" ʻŌpala " is the Hawaiian word for trash, litter, or waste- something to be discarded as it's useless. The pillars of ʻŌpala Art are originality, resourcefulness, redemption, and purpose; to take what is considered trash and give it new life and worth by repurposing it into something fine.
The artist removes these harmful materials from Kauaʻi’s beaches and reimagining them into original three-dimensional artworks. While the plastic waste itself is detrimental to the environment, these materials find new purpose through her art. The collected ʻōpala are used nearly exactly as they are found—sanitized but uncut, uncolored, and un-manipulated—and then incorporated into one-of-a-kind designs.
By purchasing a piece of ʻŌpala Art, you are actively participating in our effort to keep our 'aina clean and our oceans healthy. Mahalo for your support on this large mission, and for supporting a local artist.
ʻŌPALA
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Allegra Kanna Scribner was born and raised on Kaua’i and brought up in one of Hawai'i's large traditional extended families - the Kanna family. She, like her family, drew upon values from both Hawaiian culture and Japanese culture in being mindful of duty, personal responsibility, civic engagement and stewardship.
Drawing on her upbringing and values of mālama pono, Allegra integrates modern notions of environmental care with traditional knowledge of stewardship. Her work incorporates a range of marine debris materials to visually and symbolically showcase these themes, aiming to inspire a movement towards sustainable practices.
Mālama ka ʻāina. Mālama i ke kai. Mālama kekahi i kekahi.
Allegra studied film and media arts at Biola University in Los Angeles and has been sculpting, creating, and designing throughout her life. Her art incorporates storytelling and design, using marine debris to communicate through images, color, texture, and shape. She is dedicated to originality and holds herself to a high standard of ingenuity.
Operating from her Lawai studio, Allegra offers her artwork through limited locally-owned galleries on Kauaʻi and takes on art commissions where she collaborates closely with clients to develop themes and address issues important to them. Her work is a testament to her dedication to climate action and environmental stewardship, inspiring others to join in preserving their precious island home.
When she's not picking up ʻopala and creating, Allegra enjoys surfing, jiujitsu, fishing, and spending time with her loved ones.