Kaua`i CC Art Faculty Adds Finishing Touch to Lawai International Center’s Hall of Compassion

On Friday, September 6, 2013, from 2:00 pm, volunteers at the Lawai International Center will witness the crowning of its Hall of Compassion, a building project that has involved the helping hands of over 400 volunteers and community supporters. With the help of a crane and specially rigged lifting device, the sacred ball, artistically designed and crafted out of clay by Wayne Miyata, artist and instructor of Ceramics at Kaua`i Community College, will be gently installed top center of the roof of the Hall of Compassion. The placement of the sacred ball represents the final phase of bringing to reality a structure that represents the connection of earth and heaven for all.

Miyata resides on Kaua`i and recently retired from a distinguished career as head of Kaua`i CC’s Ceramic program. He currently lectures at the College. Miyata is world renowned for his artwork and has held numerous exhibited his works locally, nationally, and internationally.

Materials for the Hall of Compassion were prepared and shipped from Japan. The unique technique of constructing without nails was used. The project was carefully overseen by architect Nobuyuki Yamamoto, one of the last temple building masters in Japan.

The Hall of Compassion graces Lawai Valley, a place where prayers of all ethnicities and religions are heard. In ancient times, Hawaiians built heiau in the Valley. Today, it a place known for 88 shrines replicated from an ancient pilgrimage of 88 temples in Shikoku, Japan.

On Sunday, October 6, 2013, from 1:00 pm, Lawai International Center will host its annual Pilgrimage for Compassion, where they will also hold a dedication ceremony for the Hall of Compassion. Contact Lynn Muramoto at LM@hawaii.rr.com. The event is open to the public.

UPDATE: 10 Sept 2013

Installation on top Hall of Compassion

View of finished Hall

Posted by:
Cammie Matsumoto