Participants of SMALL TOWN * BIG ART's (ST*BA) storytelling exchange led by artist Leilehua Yuen were paired up with community kūpuna to engage in an open talk story session. Each conversation is audio-recorded with the goal of capturing an authentic moment of connection through stories that are embedded in Maui’s sense of place. Recordings will then serve as the foundation of ST*BA’s call-to-artists process, wherein applicants base their public art proposals off of a story of their choosing. To hear eight of the stories recently recorded, click the button below – more stories to come!

1. Soon Yai Amaral, Elder kamaʻāina of Lānaʻi + Diane Preza, Kamaʻāina of Lānaʻi (Listen)

2. Dean Del Rosario, Kamaʻāina of Lānaʻi + Shelly Preza, Executive Director, Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center (Listen)

3. Annadelle Yahiro + Michael Bursack, Docents for Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House / Maui Historical Society (Listen)

4. Hōkūlani Holt, PhD, Kumu Hula, Pāʻū O Hiʻiaka, Ka Hikina O Ka Lā, University of Hawaii Maui College + Cody Pueo Pata, Kumu Hula, Halau Hula ʻo ka Malama Mahilani and cultural advisor to the Maui County Mayor (Listen)

5. Sally Ann Delos Reyes, Water-woman + Lopaka White, Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission (Listen)

6. Kauwela Bisquera, General Manager, Queen Kaʻahumanu Center + Kekoa Enomoto, ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu and Chairwoman, Paʻupena Community Development Corporation (Listen)

7. Frank De Rego, Maui Police Commission, Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce, Maui County Climate Action Resiliency Planning Advisory Committee + Wallette Pellegrino, Former Host of ”Preserving Our Recollections” Oral History TV Program for University of Hawaii Maui College (Listen)

8. BONUS EPISODE: Sissy Lake-Farm + Lopaka White talk story about Hawaiian Canoe Club (Listen)

Click here to visit the Talk Story Project Page.

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