Kalani’s Photography 2 and 3 students have compiled a gallery of photos on display at Kahala Mall from May 1 to May 15 on the theme of gratitude. 

The theme is Gratitude.

“Gratitude looks to the past and love to the present.” Photography teacher Van Tran-Trimner picked this quote from famous author C.S. Lewis, a British author known for his children’s series The Chronicles of Narnia and popular apologetics. 

“I wanted something that was universal, something that anyone of any age group can relate to,” Tran-Trimner says. “The hope of it is just to connect with people.” 

The Gratitude exhibit is the first student display done outside of photography competitions. 

“It’s my first time; I felt really excited,” Ziyan Chen (11) said. “I feel like it’s really cool to show your artwork with others. I’ve never had a chance to show my artwork to others, including some of my friends.” 

Chen’s own photo is based on her gratitude for her family. 

“They’re really important to me and they really took good care of me, and I’m also really grateful for what they did. All of them, including my brother, my mom, and my dad.” 

Tran-Trimner hopes that her students will learn how important it is to connect with others and be a positive part in someone’s day with the Gratitude exhibit. 

“Photography is such a universal medium for art that anyone can look at a picture and understand it,” Tran-Trimner says. “It doesn’t matter where they’re from, what language they speak; they will understand that picture.”  

The exhibit is located across from California Pizza Kitchen and is available for viewing all day. 

“Even if you can be a positive part in someone’s life, just even for a moment, that it’s worth it,” Tran-Trimner says. “Bring a little joy into people’s lives. Spread some happiness.”

Link to event.