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BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE KONA AIRPORT
MĀLAMA ‘ĀINA MURAL
I wish you and your ohana a healthy, happy, and abundant holiday season! Here's your inside story behind the scenes of the Kona Airport Mālama 'Āina mural. I hope you enjoy it and forward it to your ohana.
We completed our work this year amidst promising world news. In this update, we celebrate our progress on the mural and a landmark international agreement to MĀLAMA HONUA! (Take care of the Earth!)! At this time (Solstice 2023), at the UN Climate Conference (COP28), 200 nations agreed to transition away from fossil fuels — a historic victory for our climate (our breath).
Finally! The beginning of the end of fossil fuels. This agreement is a beacon of hope and a boon to renewable energy, jobs, and nature-based solutions. The delegates' final statements and their one-minute standing ovation brought me to tears.
Working together to take care of life is what the mural is about. Thank you so much for joining us on this epic journey! Come behind the scenes to see what we’ve been up to.
I am thrilled that Ken Cannata, a trusted advisor who profoundly appreciates the mural, has set up a Patreon site for me! He instantly became my first Patron and invites you to join him.
Love and aloha from our home to yours,
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Calley, her daughter, Leianna, her 'baby grand', Enzo Gazaui, his dad, Bryan Gazaui, and Calley's son, Noa Eads, musician, mushroom farmer, and a key number of the KOA mural team. | |
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BE A PART OF THE FLOW ~
CHOOSE ONE OF 6 WAYS TO SUPPORT THE MURAL
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Throughout history, artists have relied on patrons to support their creative endeavors. In this time of unprecedented change and challenge, creatives need support more than ever.
Enter Patreon, founded in 2013 as a platform that connects artists with patrons and gives them a backstage pass into their creative process. Patreon believes that artists are essential to the community as leaders bringing people together around shared passions and values.
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We are announcing the launch of Calley’s Patreon site and her Instagram site @MalamaAinaMural. Your monthly contribution of $5 or $10/month or more supports Calley directly on this monumental project as a passionate voice for nature and Traditional Indigenous wisdom.
Your contributions can add up to a life-changing salary for Calley and special Patreon exclusive content and valuable gifts for you. Please spread the word to your people.
May this launch be a smashing success!
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Kenneth Cannata
Full time aromatic artist
Non profit and tea industry consultant
Craft-Incense
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BUILDING A FOUNDATION
FOR WALL 2 KUPUNA
THE LIVING WATER WITH HANNAH SPRINGER AND SON KEKAULIKE TOMICH
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FROM THIS ↑ TO THIS ↓ AND BEYOND! | |
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It was necessary to construct a stable base for the Wall 2 Kupuna/water protectors Hannah Springer and her son, Kekaulike Tomich.
Currently, the team has completed cutting the pattern pieces and is placing them on a beautiful array of green and pink glass, including homemade wine and sake bottle glass. Exciting progress! Stay tuned.
The intricate process of constructing each Kupuna/element has many steps.
- Reference photography
- Graphed drawing
- Refine into cutting patterns
- Color the drawing with colored pencils
- Trace and cut WEDI concrete board
- Reproduce / register WEDI, base cartoon, and cutting pattern
- Glass selection and purchase, color call-out sheet
- Pattern cutting with channel scissors to leave grout space
- Arrange patterns on glass
- Patterns are traced and numbered on the glass
- Glass is cut, ground to fit, and attached to the base cartoon
- Mosaic tape the pieces together
- Installer Chris Springer and team thinset the mosaic onto the WEDI
- Grout the mosaic and clean thoroughly.
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Kekaulike Tomich was born and raised in Kona on the family homestead named Kukui’ohiwai at Ka’upulehu. He is fortunate to make his livelihood in his ahupua’a at the Ka‘ūpūlehu Dry Forest Preserve at Ho’olakamakana’ā.
When Kekaulike sent photos of dryland plants appropriate to his place, one image of Koali (native Hawaiian morning glory) captivated Calley. She saw her 'Tiffany' in it, and eagerly translated it into a drawing, then into stained glass. Enlarging it repeatedly, she aligned the scale to match the monumental figures. The team cut the pattern pieces and is attaching them to glass.
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Calley is so happy you are here with her on this journey. | |
Calley does all of her drawings freehand, and it takes days just to number and refine the mosaic pieces. | |
Numbering, cutting, and placing the mosaic pieces on this section is exceptionally intricate because the drawing is mirrored toward the center; the top of the segments are tailored to support the Kupuna, feature a Nēnē, and taper gracefully to one side. Coloring the pattern is imperative, given the complexity of the design. | |
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Loretta Linden flew in from Oahu to join the team for a few days. Calley and Loretta discussed the intricacies of the pattern, as Loretta learned to read the pattern and cut pattern pieces.
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Each segment is shaped for an invisible installation as per the State Foundation's museum-quality standards. | |
Eddie Cash-Dudley, a local Waimea attorney and mural supporter, learns about the mural process. |
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The team gained a real treasure when Lorraine Dutta, a seasoned stained glass artist, jeweler, sculptor, and long-time art teacher, moved to the island and joined us. | |
Look closely at Lorraine's hands to see the intricate pattern-cutting. | |
Calley and Lorraine check the pueo's color in the afternoon light. |
Calley joins two WEDI sections together. |
Local artist Deb Thompson of Thompson Art Studios, creative artistry and fine decorative painting, places the flower petals on glass. |
Placing each flower petal on the glass is complicated, given that many of them are mirrored. |
Calley's assistant, Julia Fairchild, placing flower petals on glass. |
Local designer, Kathleen Thoene is our resident puzzle master. The Nēnē glass pieces are cut, ground and placed on the WEDI base. |
Lamar, Kathleen, and Lorraine make a terrific team. Lamar cuts each piece, Lorraine grinds them, and Kathleen puzzles the pieces. |
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ENTER THE NĒNĒ
THE RAREST GOOSE IN THE WORLD
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An important addition to this base is the Nēnē, native Hawaiian goose and Hawai’i state bird (Branta sandwicensis). Status: Endangered. Endemic. It is the only surviving of six endemic (native to only this place) geese formerly in Hawai'i and the rarest goose in the world. The Nēnē is now being cut, ground, and fitted in glass, a very complex puzzle! | | |
Calley uses the old-world technique of graphing to complete each of her original freehand drawings. |
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Calley refines the Nēnē head and double-cuts the graceful grout lines. | |
Calley meticulously cut the creative grout joints. | | |
The team is pleased with the subtle color array for the Nēnē. |
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Placing the pattern pieces on the glass. | |
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Lamar Yoakum, Calley’s long-term stained glass partner, cracked the code to craft fired blue sake bottle plaques for the mural’s Thin Blue Line ~ your writing and energy on the wall. This line symbolizes fresh water and our atmosphere, as seen from Ellison Onizuka’s perspective when he was in space.
We would love to include your thoughts, quotes, or prayers for your family, place, and the Earth. Click here to contribute.
The bottles are upcycled from Moa Kitchen, one of our favorite Waimea restaurants. Large green sake bottles become leaves and aqua bottles become fundraising plaques. Aki Horii, kitchen manager, and Ana Bertelmann, lead server, and their team invite you to be part of the flow!
For a $100 or more tax-deductible donation, you can write a short inscription that celebrates your connection to the Earth and your family. We gladly accept any donation that is affordable to local families.
Let’s raise a toast to community art!
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MEANWHILE, BACK AT THE LIGHT BOX
REPAINTING AND FIRING CONTINUES
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GLAZE PAINTING THE SKIN TONES |
As you may recall from our last photo update, Calley encountered a challenge with the chosen bronze glass for the Kupuna portraits—it proved too dark once on the wall. These photos capture just a glimpse of the work involved. Calley has spent much of her year immersed in the ancient, labor-intensive process of glaze painting and firing the faces ten times at over 1200 degrees. Despite the challenges, the team is undaunted and excited about the additions and changes. | |
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Calley and Noa were delighted to see and hear Yvonne and Keoki Carter performing at their annual neighborhood Christmas Eve Party.
These are our honored Wall 4 Forest Kupuna, who guide the cultural and ecological restoration of Ka‘ūpūlehu Dry Forest Preserve at Ho’olakamakana’ā.
Keoki and Yvonne send you warm holiday wishes and a wonderful musical Christmas present.
Either click the photo at right or follow the QR code for access to their gift of music.
Enjoy Apokolani!
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Beginning again with the portraits on clear glass, each layered glaze (about 10) is fired at 1275 degrees before adding the next glaze. Calley is actually doing a few portraits over for the third time.
While it takes a long time ultimately, the portraits will be on the wall forever. The benefits of Calley's dedication to excellence in this rare, ancient and challenging painting method will carry the Kupuna’s wisdom into the future with integrity.
Notice the changes in depth and color of each succeeding kiln-full as the portraits progress.
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As Kupuna Pomai Bertelmann recently reminded Calley, "You are not on your own time. You are on Kupuna time. This is a Kupuna wall."
Julia Fairchild
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Picking up from our summer newsletter, when the Pueo, the exquisite Native Hawaiian short-eared owl (Asio flammeus sandwichensis) took shape. Over the last six months, this 9-foot-tall Pueo evolved from Calley’s photograph to her drawing to mylar cutting patterns to an intricate stained glass mosaic.
Currently, the team has completed the Pueo.
Pueo’s conservation status, Hawai’i DLNR:
- Endangered on O‘ahu
- Endemic at the subspecies level
- NatureServe Heritage Rank G5/T2 – Species secure/Subspecies imperiled
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Calley does the final grinding and fitting on most of the segments for the finishing touches | |
Gratitude to our Pueo benefactor, Nancy Mueller—thank you, Nancy! | |
HATS OFF TO OUR BENEFACTORS! | |
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Mike and Beth Kasser were our first supporters with their generous $200,000 donation to build native Hawaiian tree arches and the Wall 1 Ulu mandala. We are honored by their support.
Renowned art patrons in Tucson, the Kassers support many causes, including a new Latin American art wing at the Tucson Museum of Art, theatre, opera, zoo, music, libraries, the UA sports medicine center, and an Alzheimer's care facility.
Amazing people, Beth is still a marathon runner at 75, and they have warmly welcomed us into their ohana’s annual gatherings.
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Beth shares "We are supporting this meaningful project because we believe deeply in the bonding power of ohana. The Pacific Rim cultures bonded on the islands of Hawai’i and inspire everyone who travels from Kona to take pause and remember that it is truly one world after all." | |
“I support the Mālama Āina mural because I love Hawai’i and the meaningful art that Calley is doing. I support the Kupuna's rmessage to the world; that 'we are one Ohana in one canoe and must contribute to nature and each other’s well being’.
Nature provides everything for us, the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink, and the beauty of life. Calley’s mural celebrates all this and I am proud to support her in this bold venture."
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Nancy S. Mueller is our Pueo benefactor and an ardent supporter
of the arts and environment.
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Ray Schoenke
Sustainable Donor
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"I support this mural in honor of my Hawaiian mother, Olivia Haleaka Alapa.
I believe that Hawai’i itself and the mural are microcosms of what must happen globally — demonstrable love of the land (ʻĀina) that feeds us all and love of our human family (ʻohana), and an understanding that we are tied inextricably to all other species and in turn to the blessings that come from our connection to and protection of the Earth."
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"What an opportunity for travelers to reflect and learn about a most profound resource of Hawai'i, our kupuna sharing their knowledge, culture, and its aloha ‘āina. I celebrate the beautification of our airport by such an accomplished local artist as well as its message of significant educational value.”
Caroline Landry on behalf of the Kirk-Landry Ohana
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Rob Klein and Linda Clifford | |
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“We believe in cultural preservation and support for the arts. Calley’s creation of the mural at the Kona International Airport at Keahole is a good way to sustainably support both endeavors.
Her artwork exemplifies both causes in a beautiful way. It will touch each person as they depart Kona and remind them of the ALOHA and the Hawaiian values that we all hold so dear.
May it inspire each individual that they too, hold the ALOHA, and that they can choose to share it with the Earth and all others as they journey on their way. “
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From fellow advocates for Climate, Sustainability, and Resilience on the Big Island, Harvey Stone and Deb Todd,
"Calley O’Neill’s mural at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole represents true Aloha Spirit. It serves as a foundational icon to those departing Kona of what it means to be a guest on this lovely island. As guests, we embrace kuleana, mālama, and pono. This encourages us to not just receive or 'take' from this paradise but to give back. This is what regenerative tourism is all about.”
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CALLEY'S WORKING VACATION
AT SHOULDICE HOSPITAL IN TORONTO
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In August, Calley enjoyed a cross-country adventure, combining a wonderful vacation with a whirlwind cultural trip to New York City before heading to the renowned Shouldice Hernia Hospital, Toronto for a successful surgery.
During her four-day stay, she dedicated time to work on Wall 1's native Hawaiian tree arches, featuring the rare, elegant hemi-parasitic endemic ‘Iliahi tree (Sandalwood, Santalum ellipticum) alongside its companion, the sun-loving endemic Koaia (Acacia koai’a).
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STATE FOUNDATION ON CULTURE AND THE ARTS LEADERS REVIEW THE MURAL
AND VISIT CALLEY'S STUDIO
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Recently, the leaders from the Hawai’i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts visited the mural and Calley's studio and glass shop in Waimea. Calley respects the State Foundation, its important mission, and its skillful staff. She and her team are grateful for their support and guidance. However slow the mural process may seem, it will be a genuine experience of aloha, beauty, and meaning for 3 - 4 million travelers a year as per the goals of her committee. | |
HSFCA Director Emeritus, Jon Johnson inspects the mosaic. | |
The State Foundation leadership inspects the first mural wall. | |
From left to right, Arts Program Specialist Kamakani Konia, HSFCA Director Emeritus Jon Johnson, Hawai'i District Manager DOTA Chauncey Wong Yuen, construction manager Marc Botticelli, KOA mural project manager Aaron Ackerman, Calley, Executive Director Karen Ewald, Calley’s assistant Julia Fairchild, and Arts Program Specialist, Alexandra Skees standing in front of the Aloha Wall 1 with Kona's Kumu Keala Ching and Uncle Earl Regidor. | |
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Shown here with Julia, Calley’s project manager Aaron Ackerman (LEED AP ID+C of Bowers + Kubota) is no ordinary project manager. He is an internationally acclaimed Living Building Challenge architect.
Calley greets and congratulates Karen Ewald on her promotion to Executive Director.
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WANTED!
A SOCIAL MEDIA MAVEN
AND A STAINED GLASS APPRENTICE
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Ken Cannata is working diligently to teach Calley the ways of social media and convince her to increase awareness of the mural and its vital message to the world.
Given the complexities of Calley's role in creating the mural, what we need is a social media maven who is willing to take this project to a higher level. Do you know anyone who could lend a hand within a modest non-profit budget?
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We are looking for a local stained glass apprentice to take over for Lamar when he retires. No experience needed.
You will need a willingness to learn, good eye/hand coordination, and a joyous ability to work in a team cutting, grinding, and fitting stained glass.
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If you know someone who fits either of these bills, please have them email a letter of introduction to Calley@CalleyONeill.com. | |
Thank you for visiting our shop and studio. | |
BE A PART OF THE FLOW!
THIN BLUE LINE ~
WATER IS LIFE.
SUPPORT THE KONA AIRPORT
MĀLAMA ‘ĀINA MURAL PROJECT
WITH WRITING ON THE WALL.
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A 321' long 'river of life' runs through the mural, made from recycled, fired blue sake bottle plaques from Waimea's Moa Kitchen. If you haven't dined there yet, you're missing out. Arigato Aki!
We will engrave the words you request. Your favorite quote, prayers for life, or your river, lake, forest, sacred place, or people can be honored, adding to the mana of the mural.
From Hawai’i Astronaut Ellison Onizuka’s perspective, the living thin film of life called the Biosphere in which we live appears as a very Thin Blue Line around our planet.
Your tax-deductible donation for individual plaques begins at $100/each. Higher contributions are welcome!
TO THE THIN BLUE LINE
PLEASE CONTACT CALLEY (808) 987-7003
or JULIA (808) 557-0363
or click on the links above
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AND FINALLY,
THE WALLS AS THEY APPEAR TODAY
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Thank you to photographer, Thomas Holguin. | |
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KOA AIRPORT MURAL OHANA
So many hands have worked on this mural thus far, and here they are! MAHALO A NUI LOA!
OUR CORE TEAM:
CALLEY O’NEILL
NOA EADS
JULIA FAIRCHILD
LAMAR YOAKUM
CHRIS SPRINGER
We gratefully acknowledge and thank:
HAWAI’I STATE FOUNDATION ON CULTURE AND THE ARTS. Calley’s extraordinary Art Advisory Committee, and Project Manager, Aaron Ackerman
ELLISON ONIZUKA KONA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AT KEAHOLE’s LEADERS OPERATIONS and SECURITY TEAM: Superintendent, Chauncey Wong Yuen, Assistant Superintendent, Cy Duvauchelle and their remarkable staff. Mahalo David Bell, Dexter Espinueva, Lahela Lau, and Paul Knoll and teams for your support.
Mahalo nui to OUR BELOVED MURAL KUPUNA, those on and behind the wall guiding the mural to inspire us to live in harmony with nature and each other.
And our COMMUNITY COLLABORATORS thus far:
ALEX ECKHART
ALEXIS RUSSELL
AMY O’MEARA
ATTICUS HIGGINS
BRYAN GAZAUI
BUCKMAN COE
BULLSEYE GLASS, KYLEA BROWN
ELI O’MEARA
ANNABELLE URIBE
(the late) BEVERLY ARNTZEN
BRYAN GAZAUI
CASEY GRANT
DINA ALOHA
DEB THOMSPON
DOMINIC HILMAN
ELIZABETH ROSE
‘IWALANI MC CALLA
JAMIE GOMER
JAZMIN HICKS
JEFF and JAKE CLOSS
JEREMIAH HOLQUIJN
JOE AND ERIN CAVALETTO
KASEY GRANT
KATHLEEN THOENE
KEN CANNATA
LEE GLENNAN MOTTER
LEIANNA EADS
LORRAINE DUTTA
LORETTA LINDEN
MARC BOTTICELLI
MICHAEL HESS
MIKE BURNETT, TNC
MOA KITCHEN
THE amazing NAN TEAM
NORTHWEST ART GLASS, Seattle:
Owner, Richard Mesner, Matt and Missy Laitala,
Joe and crew
OLIVER ZEICHNER
PEACH GODDARD
RACHEL WALKER
REDWING KEYSAR
SANDI PLAYSTED
SHELLEY REAGAN
THOMAS HOLQUIN
VEENA HOPSON
VERONIKA BAJWA
VIRGIL MACY, WEST HAWAI’I CONCRETE
YASI ZEICHNER
RT MURA
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