Mainland non-profit supports Hui Noeau Visual Arts Center Youth Programs in 2015

Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center Youth Programs started 2015 off with a heartfelt donation of $5,000 from a 16 year old young woman who is shaping and defining youth arts education for the future—one scholarship at a time.Hui No eau

Julia Gillette founded Art Empowerment for Life in 2013 at the age of 15. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based out of Lake Forest, IL creates opportunities for grade and high school students interested in advancing their arts education at notable art and design schools nationwide. Through its fundraising efforts, the organization raises money for youth scholarships.

Gillette volunteered at Hui No‘eau’s Camp Kaluanui last summer while visiting relatives on Maui. With its visual arts based curriculum, Camp Kaluanui welcomes 250 children to the historic Kaluanui Estate each summer. Gillette left Maui inspired by her experience working with the children and teachers at the Hui and independently raised $5,000 at a fundraising event in Lake Forest.

Gillette’s generous donation will support children’s art education through the Hui’s youth programs in 2015. Donations are crucial to supporting the Hui’s mission to unlock creativity through exceptional visual arts education and to enhance this endeavor through the preservation of the historical Kaluanui Estate.

“We are honored to be partnered with Julia and her work in art education,” said Hui No‘eau Executive Director Caroline Killhour. “Julia’s donation will allow us to continue our excellent work at Hui No‘eau by providing scholarships for many deserving Maui youth to attend a variety of impactful art classes at our center. We are grateful to have a passionate youth ambassador who believes as strongly as we do in the transformative nature of arts education in our community. We thank Julia for giving so generously of her time this summer and for inspiring others to support visual arts education!”

The Hui provides many opportunities to support visual arts education throughout the year. On February 28, 2015, the Hui will host their largest annual gala fundraiser event: Art Affair 2015: Frida & Diego – A Feast for the Senses. Tickets are available for purchase now by calling (808) 572-6560 or visiting huinoeau.com/events.

Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts education organization located in beautiful Upcountry Maui. Since 1934, the Hui has provided an accessible space for the community to experience, celebrate and enjoy the visual arts.

Image: Art Empowerment for Life Founder Julia Gillette (3rd from right) visits Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center in December, 2014 to present a scholarship check for $5,000 with some of the students and teachers of Camp Kaluanui. 

For more information contact Hui Noeau Executive Director Caroline Killhour at [email protected] or call (808) 572-6560 x30