Art auction fundraiser nets $14,000 for Lāhainā schools

05-Dec-2023

The auction was a joint effort between the Hawai‘i State Department of Education, the Public Schools of Hawai‘i Foundation, Island Art Galleries and Maui Hands Gallery.

WAIKĪKĪ— An art auction featuring pieces from Lāhaināluna students, a Lāhaināluna teacher and other local professional artists raised $14,000 for the four Lāhainā schools affected by the Aug. 8 wildfires.

The auction was a joint effort between the Hawai‘i State Department of Education, the Public Schools of Hawai‘i Foundation, Island Art Galleries and Maui Hands Gallery. It was organized by Lāhaināluna science teacher Judd Levy with help from DOE’s Community Engagement Branch. Levy is also a digital artist with an online gallery who donated several of his original pieces to the auction.

The auction featured 48 original Hawai‘i-inspired artworks. Four of the pieces were reserved for an in-person auction, which took place on Dec. 2 at Island Art Galleries in Waikīkī. Eight of the pieces were created by Lāhaināluna High School art students.

“The auction was a huge success,” Levy said. “We had a wonderful turnout of enthusiastic bidders, both online and in person, who generously supported our cause.”

One of Levy’s original artworks, an image featuring two smiling children with lei, was exclusive for the live auction and sold for a winning bid of $1,100. The highest winning bid was for a piece donated by artist Eric Robison at $3,000.

“The live auction was especially thrilling, as we witnessed some fierce competition for the artworks, including those created by our talented students. They were overjoyed to see their creations being appreciated and valued by the audience. It was a truly rewarding experience for them and for me,” said Levy. 

Seven Lāhaināluna students attended the auction along with Levy, Lāhaināluna Principal Richard Carosso, Superintendent Keith Hayashi and Deputy Superintendent Tammi Oyadomari-Chun and Lāhaināluna AP art teacher Dan Schultz.

“I’m so proud of our Lāhaināluna students and Mr. Levy for sharing their talents to help benefit the Lāhainā schools,” said Superintendent Hayashi. “All of the art created by students is so impressive and I hope that the new owners of these pieces will be reminded of the strength and resilience of our Lāhainā students and staff.”

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