An Artsy Pinata, Learning To Lead

Sally French and the pinata

It’s always fun to unleash your inner child, and that’s just what artist Sally French did in her recent exhibit at Bruna Stude‘s galerie 103 in Kukuiula Village. The exhibition showcased French’s humor and talent in juxtaposing ideas and images. Having recently returned from New York, French made a pinata of papier-mâché and faux fur. Just a few slight hits released hand-rolled taffy and art, including 1-by-1-inch original drawings by French. Stude said it simply but best when she described the dynamics between keiki going for candies and adults trying to spot the art of similar size and color: So much fun …

Congratulations to the seventh adult Leadership kaua’i class, which graduated June 17 with a celebration that included Mayor Bernard state Rep. Derek kawakami at Kaua’i Beach Resort. This year’s adult LK graduates were Joe Corbo, Mike Dahilig, Cindy Duterte, kaulana Finn, Josh Fukino, Shelly Gerardo, Dave Hanashiro, Russ Hasegawa, Arryl Kaneshiro, Noe Kau’i, Pohai Kirkland, Abraham Nihipali, Billy Ortiz, Nicole Sakurai, Sherry Scott, Alex Simson, Brad Soria and Michelle Takashima

It’s a fleeting medium, but that’s just part of the fun in the second sand castle competition July 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hanalei Pier. The free event is open to keiki, adults, artists and sand sculptors as individuals or teams. Sculptor Jeff Peterson will be on hand at 11:30 a.m. to help anyone interested in learning to build above-average castles. Participants are encouraged to bring shovels, pails, tools, molds and sprayers. For more information, go to www.hawaiisandcastle.com, email: juliankauai@gmail.com or call 639-8379 …

An example from last year’s sand castle contest. Photo courtesy Carol Yotsuda

One of my favorite chic-boutique-y entrepreneurs is at it again. Malie Organics (yes, you read that right, it’s not Maile) founder Dana Roberts has launched a new collection inspired by purple cattelya orchids from the island’s East side. For those who haven’t yet tried Roberts’ good-enough-to-eat body and home products (her coconut vanilla sugar scrub and mango-butter cup smell like fresh-baked cookies), it is a habit-forming experience. Roberts and husband Shaun started their organic products company in their garage a few years back and have since made ingredients such as taro, pikake and Kaua’i coffee part of their growing brand. The new collection includes body cream, polish, mist, liquid hand soap, soy candles and reed diffusers. For more information, go to malie.com …

Mary Lu Kelley, assistant program manager of Oceanit, has been moonlighting as an author. To call Kelley – who has been living with seven Alaskan malamutes over the past 25 years – passionate about dogs is an understatement. The recently published book, For the Love of Lilly, is about a breed with natural intelligence and strong wolf ties living in Hawaii. To order online, go to animalshawaii.com …

It’s the time of year again when Hanalei Canoe Club puts on Tahiti Fete, a day of outrigger canoe paddling, standup paddle races, keiki events, food, booths, crafts and music with a Tahitian theme from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 2 at Hanalei Pier. This year marks the 26th year for the annual fundraiser that aims to send the canoe club’s qualifying youths to the Hawaiian Racing Association’s state championship on Maui in August. Organizer Julie Wallace says the event is a great chance for those who haven’t tried canoe paddling to give it a shot, but noted it’s also for seasoned paddlers, visitors or anyone who is interested.

Hanalei Canoe Club will provide canoes, paddles and steersmen, and those interested can buy one seat for $25 or fill a canoe ($125). Standup paddle races also will be open to beginners through expert levels ($25). Call 639-4048 or register from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through July 1 at Foodland in Princeville. Registration on the day of the event begins at 8 a.m. at Hanalei Pier …

Aloha, Kia Kaha Christopher Lopez. Photo courtesy Jackie Lopez

E komo mai to Kia Kaha Christopher Lopez, a beautiful baby boy who weighed 8 pounds, 5 ounces when he came into the world June 3 at Claudia Brown‘s home birthing center in Wailua. Little Kia Kaha is destined to be a waterman, just like his surfing mama Jackie Lopez and his well-loved county lifeguard daddy Kaleo Lopez. Blessings to the Lopez ohana! … Fireworks and music should make for an exciting evening Friday at the Pacific Missile Range Facility Stars & Stripes Freedom Celebration, which is open to the public from 5 to 11 p.m. at Shenanigans restaurant. Commanding Officer Capt. Nicholas Mongillo will be there, along with Kaua’i bands The Quake, Greenstone Project and the Rakudo Taiko Ensemble. Guests can enter the gate at mile marker 30 on Kaumuali’i Highway. Those attending cannot bring in food, beverages, coolers, tents, pets, knives or personal fireworks. For more information, call 335-4346 …

July isn’t only about fireworks, but summertime and, of course, camp. Youth leader Jimmy Johnson is spreading the word about Camp Good News at Camp Naue in Ha’ena July 5-9 for keiki between the ages of 7 and 12. Johnson says the Bible study camp includes onolicious food, early bird swims, crab hunts, songs, skits, stories, soccer, hikes, and friends and fellowship that can last a lifetime. To learn more or for an application, email Jimmy@hiinfo.net or call 639-9675 …

Vocalist Karen Dickinson and trumpeter David Braun will be featured at the 9:45 a.m. service July 3 at All Angels Episcopal Church, 4364 Hardy St. in Lihu’e. Following the service will be a cookout with live classic American rock by Hank Curtis, John Gilleran and Jeff Mira. For more information, call 245-3796 or go to stmichaels-kauai.org.