Isle artists add unique flair to water bottles

Water flasks have become a hydration accessory for people on the go, so why not use one with personality and flair?

More than 30 artists created unique designs on water containers for T&C Surf Designs’ Chalk it Up Water Bottle Party this week at the Ala Moana Center surf shop. Silent-auction bids for the custom-designed water bottles will be accepted at the store through 3 p.m. Saturday. The event coincides with the mall’s annual Shop a Le‘a fashion event.

Jonathan “Xie Xie LaRage” Quinsano, a local costume designer and visual artist from Waipahu, decorated a bottle using sequins and peacock feathers. The fanciful feathered topper comes off for everyday use. Josh Flinn used acrylic paint for his tiki design.

Flinn, along with fellow artists Kulani Watson and Robert Bennett, will be at T&C from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday to draw simple designs on bottles that people bring in or purchase at the store. A youth art station and balloon art will be part of the festivities.

All proceeds from the auction will benefit youth art programs at the Honolulu Museum of Art, according to T&C’s Amy Johnson.

“We sell lots of water bottles and wanted to do something creative to give back to the community,” she said. “We were impressed with the diversity of the art. We didn’t give any parameters, so it’s fun to see all of the creativity and different styles.”

The shop is in Ala Moana’s Ewa Wing on the third floor.