Four Big Island Students Among Kaha Ki’i Competition Finalists

Twenty finalists, including four Big Island students, have been named in the 2016 Kaha Ki’i Second Congressional District Art Competition.

The finalists’ artwork is being displayed in the halls of the Hawai’i State Capitol.

Representative Tulsi Gabbard hosts the art competition each Spring to recognize and encourage creativity across the state as part of a nationwide high school art competition with other House of Representatives members.

Parker school students Soleil Fitzgerald, Caylyn Makoff, Mathias Migliorini, and Micah Yamanaka are among the 20 finalists.

“I encourage everyone in the community to check out the art being showcased by these gifted students from across the state of Hawaiʻi—either see the pieces in person at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol or take a look on my Facebook page. You will be impressed and inspired by their talent and creativity,” said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard.  “The Congressional Art Competition is a great opportunity every year to recognize the abilities of these young adults and encourage them to pursue their talent further. I commend the educators and family members who support these students as they embrace their passion.”

The winner of the district-wide competition will be announced on March 26 at a ceremony that will take place at the Hawai’i State Capitol. The piece will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol with winners from each congressional district.

Second and third place selections will be hung in Representative Gabbard’s Washington D.C. and Hawai’i offices for a one-year period.

All winners will earn a cash prize.

In addition to the overall contest, a “People’s Choice” contest has been launched on Representative Gabbard’s Facebook. There, the public can select their favorite pieces and vote by “liking” the art they wish. The entry with the most “likes” in the “People’s Choice” Contest on Facebook on Thursday, March 24 at 5 p.m. Hawai’i time will be featured as the cover photo on Representative Gabbard’s Facebook page.

2016 Kaha Kiʻi Congressional Art Competition Finalists:

Sonja Angst, Molokai

Janine Paula Aoalin, Oahu

Karina Bhattacharya, Maui

McKennah Drury, Oahu

Soleil Fitzgerald, Big Island

Keiko Friar, Oahu

Courtney Holland, Maui

Emma Knott, Oahu

Carina Kusaka, Oahu

Joanna Largosa, Oahu

Sean Lopez, Oahu

Caylyn Makoff, Big Island

Christina Masutani, Oahu

Mathias Migliorini, Big Island

Daniel Oka, Oahu

Zen Ribao, Maui

Scarlet Roberts, Oahu

Allyza Sayno, Maui

Micah Yamanaka, Big Island

Layce Yamauchi, Maui

Caylyn Makoff, Parker School.
Photography – “The Deep Blue Sea and Me”

Micah Yamanaka, Parker School.
Mixed Media – “Mechanical Heartbeat”

Mathias Migliorini, Parker School.
Mixed Media – “The Political Zoo”

Soleil Fitzgerald, Parker School.
Photography – “Looking to the Future of Hawaii Nei”