Teen Artist Donates to Hui No’eau Youth Scholarship Program

Teen Artist Donates to Hui No’eau Youth Scholarship Program

Earlier this year, Hui No’eau was contacted by 19-year old youth programs alum Talia Gangini, one of the world’s top-rated stand-up paddlers as well as a handcrafted jewelry artist & entrepreneur.  Having acquired her love and skill for the arts in the Hui studios, Talia proposed her “Craft for a Cause” idea: to gather sponsorships for an independent paddling adventure between Maui, Lanai and Molokai that would raise money for the Hui youth scholarship program; helping other kids have the same opportunity that she did.

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!

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.

The mission of Hui No`eau is to unlock creativity through exceptional visual arts education. The Hui provides a wide range of programs that support lifelong learning in the arts including public classes and visiting artist workshops, open studios, lectures, exhibitions, community art events, historical house tours and educational outreach programs with schools and community partner organizations. One of the last of its kind on Maui, the Hui is a nonprofit, non-degree granting, community arts education organization offering open access to quality arts instruction by teaching artists. Our programs and services are accessible to all, regardless of artistic aptitude or ability to pay tuition.