Muralist celebrated at council meeting

LIHUE — The work of Kauai muralist Trysen Kaneshige was acknowledged by the Kauai County Council, on behalf of the Veterans Museum and the people of Kauai, during its Wednesday meeting at the Council Chambers in the historic County Building.

‘Trysen has created three magnificent murals — spanning more than 80 feet of the Kauai Veterans Museum’s wall — which have transformed the space into a living tribute to the courage and sacrifice of America’s servicemen and women,” the council announced. “These murals vividly depict the military conflicts our nation has endured, including World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan, capturing both the hardship and the enduring spirit of those who served.”

The public is invited to experience and enjoy the unveiling of the mural that will take place on Friday, starting at 5 p.m. at the Kauai Veterans Museum, located inside the Kauai Veterans Center along Veterans Memorial Highway in Lihue.

“Through Trysen’s compassion, vision and artistic mastery, he has given life to images that will be remembered and spoken of throughout the Kauai community for generations to come,” the council said. “Trysen’s murals stand not only as works of art, but as enduring symbols of remembrance, respect and aloha for all who have served a military branch of the United States.”

The mural unveiling is part of an evening celebrating the reopening of the Kauai Veterans Museum that has been closed for several months. The evening concludes with the screening of “Jurassic Park,” courtesy of Kimi Blum, accompanied with “Around Sound” by DJ Marv.

“I spoke with all of the council members,” said Bart Thomas of the Kauai Veterans Museum. “They all confirmed their attendance at this event that will get Kauai on the map. The evening is also part of the Mu‘umu‘u Month celebration so I have to figure out what I’m going to wear.”

In addition to the mural unveiling, there will be a Trivia Night with prizes for correct answers.

Some of the prizes scheduled for giveaway include whale watching, mountain tubing, Zipline, car washes, and Safeway gift cards.

The museum will be open for viewing immediately following the mural unveiling and during the film’s intermission.

“Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami is going to present Trysen with recognition before Kahu Jade performs the blessing,” Thomas said.

Food provided by Unko’s and drinks from Kauai Island Brewery will be available for purchase.