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'Ohana Arts Studio honors and perpetuates traditions of our past. I dedicate our studio and what we do to all of my kupuna, especially my grandmothers, Dorothy Leilani DeSilva and Rose Lokelani Lum Tam-Hoy. May they rest in peace.
 'Ohana Arts Studio currently offers classes via parks and rec of Newport News and at our studio located at the Mariner Building on Warwick Blvd in Newport News. We are between Harris Teeter and CNU Village.
Our studio gets its name ('Ohana) because we are family-focused. 'Ohana means "family" in the Hawaiian language. I am the head instructor and my three oldest daughters are assistant teachers. I often have them assist with a class. I offer classes in sewing, authentic Polynesian dancing (via my Kinderhula and Polynesian Dance Studio programs), Hawaiian quilting, and more.
I am very family-oriented. I offer classes for children, teens, adults, and Mom and Me/Dad and Me. I teach boys, girls, women, and men.
Come join us!
Lisa Noelani Robbins is the owner, director, and kumu (teacher) of 'Ohana Arts Studio.
I was born and raised in Hawaii. I am of Caucasian, Chinese, Hawaiian, Moroccan, and Portuguese ancestry. The arts is my family's legacy.
I come from a long line of entertainers and educators. I also have strong island roots.
My maternal great-great-great grandfather is Augusto Dias from Portugal. He is one of the three men who are credited for bringing the braguinha to the islands which is now known as the ukulele. He regularly entertained King Kalakaua and his court. My mother, Arlene DeSilva Tam-Hoy, is from Hilo and was a professional hula dancer.
Entertainment and education are our family's legacies.
** My maternal great-great-grandmother, Rachel Lokinihama Keakuanui Among (b.1878), holding one of my great-aunts:
** My maternal grandfather, his siblings, and my great grandparents (the DeSilva family of Hilo):
The DeSilva family is known for their commitment to education.
My maternal great-grandmother, Luisa Dias, was a Kindergarten teacher in Hilo, Hawaii. She was married to my great-grandfather, Reverend Ernesto da Silva (later changed to de Silva). She was employed as a clerk and seamstress at a store called E.N. Holmes. Then she opened the Vogue Shop, a clothing store that she and her daughter-in-law, Hazel de Silva, ran for many years.
** My maternal grandmother, Dorothy Leilani Moniz DeSilva. She was an excellent seamstress, crocheter, and lei maker:
** My paternal great-grandmother, Agnes Lum Kahoe (deceased), and paternal grandmother, Rose Lokelani Tam-Hoy. Kaimuki Grandma, which is what we call her, is a member of Hale O Na Ali'i, the Daughters of Hawaii, the Ka'ahumanu Society, and the Chinese Women's Club. Two of these organizations are royal benevolent societies in the islands whose goal is to perpetuate Hawaiian culture and traditions.
They are Master Hawaiian quilters. They have had their works displayed in the Smithsonian in Washington, DC, the Mission Houses Museum in Honolulu, and other locations in the islands, such as libraries and hotels:
That's my Grandma!
from Honolulu Star-Bulletin 02.28.08/Photo by Art Bergere:
"Na Mele No Na Pua" co-host Kimo Kahoano, left, and event honoree Eddie Kamae chatted with Rose Tam-Hoy after the concert. Tam-Hoy celebrates her 85th birthday on Saturday, and because Kamae will not be able to go to the party, he serenaded her a cappella.
** My extended family and I in 2003: I am the third person from the left in the white top. I was very, very hapai (literally means "to carry" = pregnant) :] :
Nana i ke kumu
(Look to the source)
My maternal grandmother and my mother sewed avidly when I was a child. My paternal grandmother is also known for her Hawaiian quilting until illness forced her to retire.
I live in Virginia with my husband and 4 of my 5 children. My oldest daughter is currently a student at the University of Hawai'i of Manoa. My husband is a senior design engineer. Besides the arts, I also enjoy reading, hiking, photography, gardening, traveling, volunteering, beach activities, and working out. I am also a student majoring in finance at The College of William and Mary. I am a dedicated Girl Scout leader, recruiter, and volunteer and I volunteer regularly at my children's schools and community events. I love what I do. I am committed to keeping the arts alive and being involved in my community.
Qualifications
I have been an artist and dancer since I was 4 years old, I was born and raised in the islands, I am a mom of 5 children (my oldest daughter currently attends the University of Hawaii at Manoa), I have been a Girl Scout leader and volunteer for the past 11 years, and I have over 18 years experience as a business owner. I also possess current certification in American Red Cross First Aid and CPR.
Work History
* Volunteer and Leader, Girl Scout Council of the Colonial Coast, Newport News, VA for the past 11 years
Associate of Science Degree in Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude TNCC Merit List & Member of Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society Recipient of the Dr. J.P. Hill Scholarship
*1986 to 1991 University of Washington and Seattle University, Seattle, WA Recipient of the Ka’iulani Home for Girls Trust Scholarship Recipient of the Dr. Hans and Clara Zimmerman Foundation Education Scholarship |
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