This exhibit of pictograph/petroglyph designs by school children of this area is a partial fruition of a developing cultural event. The exhibiting budding artists were asked to draw simple pictures (pictographs) and/or petroglyph designs that celebrate the past, present or a vision for the future of their home -- the North Shore of Oahu. Represented are works from artists of Hale'iwa Elementary, Waialua Elementary, St. Michael's, Sunset Beach Elementary and Sunset Beach Christian schools. This show, sponsored by the Hale'iwa Arts Festival, is a reflection of our home through the eyes, hands and souls of our area's children. Their work has not been judged nor juried and is profound and refreshing, you can be the judge of that!

Though petroglyphs are an indigenous sculptural form to Hawaii, drawings carved into stone are a universal artform and have pre-historic roots all over our planet. Did you know that the North Shore has one of the largest groupings of ancient petroglyphs on Oahu? One such site is covered by sand and water except during the winter when high waves wash away the sand -- also, the water level of the ocean was apparently lower when these cultural artifacts were carved.

The reason these petroglyph designs were solicited was for their ultimate use on the Trailmarkers. These are 30' high gateway features to the towns of Hale'iwa, Waialua and Mokuleia that will mark the entry ways into our towns, one at each end of Hale'iwa town. Already Dole Company and Bishop Estate have come forward to offer boulders for the Trailmarkers. North Shore Kumu and Kupuna have guided this project to make sure that it is Pono, before the children were involved. Their continued involvement and guidance is an integral part of this community project. Though the artist spearheading this project credits God with the inspiration for these edifices, the Hale'iwa Main Street Business Association was the group instrumental in shaping the concept and design with the artist and in applying for grants to realize this community and cultural endeavor. Selected children's petroglyph designs from this exhibit will be chosen by area Kupuna and will be carved onto the boulders.

We invite you to visit the Waialua Courthouse and view the children's art as well as seeing a model of the Trailmarkers, created by the artist Bill Braden.