Kipaipai Art Foundation’s founder Rose Adare discussed the establishment’s data findings, accomplishments and overall objectives for the near future, as well as their two main collaborators: Full Life Hawaii and Abled Hawaii Artists.
“Full Life Hawaii assists in the empowerment of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities to live self-determined, happy lives,” Adare told Big Island Times. “Abled Hawaii Artists and Full Life Hawaii provide scholarships to allow artists of all abilities access to Kipaipai programs and community activities.”
The Kipaipai School of Art, based in Hawaiian Paradise Park in Keaau, was established in 2017 to create a high-level artistic learning space for students through the use of imagination and understanding of fine arts. Its curriculum consists of drawing, painting and workshops that teach children traditional tools and help them prepare for the real world.
Formed as a 501(c)3 in 2017, the foundation offers a “scholarship” to attend their workshops, according to the Kipaipai Art Foundation.
The establishment provides a safe environment designed to accommodate the disabled community. Adare and board member Pauline Victoria of One Leg Up Productions, who identifies with the community herself, serves as a motivational speaker both virtually and in-person across the state.
The events produced by the collaboration represent many underrepresented groups, such as women at the 2019 Women’s March, Pride Hilo to support the LGBTQA+ community and Pua Na Pua in Kailua-Kona and Hilo for arts and crafts, among others.
Despite a list of delayed and suspended shows amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the foundation continues to engage in the Pride Hilo event, Pua Na Pua and the Paradise Studio Tour in Hawaiian Paradise Park. Private classes and workshops continue to remain on pause and are scheduled to resume next year. Fifteen virtual origami and puppet-making classes were held in accordance with CDC and Department of Health guidelines, and offered to homeschool children, who were also given art supplies during the pandemic.
The organization’s mission is to “encourage and inspire creativity by providing inclusive art education, support and networking opportunities,” Adare said. Through its partnership with the Hawaii Academy of Art and Science, the foundation practices socially inclusive techniques, which include classical techniques and personal connections.
Adare graduated from the Academy of Art University and the Atelier for Classical Realism before moving to Hawaii, according to Kipaipai Art Foundation.
According to Dr. Anne Snowdon’s statement from a 2012 report, over half of children with disabilities face challenges when it comes to socializing, and the pandemic has only made them more vulnerable to isolation. Kipaipai Art School has worked alongside other organizations advocating for inclusiveness to offer engaging activities throughout the community.
A Robert Wood James Foundation report indicates that 80% of health is determined by the conditions in which people live, work and play. Activities that promote arts, culture and confidence-boosting self-expression are encouraged in Kipaipai’s space. An example of the foundation’s efforts can be seen by the assistance given to the 2018 lava flow victims who attended various pop-up art activities at the Pahoa shelter.
