Award-winning artist Peggy Chun was born in Lawton, Oklahoma. She became a resident of Hawaii in 1969. Her twin sister Bobbie was the inspiration for Peggy to pick up her first paintbrush in 1989, and Peggy quickly began to create her colorful and whimsical artwork. Peggy soon chose to supplement her natural talent with formal art education at the Honolulu Academy of Arts. Although her works are primarily in watercolor, Peggy has also explored a variety of mediums, including acrylic, oil, pastel, photography, and collage. Peggy's varied works can be found in both private and corporate collections in Hawaii and across the globe.

In the spring of 2002, Peggy was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The same disease plagued her mother and sister, Bobbie, who passed away in 1987. Currently there is no cure for ALS. But this debilitating motor neuron disease has yet to slow her down. When Peggy lost the control of her right hand in 2003, she learned to paint with her left. When she lost control of her left hand she painted with her toes, and when she could no longer do that, she painted with her mouth. And now, faced with further debilitation, with the help of advanced computer technology, Peggy patiently and creatively employs new techniques to control an electronic paintbrush/cursor with the movement of her eyes. And, in spite of her many challenges, she continues to share her inspiration, talents and courage by giving workshops for students from many Island schools.

Peggy has graciously donated the use of two of her images, "Banana Patch Heaven" for our 2006 poster, and "Surfboards" for our 2006 shirts. Posters and shirts are available at "Cool Stuff to Buy". Twenty percent of the net proceeds from these items will be donated to help pay for Peggy's growing medical and rehabilitation expenses. The remaining eighty percent will go to assist the Hale'iwa Arts Festival Grants to Schools program.

Enjoy and purchase Peggy's artwork at booth number 63 and through her website www.peggychun.com. And if you too can assist in defraying Peggy's medical and rehabilitation expenses, please contact Friends of Peggy Chun, 3115 Alika Ave, Honolulu, HI 96817, telephone: 595-8434. Mahalo!