Reserve the Spark M. Matsunaga International Peace Garden for your event
The Storybook Theatre facility is the home of the Spark M. Matsunaga International Peace Garden. Storybook Theatre offers tours to classes interested in learning more about peace and “Sparky’s” peace mission. Students will also enjoy art activities and a garden quiz while learning about the unique flora and fauna found in the garden.
To schedule a tour please contact Storybook Theatre.
Honoring a Hawaii Hero’s Vision for Peace in Hanapepe
Kauai – Distinguished Oahu-based sculptor, Kim Duffett, has created the first-ever sculpture honoring the life and work of the late US Senator Spark M. Matsunaga (D) and his visionary efforts in creating a world of peace. The sculpture, 1.20% x life-size, is permanently installed in a children’s peace garden at Kauai’s celebrated Storybook Theatre in Hanapepe, the hometown of Sen. Matsunaga.
Funded in part by a grant from the 2005 Hawaii State legislature, the office of the Governor, and local fundraising efforts by Storybook Theatre Board of Trustees, the garden is a “place where children will begin to understand Sparky’s legacy of making peace a living, breathing process for our nation and the world,” said Duffett in a recent interview. When spending time in the garden and around this monumental work of art, “children will ask questions and learn that his [Matsunaga’s] vision is still with us… I feel this is a very timely piece,” says Mark Jeffers, founder and current Executive Director of Storybook Theatre.
Exemplary leadership through public service characterized Senator Matsunaga’s life. He represented the state of Hawaii from 1977-1990, being reelected to six succeeding congresses, a graduate of University of Hawaii at Honolulu in ’41 and Harvard Law in ’51, the visionary diplomat was wounded twice in battle in Northern Italy as a 2nd Lt. in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and was released from the Army as a Captain in the 100th battalion, and most notably became a prominent voice to end the cold war and secure global peace.
The whole garden is designed to relate to children on their level, through their direct experience of the many features including: a ‘May Peace Prevail on Earth’ wooden peace pole donated by the Kauai Hindu Temple, whimsical entrance gate that includes a pint-sized door just for children, and an outdoor performance stage where the community enjoys many kinds of events.
The sculpture of Sparky and a young friend entitled “Walking in the Garden of Peace” encapsulates the forward-thinking philosophy behind Matsunaga’s work as a politician and civil leader. “I imagined this garden to be a manifestation of Sparky’s work and his dream,” said Duffett describing the process in creating a garden that represents the utopian vision of what Matsunaga believed could bring the world together.
Duffett’s renowned work in honoring the beauty and magic of Hawaiian culture is perhaps most prominently displayed at The Hilton Hawaiian Village, a trio of twice life size, hula kahiko dancers on the edge of a waterfall entitled “Kaha Ka ‘Io Me Na Makani” (The Hawk Soars With The Winds). Duffett has also completed many artistic installations at elementary schools in Hawaii and statutes of Don Ho, Gabby Pahinui and Iolani Luahine in Waikiki. For this current piece, Duffett has posed Matsunaga with a young girl. As the two walk, Sparky points to the sky, lifting the young girl’s eyes to the limitless possibilities above, looking beyond what separates us to what is whole and shared, the foundation for diplomacy, compassion and peace. While the structure of the piece is clearly figurative, the essence of its message is conceptual.
Duffett points out that in life, Sparky’s appearance “was always polished, a perfectly tied tie, a buttoned jacket. He was a consummate professional. Here, I wanted him to finally be home, relaxed and at peace.” In Duffett’s portrayal, Matsunaga has his jacket swung over his shoulder, his stance comfortable, and his eyes joyful, sharing a story with his young companion.
The Storybook Theatre of Hawaii was founded 42 years ago as a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to addressing an important need for young children: to hear good stories told in creative ways. The building of our community’s future begins with our children, and we are dedicated to the propagation of culture through creative education and exploration.
The whole garden is designed to relate to children on their level, through their direct experience of the many features including: a ‘May Peace Prevail on Earth’ wooden peace pole donated by the Kauai Hindu Temple, whimsical entrance gate that includes a pint-sized door just for children, and an outdoor performance stage where the community enjoys many kinds of events.
The sculpture of Sparky and a young friend entitled “Walking in the Garden of Peace” encapsulates the forward-thinking philosophy behind Matsunaga’s work as a politician and civil leader. “I imagined this garden to be a manifestation of Sparky’s work and his dream,” said Duffett describing the process in creating a garden that represents the utopian vision of what Matsunaga believed could bring the world together.
Duffett’s renowned work in honoring the beauty and magic of Hawaiian culture is perhaps most prominently displayed at The Hilton Hawaiian Village, a trio of twice life size, hula kahiko dancers on the edge of a waterfall entitled “Kaha Ka ‘Io Me Na Makani” (The Hawk Soars With The Winds). Duffett has also completed many artistic installations at elementary schools in Hawaii and statutes of Don Ho, Gabby Pahinui and Iolani Luahine in Waikiki. For this current piece, Duffett has posed Matsunaga with a young girl. As the two walk, Sparky points to the sky, lifting the young girl’s eyes to the limitless possibilities above, looking beyond what separates us to what is whole and shared, the foundation for diplomacy, compassion and peace. While the structure of the piece is clearly figurative, the essence of its message is conceptual.
Duffett points out that in life, Sparky’s appearance “was always polished, a perfectly tied tie, a buttoned jacket. He was a consummate professional. Here, I wanted him to finally be home, relaxed and at peace.” In Duffett’s portrayal, Matsunaga has his jacket swung over his shoulder, his stance comfortable, and his eyes joyful, sharing a story with his young companion.
The Storybook Theatre of Hawaii was founded 42 years ago as a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to addressing an important need for young children: to hear good stories told in creative ways. The building of our community’s future begins with our children, and we are dedicated to the propagation of culture through creative education and exploration.
