Maui artist Sarah Houglum studied art in high school, college and beyond. She enjoyed a successful mural business in Southern California and Texas that started when she painted the walls of her kids’ rooms when they were just infants. That led her to painting canvas backdrops for her kids’ birthday parties and larger works for school cafeterias and gyms. Then, her mural business blossomed.
Now, Sarah lives on Maui with my family. She says, “Creating art makes me happy!” She enjoys painting with watercolor or oils in her home studio. She is inspired by the peaceful beauty and rich tropical colors of the Hawaiian islands and strives to reflect that in her artwork.
Sarah’s delightful “Paddle Out” watercolor paintings are inspired by the iconic pictures of surfers paying homage to Lahaina days after the devastating fire. Sarah wanted to feature those in the broader Maui community who were all affected by the fire. She lovingly paints each surfer and can speak about each one as if they are family. No two surfers are alike. But, the deep respect and love they share for Lahaina unites them all as one ohana.
Sarah encourages collectors see her paintings as symbols of hope for a better future for Lahaina and for everyone who is victim of tragic circumstances in their lives.