The American Samoa Council on Arts, Culture and Humanities has wrapped up its inaugural Upcycle Sculpture Competition — a new arts initiative designed to promote environmental awareness and creativity among local students.
Spearheaded by Ms. Casidhe Mahuka and funded through the Art in Education Mini Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, the competition challenged students across four schools — Tafuna High School, South Pacific Academy, Matafao Elementary, and Fagaʻitua High School — to build large-scale sculptures entirely from recycled materials.
Over a two-month period, students worked alongside their teachers to learn about conservation while transforming discarded items into meaningful works of art.
The final judging took place Thursday, Nov 20 at the Arts Council office. Judges Saronji Singh, Sabrina Mahuka, and Sylvia Tauilili scored entries on creativity, craftsmanship, originality, and use of recycled materials.
All prizes were sponsored by Ms. Mahuka, whose commitment to youth development helped make the event possible.
Organizers say the success of this first competition marks an important milestone for arts education in American Samoa — one that strengthens environmental stewardship, encourages innovation, and sets the stage for even bigger ideas next year.
Tafuna High School’s entry
