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 Hawaii artist Peggy Chun who is an ALS patient was honored at the State Senate on March 14 along with students at Holy Trinity School and fellow artist Magdalena Hawajska for completing a new mosaic of Father Damien consisting of more than 50,000 tiles. The art will be sent to the Vatican. Click here to see a larger version of this photo. Peggy Chun's Mosaic of Father Damien Unveiled The unveiling of the mosaic portrait of Father Damien by watercolor artist Peggy Chun, was staged near the Statue of Father Damien in front of the State Capitol on Friday, March 14. The creation of the portrait itself is a miracle of love in action. Peggy first thought of doing one of Father Damien in 2002. It was also the year when Peggy was diagnosed with ALS, the disease that took the lives of her grandfather, mother and twin sister. As her illness progressed Peggy switched her painting methods using first her left hand, then her teeth, her nose and then painting with a computer program through probes placed on her head that measured brain waves. By using a mosaic technique and the students of Holy Trinity School as her hands, Peggy completed her long-desired portrait of Father Damien. Along with Peggy Chun, the students of Holy Trinity School and Magdalena Hawajska, a restoration artist who came from Poland to help assemble the mosaic were honored during a floor presentation by Senator Suzanne Chun-Oakland and myself on March 14. At the end of the pres- entation, the students sang "You Raise Me Up" to Peggy. After being introduced in the House, Peggy and the Holy Trinity students assembled at the Damien statue near the capitol rotunda where the 8 foot wide mosaic was un- veiled. Shelly Mecum, a teacher at Holy Trinity School ac- knowledged their efforts, saying "Children look at what you have done." The outdoor ceremony ended with a song by Magdalena Hawajska.
Artist Peggy Chun Reveals Father Damien Mosaic at Capitol More Photos
Artist Peggy Chun seated on the wheelchair at the right unveiled a new mosaic of Father Damien at the State Capitol today in an afternoon ceremony near the Damien statue. Chun is an ALS patient and is nearly totally paralized. She completed the mosaic with the help of artist Magdalena Hawajska from Poland and more than 140 students at Holy Trinity School who helped paint 50,000 tiny color squares.
Artist Peggy Chun was honored in the legislature today at a State Senate ceremony on March 14.
Students from Holy Trinity School sing "You Raise Me Up" for artist Peggy Chun after being honored by the Hawaii State Senate in a ceremony today. Peggy Chun and 142 Holy Trinity School students completed a new mosaic of Father Damien. The new work of art was unveiled in a separate ceremony near the Damien statue.
Students from Holy Trinity School sing "You Raise Me Up" for artist Peggy Chun after being honored by the Hawaii State Senate in a ceremony today. Peggy Chun and 142 Holy Trinity School students completed a new mosaic of Father Damien.
Senator Slom introduces the children of Holy Trinity School who helped Peggy Chun produce more than 50,000 squares needed to complete the new Father Damien mosaic. Chun received a Senate certificate signed by all 25 senators during the floor ceremony.
 
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