Quick draw

Meet local designers and illustrators at “Mini Con,” McCully-Moiliili Public Library’s third annual event styled to resemble a miniature anime/comic convention, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 22.

Star-Advertiser Sunday comic strip artists Jon J. Mura?kami and Audra Furu?ichi will be on hand, as well as graphic designer Kevin Sano. The group will be signing books and merchandise and doing illustrations upon request.

Appearing for the first time will be bloggers Alex Alba and Misty-Lynn Sanico of Hawaii Reads (formerly Hawaii Book Blog).

Pen & Ink Works, a group of young artists inspired by anime and manga, will give a drawing demonstration at noon. Group members will also be available for one-on-one consultations with artists of all skill levels. Attendees who show up in costume will receive prizes.

Sponsored by the library and the Collector Maniacs store, Mini Con is suitable for ages 9 and older. The library also will show a selection of anime episodes.

The library is at 2211 S. King St. Call Hillary Chang at 973-1099. — Star-Advertiser staff

The moral of the story …

Demonstrating a life lesson is often more effective than lecturing. ‘Ohi‘a Productions has embraced that principle several times with shows that teach keiki sugarcoated morals with stories taken from "Aesop’s Fables."

‘Ohi‘a did it a year ago with a production of "Fun with Fables" at the Hawaii Theatre. And the group returns Sept. 22 with the sequel, "Fun with Fables 2."

The tales are generally attributed to Aesop, a Greek slave and storyteller who is believed to have lived around 2,600 years ago, even though modern researchers have dated some of them to the third millennium B.C. Whatever their actual origin may be, "Aesop’s Fables" have provided lessons about proper behavior for centuries.

‘Ohi‘a company actors Jessica Cruz, Royce Oka­zaki, Sara Robertson and Jordan Savusa will tell the stories of "The Fox and the Crab," "The Fox and the Crow," "The Fox and the Grapes," "The Milkmaid and Her Pail" and "The Tortoise and the Hare."

Original songs by Roslyn Catracchia add to the production about the importance of confidence, gratitude, harmony, honesty, patience, sincerity and kindness toward others.

Enhance the experience by downloading a free study guide and activity book at www.hawaiitheatre.com. — John Berger, Star-Advertiser

Arboretum shows kids floral arts

The Lyon Arboretum in Manoa is offering new classes for children this fall.

From 9 to 11:30 a.m. Sept. 22, instructors Linda Hama­saki and Carol Sakata will teach an ike­bana class for kids to help heighten their appreciation of nature.

They will demonstrate how to find and select special materials for ike­bana, the Japa­nese art of flower arranging that emphasizes balance, harmony and form.

Students will hike through the garden to gather materials and then return to the classroom to create arrangements to take home.

The class, open to children in grades 1 to 4, is designed to inspire children to appreciate the beauty of nature.

If your keiki have a knack for flowers, they may also want to try their hand at an hourlong Hawaiian lei making class at either 9:30 or 10:30 a.m. Oct. 6.

Hawaii’s master lei maker Happy Tama­naha, with the assistance of Kats Tama­naha and Jean Masuda, will share traditional Hawaiian lei-making techniques with children ages 5 to 18. Participants may choose from among five lei styles, including kui, haku, humu­papa, kipuu or wili.

Materials will be provided, but students are welcome to bring any natural material from home that they would like to use.

Pre-registration is required and classes cost $5 per child. Lyon Arboretum is at 3869 Manoa Road.

Call 988-0456. — Star-Advertiser staff

Parade brings aloha to Waikiki

Cascades of tropical flowers on colorful floats, an equestrian procession and marching bands will brighten up Waikiki next weekend. The Aloha Festivals Floral Parade plans to have 2,000 participants, 40 vehicles, 10 bands and 15 floats.

The parade begins at 9 a.m. Sept. 22 at the Ewa entrance to Ala Moana Beach Park and proceeds down Kalakaua Avenue to Monsarrat Avenue, ending at the Waikiki Shell.

Visit www.alohafestivals.com. — Star-Advertiser staff