Instructor Claudio Marchetti began teaching the participants in November 2025.
Courtesy photo

Opening on July 2 at the Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center, “Ike, A group exhibition exploring perspective,” presents artworks by adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have been taking part in a weekly program led by Claudio Marchetti.

“This has been such a meaningful and transformative experience for our participants, and we are so proud to share their incredible work with the Maui community,” said Eunice Echepetelecu of Arc of Maui County.

A collaboration between Arc of Maui County and Hui Noʻeau Visual Art Center beginning in November 2025, the partnership offered the artists the opportunity to find new ways of expression.

“It’s mostly painting, drawing and printmaking,” Marchetti explained. “We are using watercolors and acrylics and sumi ink block printing, a whole bunch of different mediums, but mostly all two-dimensional. I could really use the whole gallery for the amount of work I have, but I’m picking out the best work from each participant.”

Marchetti said he has loved working with all the participants. “It’s wonderful. I’ve mainly worked with young elementary school children, and I’ve always had an interest in working with people with special needs. I took a certification to work with autistic children and I was working with children with autism at Paia School. Then this program fell into my life and I’ve loved it.”

Two participants working side by side on cherry blossom paintings.
Courtesy photo

All the artwork in the exhibit was created during weekly sessions, exploring different media and inspirations. “It’s a challenge, and it’s also kind of like a spiritual thing, like a journey, because I’m working with some people who are quite physically disabled,” he said. “Two or three of the participants who are quite physically incapable are now doing it on their own and it’s pretty amazing.”

For some of these artists, traditional forms of communication and expression may look different, and through this visual art program participants were encouraged to create whatever they chose.

“There’s a sense of excitement and joy every week when I show up,” he said. “The staff and administration have told me that they genuinely look forward to it. It’s really made a positive impact. Everyone really wants to participate, and they’re not just putting a few colors down; they’re really finishing every project now in earnest. It’s really amazing.”

With roughly 40 to 50 works on display, “I’m going to squeeze in as much as I can,” said Marchetti, the son of the late Maui musician Paul Marchetti. “I will probably include one or two projects where I will show everybody’s work.”

Around three months into teaching, Marchetti began thinking about presenting their work in an exhibition. “I saw how amazing everything was happening and how wonderful the work was,” he said. “Everybody at Arc of Maui was excited to have some kind of showcase. We’re going to have a private family opening and celebrate them and show this is everything they’ve achieved.”

Arc of Maui County was established in 1954 by a group of parents and concerned citizens who sought services for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities when none were available. It supports programs and services that assure full inclusion and participation in the community throughout life.

The exhibit will be on display at Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center from July 2 through July 11th. It is free and open to the public in the Solarium at the front of the Center, which is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The program was made possible with grant support from the Fred Baldwin Memorial Foundation.