Finding New Life: Repurposed Public Art

Public art is often seen as a reflection of a community’s identity, values, and spirit. But what happens when the artwork’s intended time in a space comes to an end? Deaccessioning—removing art from a public collection—can provide a unique opportunity for a community to not only reflect on temporality but also to engage with sustainability and creativity in exciting new ways. 

This spring we embarked on a temporary sculpture project in the town of Makawao, inspired by the story of Kim Thayer of Mauna Kahālāwai Watershed Partnership and Scott Fisher, Director of ʻĀina Stewardship at Hawai'i Land Trust –  two figures whose intersectional journey connected us to the vibrant and attentive Makawao community for the first time. Community engagement was immediate and deeply felt, as we hosted a talk story with sculptor Matthias Neumann and his storytelling muses at Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center, developed “Little Free Art Galleries” with the students of Seabury Hall, collected artwork to exchange from students of UHMC’s visual arts department, and led a panel discussion at the Makawao Public Library. 

​One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was the collaboration that emerged with the Hawaii State Public Library System, which graciously allowed us to install the sculpture on their property from April to August 2024. The library became an anchor for creative activities, coordinating free art days and workshops, inviting the community to explore the sculpture and express their responses through drawing and writing. It was moving to witness how many people, of all ages, engaged with the artwork, sharing stories and feelings about what it meant to them.

In a creative and community-driven turn, Seabury Hall has played a huge role in amplifying the project. Students helped drum up interest by inviting local artists to showcase their work at Little Free Art Galleries, fostering a spirit of involvement. But perhaps the most exciting development is currently underway as Bill Levien’s engineering students are taking the lead in repurposing the sculpture materials. These materials, once an inspiring centerpiece in the heart of Makawao, are currently being transformed into sitting benches that will be installed at parks and community spaces throughout Maui. 

These benches won’t just be functional. They will carry with them the spirit of the original artwork. 

Repurposing deaccessioned public art is a powerful statement of resilience, creativity, and sustainability. It not only prevents waste but also extends the life of an artwork, giving it a new form and purpose. In Makawao, what began as a single sculpture has sparked a deeper connection between art, education, and community spaces. 

​So much of the beauty of public art lies in its ability to bring people together, start conversations, and inspire new ideas. And sometimes, that conversation continues long after the initial installation is gone—morphing into something just as meaningful and impactful as the original piece.