Rooted in Creativity, Growing in Community

As the ʻOAKA Art Fellowship comes to a close, our fellows came together for one final gathering filled with learning, reflection, and inspiration. Throughout the program, they’ve connected with local creatives and professionals—gaining real-world insight into how to turn their artistic passions into sustainable careers.

In this final session, Diana Hahn of Paʻakai Communications led a workshop on marketing and communication strategies for artists. Erin Healani Chung, a performing artist and fellow from our first cohort, guided a hands-on performance activity that encouraged creative exploration across disciplines. We ended the day with Waiʻala Ahn, a botanical dyer and cultural storyteller, who shared her journey as an artist rooted in Hawaiʻi Island.

Mahalo to all who shared their knowledge and aloha with our fellows—we’re so grateful for this creative community that continues to show up and uplift the next generation of Hawaiʻi’s artists.