Well-known Big Island artist, muralist and teacher Kathleen Kam has been a prolific contributor to the local art scene for more than 40 years. Her latest public art adorns the wall of Petroglyph Press and Basically Books in Hilo.
Contracted by owners David and Christine Reed to depict the natural beauty of the island, the team chose iconic plants, birds “and, of course, the volcano to represent our island home.” A celebration and opportunity to meet the artist will take place at 2 p.m. April 6 at Basically Books.
Additionally, Kam will be on hand at noon during Merrie Monarch week, Tuesday through Friday, to sketch caricatures by donation.
With no fear of taking on large-size paintings, and occasionally giving diverse age groups opportunity to paint with her, Kam’s first mural was created in 1994. Since 1998, she has received numerous awards for depicting Hawaii’s natural history, and four of her artworks are in the collection of the Hawaii State Art Museum.
Kam currently collaborates with local conservation organizations to address endangered Hawaiian flora and fauna. Two noteworthy murals, one located at Keauhou Bird Conservation Center and one on the campus of Kamehameha School-Kapalama, are used as teaching tools.
Prominent in downtown Hilo are her palila mural and panels along Keawe Street at KTA Super Store.
Basically Books is located at 1672 Kamehameha Ave. For more information about store events, visit Facebook.com/BasicallyBooksHilo, Basicallybooks.com or call 961-014.
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Extra-large art
The following lists by date and location artist Kathleen Kam’s public and private murals:
1994, Kamana Senior Center, Hilo
1998, UH-Hilo gymnasium
1999, Kalanianaole Elementary and Intermediate School, Papaikou
1999-2000, Kilauea General Store, Volcano
2001–02, Keauhou Bird Conservation Center, Volcano
2003, Verizon phone book cover, Honolulu
2004-06, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Sulphur Banks Wayside signs
2005, Kamehameha Schools, Honolulu
2006-08, Keaau High School
2010, Downtown Hilo KTA Super Store
2011-12, Ka‘u Coffee Mill, Pahala
2012, Hawai‘i Plantation Museum, Papaikou
2014, Palila mural, downtown Hilo KTA parking lot
2015, NARS movable 60-foot mural
2018, “Our Island Home,” Basically Books, Hilo