Visual Arts
Create, design, and tell stories through traditional and digital art.
What We Offer
Our visual arts programs blend hands-on techniques with digital tools, giving you the opportunity to create meaningful art rooted in culture and innovation. Whether through painting, fashion, or filmmaking, you’ll build skills and confidence while exploring your creative voice.
Upcycle Fashion – High School
Create wearable art with Upcycle Fashion. Learn design principles and sewing basics, starting with simple projects like tote bags and moving to one-of-a-kind pieces. Blend creativity and technical skills to transform materials, and mindsets, through self-expression. All levels welcome. Ages: 15-17
Upcycle Fashion – Middle School
Create wearable art with Upcycle Fashion. Learn design principles and sewing basics, starting with simple projects like tote bags and moving to one-of-a-kind pieces. Blend creativity and technical skills to transform materials, and mindsets, through self-expression. All levels welcome. Ages: 12-14
Visual Art Mix Plate – High School
Dive into creativity after school! Explore painting, drawing, mixed media, and design while connecting to Hawaiian moʻolelo (stories) and traditional art techniques. Each week brings new projects and inspiration from local artists. All levels welcome. Come create and tell your story. Ages: 15-17
Visual Art Mix Plate – Middle School
Dive into creativity after school! Explore painting, drawing, mixed media, and design while connecting to Hawaiian moʻolelo (stories) and traditional art techniques. Each week brings new projects and inspiration. Two local artists will visit to add their manaʻo to the experiences. All levels welcome. Come create and tell your story. Ages: 12-14
Visual Arts Team
Kapena Alapai
Director, ʻŌlino Pathways – Arts and Culture
Kapena Alapai
Director, ʻŌlino Pathways – Arts and Culture
Kapena Alapai is the Director of ʻŌlino Pathways–Arts and Culture at Liliʻuokalani Center, and was born and raised in North Kona, Hawaiʻi Island, with deep roots in Puʻuanahulu and Holualoa. He comes to the Trust after taking part in a 7-year project, ArtChangeUS, working to reframe the national arts conversation by embracing the cultural assets of U.S. demographic change. This unique snapshot into the field shaped Kapena’s understanding of arts and social justice issues amidst a national funding crisis, multiple divisive presidential elections, and ongoing racial injustice.
He returned to Hawaiʻi in 2020, resolved to fulfil kuleana to ʻāina, ʻohana, and kaiāulu, and envision the next generation of artists and culture bearers. With nearly 20 years of dedication to the nonprofit arts and culture sector, He is a committed leader whose career centers on uplifting Hawaiian identity, youth education, and community through creative and cultural practice.
Nohea Coleman
Arts Instructor
Nohea Coleman
Arts Instructor
Nohea Coleman is a Visual Art Instructor at Liliʻuokalani Center. As a creative, Nohea aims to build community through intentional storytelling rooted in aloha, making art that honors people, identity, land, and kinship. She strives to uplift our lāhui, especially young ʻōiwi artists, empowering them to cultivate and share their unique creative voice with curiosity and abandon.
Previously, Nohea was a member of Nā Leo ʻo Kamakaʻeha and has held several roles in the arts and arts education. She holds an MS in multimedia, photography, and design from Syracuse University, a BA in studio art, sociology, and Native American studies from Dartmouth College, and is a proud graduate of Kamehameha Schools.
Beyond the arts, Nohea is a lifelong learner who grounds her creative spirit in hula, aloha ʻāina, and the joy of exploration — through meaningful connections, reading, and travel.
Samuel Guerrero
Program Manager, ʻŌlino Pathways –Visual Arts
Samuel Guerrero
Program Manager, ʻŌlino Pathways –Visual Arts
Sam Guerrero is the Program Manager of ʻŌlino Pathways – Visual Arts at Liliʻuokalani Center. He is an arts educator and youth advocate with over 25 years of experience teaching students from middle school to college. Sam firmly believes in the transformative power of the arts, using it as a means for connection, growth, and inspiration.
He considers it a profound honor to contribute to the legacy of our Queen by making arts opportunities accessible to ʻōpio, helping to nurture creativity and confidence in the next generation.
A maker at heart, Sam’s work has been showcased internationally, yet his greatest joy comes from creating alongside young people. Outside of work, Sam cherishes time with his two children and his partner.
Connect with us
Ready to join our community and discover your passions? We can’t wait to meet you!