The 2009 ProjectFocus Hawaii exhibit, “The Resilient Spirit,” will make its debut at Macy’s Ala Moana on Monday. The large 30” x 30” black-and-white canvas photos with accompanying narratives will be displayed on the third floor.
The exhibit will be at Macy’s Ala Moana through Sept. 14.
From Sept. 15 through 21, the exhibit can be viewed at Kahala Mall, then at Thurston Chapel at Punahou School from Nov. 16 through Dec. 6.
ProjectFocus Hawaii, a photography internship for at-risk children, has been working with 13 youth, ages 13 to 18, this summer to teach them photography skills and life skills such as goal setting and building self-esteem.
The participating children are in Hawaii’s foster care system and are being served by Hale Kipa, a multi-service, non-profit agency that specializes in working with at-risk children, adolescents and their families.
Earlier this summer, ProjectFocus Hawaii founders Laurie Callies and Lisa Uesugi photographed the youth on the grounds of Secret Beach at Kualoa Ranch. After mastering basic photography skills using a Holga 35mm camera, the children were sent on “assignment” to photograph a special person in their life. In addition to the photography assignment, the children were asked to write a personal statement which will accompany their photograph. For the exhibit, each child’s photograph assignment has been paired with the photograph taken by Callies or Uesugi.

Visit http://www.ProjectFocusHawaii.com for details about the program.
To learn more about Hale Kipa visit http://www.halekipa.org.