“If I’m a good artist I want my art to talk, if I am a good Muslim I want my character to talk,” Shangri La’s Artist-in-Residence, Sandra Saenz told the crowd as she continued her makeup demonstration at the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum (HiSam) last Wednesday. Saenz continued, “Makeup is my medium to get to people.” referencing the role makeup has played in allowing people sitting in the makeup chair (and viewing her work online) to open up to her and have transformative conversations about faith, representation, and standing-up for what’s right.

The crowd was magnetically focused on Saenz’s approach to makeup application and storytelling – with questions ranging from best tips on makeup techniques to best tips on how to be truthful to ourselves. Saenz's Residency brought her incredible compassion and creativity that's critical always and especially during a time of where inspiration and hope is needed as community continues grappling with the impacts of the Maui fires.