KIPAPA & THE PATH OF LIGHT    
A Photo Journey of the Process
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Right-hand section of Kipapa cartoon (1 of 5)
Calley and the full-scale cartoon at Kanu O Ka'aina School
Kipapa Cartoon at Kanu o Ka'Aina School
Kipapa and Kalo full scale cartoon segment
Kipapa Glass Array
Kipapa Mural Segments
Kalo and Calley
Completed Smalti Mosaic Prior to Grouting
Calley's Studio Preparation for Border
Painting Uncle Herman's Hands
Firing the glazed pieces of Uncle Herman's hand - one of many coats of glaze to achieve the proper shading of his hands.
Assembling the Figures
Assembling the Mandalas and Hands
Calley chose the finest stained glass in the world.
As no proper gold glass existed, Calley designed her own
Mortaring begins - a crucial stage that determines the safety and permanence of the mural's adhesion to the wall
Chris and his assistant lay down the glass.
The Source Star and Mandala Star ready for shipping to Oahu
Materials, equipment and supplies ready to go
Calley begins the instructions for the Kipapa Fourth Graders
Calley shares the design, its symbolism, and the goal for the squares
Students learn to match their design to the smalti
Students choose their colors and match their smalti
The children immediately focused on the task in pairs.
It was amazing how they immersed themselves in the project
They respected the smalti
Each square foot requires 300 to 400 pieces of smalti
The teamwork allowed us to get twice the work done.
When Calley poured out more smalti, the children were so grateful.
The children learned the precise spacing of the smalti work.
Working with the children was a blast!
They knew they were an important part of a major public art project.
As the hours and days passed, they became the hands of skill.
Making the color cartoons is critically important.
The element of water at the base was symbolized by a wave.
They worked with all the cool colors
Check out the amazing quality of the handcrafted smalti.
Through art, so perception and coordination grow.
It takes immense focus to get the spacing narrow and even.
Calley taught the students the principle elements of good design.
We had so many fine Kipapa staff helpers
Parents, Assistants, and here in the center, DOE Art Resource Teacher, Evan Tottori, all worked together
The adult helpers each received a lesson in cutting smalti, and immediately set to work practicing
Everyone at the table had to wear safety goggles.
Parents who had no experience showed amazing proficiency.
After each smalti piece was cut, it had to be sanded to fit tighter.
It was helpful to have small hands.
Imagine if every child had this opportunity to help create a permanent work of art.
In between classes, the assistants taped the edges.
A parent demonstrates how to straighten the ends.
DOE's Evan Tottori edges a square
Rapid progress in an ancient art form
The background beige mix will unite the border
Having excellent borders helps the entire process.
Contrast in the smalti is gorgeous!
Hands, young and old, work together so happily!
Smalti work develops patience, concentration, and hand-eye coordination.
We took over the art/music room for two weeks!
The school is meticulously cared for.
We had a terrific turn-out of volunteers.
Rae, long-time beloved maintenance coordinator, was amazing at mosaic.
Lamar is truly a master craftsman.
Keeping it simple with backgrounds first.
It took 15,000 pieces to complete the entire border
Complete and ready to grout.
Lamar grinding a piece of sky glass.
Great attention to detail.
The students became so involved, there were sometimes two classes in the studio at once.
A fantastic completion on one of the Sun (fire element) mandalas.
Community members, Calley O'Neill, and Kipapa Principal Corrine Yogi.
Student with Art Resource Teacher Laura Ferando
HFSCA Commissioner Len Chow came to lend a hand.
Music Teacher Betty Tizono works on a mosaic.
Evan finishing up the details.
After the students were finished, parents, teachers and staff finished the remaining details on the works of arts.
Parents of the models, Jayna and William Elisaga work together on the project.
Model Hiago and his mom
Calley and the Elisaga family
Community based art always brings out the best energy
Calley and her DOE guide Evan Tottori and Commissioner Len Chow
Kipapa principal and community volunteer.
Art Advisory Student Jessica Reyes and her mom, Josie work together.
Teachers came in to assist
Community members support Kipapa throughout the year.
Lots of cutting required for completion.
On the last nights, we worked into the night.
Fine cuts by Jessica
Every one of the 115 students was fully engaged.
Tech teacher/photographer Cynthia Michimoto did excellent mosaic work.
Nearly 6pm at night, and check out all these volunteers!
Vice Principal Leigh Ann Siaos and Valerie Broussard, PCNC
Susan Kam thought of the mural idea, and she and Joy Nishimura both worked to bring the mural to the school.
Nothing stopped Ms. Yogi from assisting!
Calley grouting.
A team of assistants, parents and teachers finished the grouting.
Every gap has to be filled and not over-filled.
Lamar removes excess grout
It was the very best project Calley ever created.
Many hands make light work.
There is no better public art than when a community comes together to design and create a mural.
It's so gratifying working to benefit the children.
Calley checks the numbering for installation.
The finished squares are building up
49 squares, 15,000 pieces of smalti
The squares radiated so much energy!
Betty had the task of organizing the squares.
This became Calley's mantra through the challenges of a complex installation -- "Keep Calm and Carry On"
The CSL crew checked for lead paint -- all clear, ready to go!
Kipapa wall repaired and ready to begin.
Ready to grind in the anchor lines.
CSL tile expert, Vernon Wilson, headed the installation
Vernon and Jake cut in the anchor lines.
Jake fills the channels
Great progress on careful wall preparation.
The wall was fully sealed after the preparation.
Sealing
Wall multi sealed and ready to go.
Base patterns going up.
Mixing the thinset
The very first piece is prepared.
and handed to Vernon.
Kalo, the firstborn and foundation, is the first piece installed.
The hands...
Piece by piece, the mural goes up.
Calley's fabulous project guides, DOE's Evan Tottori, and HSFCA Project Manager, Trisha Lagaso-Goldberg
Kipapa and the Path of Light was a labor-intensive project.
Every stage and aspect required immense and time-consuming attention to detail.
Kipapa was more than a 2-year process for Calley, from start to finish.
The mural height provided the challenge of needing a lift.
Finally it was time to install the squares.
The children were thrilled when their squares began to go up.
Lamar kept working on details on site.
Key women pause early in the installation process.
Principal, artist, and the one who energized the project.
Installer Vernon Wilson and Calley O'Neill worked together on the lift.
Laura, one of the many shining the aloha spirit at Kipapa.
Nearing installation completion
Len Chow, Uncle Herman, and Principal Corrine Yogi
Vernon in the sky completing details.
Vernon grouting
Upside down Calley
Calley and Vernon complete the final cleaning before the dedication.
Calley cleaning grout
The mural begins to reflect the different lights of day.
The light brings out the fine handcrafted glass and levels.
Hiapo
Finishing touches to the grout and cleaning.
Subtle level changes
Final cleaning and touchup

Art and Soul for the Earth
 Big Island of Hawai'i