Hawaii's Young Artists: Memorial Day Lei Poster Contest Results

4 min read Post on May 25, 2025

Hawaii's Young Artists: Memorial Day Lei Poster Contest Results

The Judging Process and Criteria

The selection process for the Hawaii's Young Artists Memorial Day Lei Poster Contest was rigorous and meticulous. A panel of esteemed judges, comprising renowned artists from the Honolulu Museum of Art, experienced art educators from local schools, and veterans representing various branches of the military, evaluated each submission. Their diverse backgrounds ensured a comprehensive assessment of each artwork's artistic merit and its thematic relevance.

The judging criteria focused on several key aspects, weighted as follows:

Creativity and Originality (40%): This criterion assessed the uniqueness of the design, the innovative use of artistic techniques, and the overall impact of the artwork. Judges looked for fresh perspectives on the Memorial Day theme and the incorporation of lei imagery.
Artistic Skill and Technique (30%): This focused on the technical proficiency demonstrated by the young artists, considering factors such as color composition, linework, and the effective use of the chosen medium. The judges evaluated the level of skill displayed for their age group.
Memorial Day Representation (20%): This crucial aspect assessed how effectively the artwork conveyed the spirit of Memorial Day, honoring those who served and sacrificed for their country. The judges sought designs that demonstrated understanding and respect for the holiday's significance.
Use of Lei Imagery (10%): The contest emphasized the cultural significance of leis in Hawaii. This criterion evaluated the creative integration of lei motifs, colors, and symbolism within the overall composition of the artwork. The judges valued innovative and respectful portrayals of this important Hawaiian tradition. This helped ensure the connection between art, remembrance, and Hawaiian culture.

Meet the Winners! (Showcase of Winning Entries)

This year's contest received an overwhelming number of exceptional entries. Here are the winners of Hawaii's Young Artists Memorial Day Lei Poster Contest, showcasing their outstanding talent and creativity:

First Place: "A Lei of Remembrance" by Leilani Kamaka (Age 16)

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Leilani's powerful artwork, "A Lei of Remembrance," uses vibrant colors and intricate details to depict a lei formed from individual poppies, each representing a fallen soldier. The poignant imagery effectively conveys both the beauty and the sacrifice associated with Memorial Day. Leilani received a $500 prize and a featured exhibition at the Honolulu Academy of Arts.

Second Place: "Honoring Our Heroes" by Kaimana Kealoha (Age 14)

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Kaimana's poster, "Honoring Our Heroes," uses a bold, graphic style to create a striking visual tribute. The design features silhouettes of soldiers against a backdrop of a Hawaiian sunrise, with a prominent lei laid across the image, symbolizing remembrance and respect. Kaimana won a $300 prize.

Third Place: "The Enduring Spirit" by Makana Pua'a (Age 12)

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Makana's moving artwork, "The Enduring Spirit," is a delicate watercolor painting depicting a single, vibrant red hibiscus lei draped over a weathered military helmet. The contrast of fragility and strength perfectly captures the essence of the Memorial Day theme. Makana's prize was a $100 gift certificate to an art supply store.

Honorable Mentions:

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Student Spotlight Interviews

We had the opportunity to speak with Leilani Kamaka, the first-place winner: "I wanted to create something that honored the sacrifices made while still capturing the beauty of Hawaii," she shared. "The lei felt like the perfect symbol to represent both remembrance and our island's spirit." Her words perfectly capture the heartfelt emotion that permeates the winning artwork.

The Impact of the Contest

The Hawaii's Young Artists Memorial Day Lei Poster Contest is more than just an art competition; it's a vital art education initiative promoting patriotism and community engagement amongst Hawaii's youth. The contest fosters creativity, encourages artistic expression, and provides a platform for young artists to share their perspectives on this important day. Partnerships with local schools and community organizations ensure broad participation and highlight the contest's impact on the community. The contest plans to expand in the coming years, potentially adding different age categories and exploring new artistic mediums.

Celebrating Hawaii's Young Artists and the Spirit of Memorial Day

The winning entries of the Hawaii's Young Artists Memorial Day Lei Poster Contest beautifully illustrate the talent and creativity of Hawaii's youth. Their artwork serves as a powerful tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for our nation. This contest not only showcases exceptional artistic ability but also underscores the importance of remembering and honoring our heroes. Visit the Honolulu Museum of Art to view the winning artwork and celebrate Hawaii's young artistic talent! Learn more about participating in next year's Hawaii's Young Artists Memorial Day Lei Poster Contest!