ouths learn the “Do-Re-Mi” to music as part of a program presented by the Lahaina Arts Guild. Photo courtesy Lahaina Arts Guild

Cindy Smith retired from teaching in California but was drawn back to the classroom in Lahaina by the excitement of children learning music, thanks to support from the Lahaina Arts Guild.

“I just missed it so much,” Smith said. “When you watch them grow, that for me, you can’t buy that.”

The music and art classes offered by Lahaina Arts Guild have been growing in popularity, especially following the 2023 Lahaina wildfire. Maui United Way recently honored the guild with its Partner Agency of the Year award.

Art Guild Director William French Smith III said a number of the group’s members were among those who lost their homes in the fire.

Many guild members were also members of the Lahaina Arts Society who exhibited and sold their works at the Old Lahaina Courthouse, a historic building that burned in the 2023 fire.

The artists have continued creating their works while teaching art and music to elementary school students at Kamehameha III, Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena and Sacred Hearts.

“We provide all supplies and instruction with no cost to the children, parents and schools,” William French Smith said.

He said the art and music instruction has been a way to help many who lost so much.

Lahaina Arts Guild recently received the Partner of the Year award from Maui United Way for the guild’s work, including the creation of youth art events, such as the monthly Student Paint Outs during the summer. Photo courtesy Lahaina Arts Guild

Guild members have also produced a number of community events such as the Keiki Art Show: Celebrate Resilience at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali last December, the Lahaina Student Art Show at the Lahaina Cannery Mall in May, monthly Student Paint Outs during the summer, Plein Air Painting with Ellen Lewinsky and photography workshops with Marty Boes, a Lahainaluna High School graduate who has a master’s degree in education.

Sacred Hearts teacher Stephanie Meyers said about 80 students participate in an after-school art club.

“Lahaina Arts Guild’s support with the art club is immeasurable,” Meyers said. “The greatest gift for students is additional resources and creating art with their friends.”

In Cindy Smith’s music classes, children are taught the “Do-Re-Mi” song from “The Sound of Music,” and they jump on floor pads representing the respective notes. Eventually, they sing four-part harmonies and learn choreography.

She teaches two days a week at the school, eight to 11 classes each day, and she notices enrollment is growing as children return with their parents to Lahaina.

“It’s quite a wonderful adventure,” said Cindy Smith, who produced student musicals like “Annie” and “Peter Pan” at schools in California. “It’s been a joy just to watch them blossom.”