Tuesday, April 7, 2009

The Aloha Spirit Contest on FAA

FineArtAmerica recently started having art contests where not only can members enter the contests, but they can create their own contests and offer their own prizes. So, after entering a few contests myself, I decided to have my own and created "The Aloha Spirit Contest"!

Living in Hawaii, I see and experience this Aloha Spirit almost every day. Through a smile, a helping hand, a gift of fruit from the aina, and many more, we make our lives happy and more enjoyable. Most tourists comment on why it seems that people living in Hawaii are always smiling. Well, it's because we are! The Aloha Spirit is alive and well here in the islands, but it can extend itself to the whole world (which is something we definitely need at this time).

I asked members to enter up to 3 images in any medium depicting the Aloha Spirit (their interpretation). Since this contest was purely for fun and exposure, the prize for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place was to have their winning piece featured on my blog! Anyone (members and non-members) could vote and we had 28 members enter with 65 pieces of art and 223 votes. We even ended up with a tie for 2nd place! Congratulations to the winners and to everyone for participating!
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First Place - Kelly Turner
photograph
What does the “Aloha Spirit” mean to you?: Unity.

What inspires you most about creating art? New ideas and ways each new piece is created.

How long have you been a professional artist? 5 years.

You can find out more about Kelly Turner's art at
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2nd Place - Frank Wilson

glowing phosphors on a large wall
What does the "Aloha Spirit" mean to you?: I am the "Painter Of Dreams"TM and bringing my wife to Hawaii has been a lifelong dream. Our 40th Anniversary is next year and I'm hoping that we can experience the "Aloha Spirit" first hand instead of just dreaming about it or hearing such wonderful stories from those who have been privileged to visit your beautiful, romantic and friendly Islands.

What inspires you most about creating art?: My inspiration comes from my awe of the natural world, weather it be the sea, the land, the sky, wildlife or the heavenly cosmos. I have been labeled a "preservationist" because of capturing natural beauty spots, many of which now exist only in my paintings because of development, fires and other disasters, both natural and man made.

How long have you been a professional artist?: Since 1971 when I finished my studies at the Art Institute Of Boston.


You can find out more about Frank Wilson's art at

Frank is available for commissions for fine art, illustrations, murals and his unique specialty, glow in the dark murals that can only be seen in the dark, like his "Hawaiian Dreams" glow in the dark wall mural that measures 11.5 foot x 13.5 feet. This mural cannot be seen in the light. It has to be totally dark for it to be seen. It is painted on a plain white wall using five different rare earth phosphors that capture light energy by day and releases it at night. Turn on the lights and the mural is gone... turn off the lights and the mural can be clearly seen. His murals glow all night long, night after night. A perfect marriage of science and art! Contact Frank via his website site for details on his custom glowing wall murals for your home or hotel.
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2nd Place - Pepe Patrick Conley

oil on canvas
What does the “Aloha Spirit” mean to you?: A feeling of warmth and connection to the islands and people of Hawaii.

What inspires you most about creating art?: Capturing a beautiful and fleeting moment.

How long have you been a professional artist?: I sold my first painting in 2000.

You can find out more about Pepe Patrick Conley's art at http://pepekauai.spaces.live.com/default.aspx?sa=605196442
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3rd Place - Schar Freeman
acrylic on paper


What does the “Aloha Spirit” mean to you?: To always have an open, giving loving heart. To always be there in all ways.

What inspires you most about creating art?: The beauty of this island.

How long have you been a professional artist?: 25 years.

You can find out more about Schar Freeman's art at

3 comments:

Jean Levert Hood said...

Great pieces, and congratulation to the winners! I think this prize is perfect!

Schar Freeman said...

Mahalo for doing this contest Marionette. I love your blog and being here :-) So cool two island artist placed. I love Pepe's work.
aloha island sistah ♥

LemurKat said...

These pieces are beautiful. I loved the "aloha" spirit I found in Hawaii. Everyone just seemed so friendly. I would lvoe to come back one day. And maybe do one of your classes!

Kat