restoration Foundation and Wallette Pellegrino, Host of ”Preserving Our Recollections” Oral History TV Program for University of Hawaii Maui College talk story for our new StoryCorps DIY project.
Learn more at https://www.smalltownbig.org/story.html

Episode #5: David Johnston

Artistic Director of Maui Academy of Performing Arts since 1992, David Johnston has led the purchase of three buildings in Wailuku to help lead the charge in seeing the neighborhood become an arts district. In this episode, you’ll hear him talk about his vision, work and legacy - which is not in the buildings, but in leaving a place where people of all ages can come to discover themselves, uncover who they are and what they're about, and where they can create gifts to give to the world. He sees the arts as an incubator for our humanity and wants to leave a place where that can continue to happen. Please enjoy. (Learn more: https://mauiacademy.org/david-johnston/)