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September 26, 2002
The Hawaii State Department of Health is proud to present its first
statewide art exhibit featuring the creative talents of 81 individuals
with developmental disabilities. The exhibit is appropriately entitled,
"You can, if you believe you can," and will run from September 30 to
October 6, 2002 at Kahala Mall, 4211 Waialae Avenue.
The participating artists are adults from Oahu, Maui and Hawaii that
have all overcome individual challenges from a range of physical and
mental disabilities to express their creative talents. Artists such as
Karen Handa, who has been painting for over ten years by holding the
paintbrush between her toes, will display their works and be on hand at
various shifts to talk with interested viewers.
Some of the featured artists have also directed their talents into
successful micro-enterprises. Jason Rocco has a candle making business,
which he works on with the assistance of friends. Members of the Ohana
Craft Club create original figurines using macadamia nuts and sell them
to the public. These and other artists have agreed to exhibit their
works in an effort to increase public awareness of the talents and
potential of individuals with developmental disabilities.
The art exhibit is being presented by the State Department of Health
with support from Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts, Kahala
Mall, Kobayashi Art Enterprises, Pearl City Lions Club, Store Fixture
Outlet, and Video Slideshows.
For more information on programs and services available for
individuals with developmental disabilities contact the
Department’s Developmental Disabilities Case Management and
Information Services Branch at 733-9172.
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