WEST OʻAHU ECO-ART THERAPY
Empowering West Oʻahu veterans, first responders, and community members through adaptive art therapy, eco-conscious creative expression, and sustainable upcycling.
ABOUT US
At our core, we believe that nothing and no one is beyond renewal. Based in West Oʻahu, our non-profit organization provides accessible, adaptive art therapy using recycled and upcycled materials. By turning reclaimed scrap, metals, and found objects into expressive art, we offer veterans, caregivers, and community members a powerful, hands-on path to process trauma, manage stress, and build resilience.
Chakib Benachour
President & Founder
Retired U.S. military combat veteran, former safety officer, and adaptive fitness coach with over two decades of roots in Ewa Beach. Combines disciplined operational leadership with a deep commitment to holistic community wellness.
Misty Bartolotti
Director or Military and Community Relations
Worked in military medicine for over 11 years, dedicated to bridging the gap between active-duty military service members and the VA throughout Hawaiʻi and the Asia-Pacific region. Earned her BS in Nuclear Medicine, an MBA from the Shidler College of Business at UH Mānoa, and a Master’s in Natural Health. Passionate about art, healing, wellness, mental health, and sustainability, advancing training in neuroplasticity to integrate neural rewiring techniques into chronic pain management and mental health care.
CORE PROGRAMS
Transforming discarded items into meaningful art pieces. Participants use reclaimed materials (tires, wooden pallets, paper, cardboard, scrap metal, electrical wire, tennis balls) to explore themes of transformation, strength, and personal recovery.
Tailored creative workshops designed specifically for individuals with physical, cognitive, or mobility challenges, ensuring expression is accessible to everyone.
Large-scale group art projects using repurposed materials to beautify West Oʻahu public spaces while fostering teamwork, connection, and shared pride.
FEATURED PROGRAM
A community art therapy and cultural exchange program designed to support former military service members, build camaraderie, and bridge historical local cultural divides in Hawaiʻi through creative expression.
Symbolic Mosaic Concept
Annual community mosaic projects using broken, multi-colored pieces representing diverse backgrounds coming together to heal and work toward a common goal.
Moroccan Aesthetic & Cultural Immersion
Integrates distinct Moroccan art styles (mosaics, rugs, pottery, paintings, tiles, silk textiles, wood carvings) and features international residency exchanges and workshops.
Generational Impact
Moves beyond standard eco-art to deliver immersive experiences that attract youth and build lasting opportunities for future generations.
CREATE ART. HEAL LIVES. SUSTAIN OUR COMMUNITY.
We are actively recruiting dedicated leaders, specialists, and passionate community members to fill core Board and Advisory positions.
Secretary
Community Educator / Arts Advocate
Treasurer
Financial / Non-Profit Accounting Specialist
Clinical & Creative Advisor
Licensed Clinical Art & Expressive Therapists
Sustainability & Materials Advisor
Eco-conscious creators & zero-waste experts
Veteran & Military Liaison
Connecting active-duty & VA military communities
Community & Environmental Partners
West Oʻahu conservation & recycling leaders
Business & Legal Advisors
Strategic, legal, and operational guidance
Why Get Involved?
Shape the mission from the ground up, empower lives through art & sustainability, and directly serve West Oʻahu families and veterans.
GET INVOLVED
Discover upcoming mobile workshops across Kapolei, Ewa Beach, and Waiʻanae.
Join a WorkshopShare your expertise in clinical therapy, legal/financial oversight, or environmental sustainability.
VolunteerContribute clean recycled materials, workshop space, or financial sponsorship to keep our sessions 100% accessible.
Support Our MissionCOMMUNITY NETWORK
Regional partners and healing initiatives we connect with across the West side.