Kainalu Elementary is awash with colorful mural artwork — done in both paint and ceramic tiles — flowing over school buildings, pillars and the student drop-off area. They were created by known muralists and students alike. However, it is a gleaming mural by the littlest learners that singularly embodies the joy, discovery and imagination of elementary school.

“My friends and me under the sea,” a mosaic mural made of individual ceramic tiles, was created by the 2008-09 kindergarten class under the tutelage of resident artist Liz Train, with funding support from the Hawaiʻi State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ Artist in the School program and the school’s Parent Teacher Association.

“Our school has always believed in the arts. The arts are really the soul of society,” said Sheri Sunabe, who was principal at the time. “Many times when doing school murals, it is the adult artist with very little student participation. … The students (for the mural artwork) were unrestrained.”

What draws you in deep is the pure creative interpretation of the kindergarteners’ sea creatures. Their vibrant colors, googly-eyed expressions, and smiles with imperfect perspective capture the viewer’s intrigue and heart. It is like cute chaos created by tiny hands that keeps your eyes swimming for more. From the 3-D suckers on the octopus tentacles to the patterned fish scales, one can’t help but run their fingers along the enticing textures created by these young artists.

Each happy fish has its own character and personality — like the students who created them. Sunabe hopes that the students, who would have just graduated from college, will reflect back, smile, and still be inspired by their 5-year-old imaginations.

A shark smiles with imperfect perspective capturing the viewer’s heart.

Young artists created textures such as 3-D suckers on octopus tentacles and patterned fish scales.

Sea creatures with vibrant colors and googly-eyed expressions.

What draws you in deep is the pure creative interpretation of the kindergarteners’ sea creatures.

Each happy fish has its own character and personality, perhaps mimicking the students who created them.

“My friends and me under the sea” was created by the 2008-09 kindergarten class.

Mural Moʻolelo is a monthly series highlighting the meaningful murals on our school campuses. Click below to view past featured murals.

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