Mike Colon is one of the industry’s top photographers, and he also teaches professional photographers all around the world. He is constantly giving back globally with his photography through organizations such as Thirst Relief. Recently, I was given a great opportunity by Mike Colon to give back to the community through photography. He is coming to Oahu for a workshop, and has offered to buy me a seat in the workshop as long as I raise at least the cost of the workshop for a local charity of my choice. I chose the Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center, which I’ve always had a soft spot for.

The Hui Visual Arts Center is an absolute gem on Maui. This wonderful non-profit organization has done great things for the community. With the public school system hurting due to budget cuts, there are very few opportunities for kids to experience creating art. The Hui not only exposes kids to art but encourages them to broaden their own skills through the various children’s art programs. The Hui also introduces renowned artists and shares their talents with the local community through lectures, programs and workshops, thus bringing art to the community. Not only does it raise the level of the local exposure but it improves the quality of our local artists by giving them a chance to shine on a world-wide stage. Many local students have received scholarships from top art schools as a result of their involvement with The Hui.

It’s not too late to donate. Please call The Hui at 808.572.6560 to submit your tax deductible donation under ‘Anna Kim’ or you can also use Paypal. And a big mahalo to Mike Colon for making this all possible!

Here are some of the pictures I took of the lovely Hui grounds.