Ask anyone that buys an old self storage facility (or any other previously owned business) what the first thing they plan on doing is and they will likely say that they will be throwing a new coat of paint on the old building to give a new, vibrant look; to make the building look nice.
One self storage company in Hawaii is getting more than just a facelift by adding a coat of paint to their building.
Self storage companies often get a bad rap when it comes to perception that their look brings to the community. That is not the case in one Hawaiin town though. People that have driven along Honoapiilani Highway in Lahaina have been enjoying the view whenever they have passed Lahaina Self Storage they got to enjoy the scenic view created by a local artist by the name of Jerry Morgan.
As beautiful as the underwater image is, time has taken some of the life out of the painting. That is where a local contractor named Tom Scott entered the picture after being hired by the self storage company to repaint the building.
"I had asked the owners and managers of the building if it would be okay to redo the mural, and they said yes," said Scott.
However, those that pass the local landmark are not the only ones that will be getting something out of the rejuvenation that the mural recently underwent. After contacting the original artist in Haiku, arrangements were made for some students from the Maui Prep Academy to assist in the restoration efforts.
"It was really neat to see students from all grades working together on one project and watch the whole mural evolve and come together. It was also such a great opportunity for students to work with a local artist, contribute back to the community, learn valuable art lessons and techniques and be able to literally leave their own mark behind,” said Kristen Payne, the art teacher at Maui Prep.
The original artist, Jerry Morgan, was only too glad to redo his old mural and bring it back to the vibrant underwater ocean scene that he painted years ago.
“...I was eager to work with the kids and get it done. I think it's a great opportunity now for all to enjoy the view from the highway," said Morgan.
Sources Used:
“Lahaina artist returns to redo mural with students.” Lahaina News; 22 December 2011.
“Top Ten Reasons to Repaint Your Commercial Building.” Ezinearticles; September 2008.