1970s-style wreath takes top prize in city contest

Patients in an occupational art therapy class at the Hawaii State Hospital captured the Mayor’s Holly Award in the 27th Annual Holiday Wreath Contest for their entry titled "Sweet Memories of the ’70s Kanikapila Hawaiian Style!"

The wreath used color reproductions of vintage posters, T-shirts and backstage passes from the 1970s Hawaii music and entertainment scene, with shout-outs to the Brothers Cazimero, Kalapana, Country Comfort, Booga Booga and the Diamond Head Crater festivals. The entry also incorporated found and recycled materials such as driftwood, pine cones, kukui nuts, coconut husks, seed pods, shells and lei.

"Kanikapila Kalikimaka" was the theme of the wreath contest, sponsored by the City and County of Hono­lulu. In all, 73 entries were submitted for judging by Roy Benham, Paulette Kahalepuna and Pamela Taylor-Tongg, who are members of the city’s Commission on Culture and the Arts.

The other winners:

» Adult category — Taryn Arakaki, first place; Marian Bernal, second; Jazzlyn Young and Uncle Ipo Young, third; Muriel Miura and Marshall K. Fergerstrom, Judges’ Choice Awards

» Youth category — Maile Juntilla, first place; Seagull Schools Ko Olina Room 3, second; Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church CCD Second- and Third-Graders, third; Maryknoll Third-Graders (3B) and Papa Lilinoe at Kawaiaha‘o Church School, Judges’ Choice

» Theme category — Stevenson Middle School VACT Class, first place; Alana Federico, second; Sara Tajima and Ueki and Blanche Wong, third; Mary Cardinale and Lori Gauer, Judges’ Choice