The Pacific Literacy Consortium (PLC) continues to spark curiosity and creativity in Hawai‘i’s classrooms through its dynamic Artist-in-Residence Program, a key component of PLC’s federally funded ALO-HA project. Most recently, PLC partnered with renowned muralist Kamea Hadar to lead a two-day workshop at Honouliuli Middle School on May 2 and 6, 2025.
Kamea Hadar is a Hawai‘i-born artist and the co-lead director of POW! WOW! Worldwide. He is widely recognized for his large-scale portraits that explore themes of identity, culture, and community. Through PLC’s Artist-in-Residence initiative, Hadar worked with Honouliuli Middle School students to merge art, literacy, and mathematics in a hands-on learning experience. Kamea began the workshop by projecting a photograph onto a large screen at the front of the classroom. He demonstrated how to overlay a grid on the image and explained how this technique—commonly used in both fine arts and design—helps break down complex visuals into manageable sections. Students then applied concepts of ratio, scale, and proportion to recreate the image square by square on large sheets of chart paper. Using rulers and collaborative problem-solving, they practiced mathematical reasoning while developing visual-spatial awareness and artistic technique.
Beyond the technical skills, the workshop reflected PLC’s mission to promote literacy and real-world learning. Hadar demonstrated how art is a powerful medium for expressing ideas, advancing causes, advocating for change, and practicing critical thinking.
Thanks to PLC’s vision and partnership, students left the experience with enhanced content knowledge and a deeper understanding of creative expression as a vehicle for change. The mural project exemplifies how expanded learning opportunities, community-based partnerships, and interest-driven instruction can deepen student engagement, promote cross-disciplinary skill development, and support whole-child learning outcomes.
