LAHAINA – Ezekiel Cawigan from Maui High School and Katya Brody from Lahainaluna High School last month received three-day art scholarships to attend plein air painting workshops.

They were selected for their current level of artistic ability. Both students hope to pursue careers in fine arts.

Workshop teachers Greg LaRock from California and Colin Page from Maine were chosen from the roster of artists participating in the 2014 Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational.

Attendees for these workshops are local aspiring artists that wish to enhance their skill level in the field of plein air painting.

The workshop teachers provide a high school student scholarship, and the West Maui Cultural Council provides the art supplies. Each scholarship is valued at $500.

At the workshops, the talented students meet 10-12 other artists, discuss art techniques and receive valuable critique and encouragement, with the hope that they will continue on the path to becoming a professional artist.

LaRock said, “Ezekiel Cawigan was a great kid with a big smile and was happy to learn all about painting outdoors – his first time with that experience. He has good skills and applied them well in the workshop. He was self-critical and strived for the best output possible of his work. I feel his strong mindset as an artist will help him achieve his artistic goals in the future, and I wish him all the best.”

Page commented, “I really enjoyed working with Katya Brody. She was a hard worker and did some very nice painting during the class. It was her first time using oil paint, and she had a natural touch with the materials, which led her to paint some great works. Katya also brought a positive attitude to each lesson. I really like the experience of sharing the workshop with a high school student, and I hope she gets the opportunity to continue to play with oil paints.”

WMCC hosts the annual Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational each February. A portion of the funds generated from sales of paintings at the event go toward high school student workshop scholarships and/or youth art events. Helping to encourage high school students to pursue fine art as a career is a focus for the organization.