About the Artist
Last August, the staff of the Co-occurring Disorders State
Infrastructure Grant (COSIG) project decided to brand itself with a
welcoming image reflecting the local culture of Hawai‘i. Director of
Health Chiyome L. Fukino, M.D., suggested using the state flower, the
yellow hibiscus, as the new symbol. COSIG staff agreed and believed
it was important to have a local consumer as the artist. Through
several channels and recommendations, COSIG project manager Jackie
Hong found that artist in Edward Naong.
A member of the Waipahu Aloha Clubhouse, Naong spent years drawing,
painting, and creating pottery. He participated in the last two
Abilities art shows sponsored by VSA arts of Hawai‘i and the AMHD. In
2005, Naong received a proficiency award for his work “Naupaka-
Kahakai” (featured in the October 2005 issue of AMHD News).
Naong fondly remembers his mother giving him homemade
dough to sculpt and play with as a child. Now, he continues to love
art and finds it soothing. When an opportunity presents itself where
he can share his art, Naong considers it a privilege and is truly
thankful. “I feel really good,” he said, “— especially when there’s a
lot of people looking at my work.”
Hong appreciated Naong’s enthusiasm and professionalism in creating
the artwork. She was pleased with the final version of the hibiscus.
“I really like it,” said Hong. “It is a reflection of our local
spirit and it’s even more special since Edward created it.”
All COSIG project materials, including brochures and webpages,
feature Naong’s yellow hibiscus.
