Rhonda Dezek, age 17, Baldwin High School. At work on a pencil drawing inspired by the photograph of a Mentawai Chief in the Cultural Portraits of Indonesia exhibition on display January-February 1999 at the Schaefer International Gallery, Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Maui, Hawai'i, U.S.A.

Without hesitation, Rhonda stated her favorite photograph in the exhibition was the Mentawai Chief. "I just love this photograph, I wish I could have been there!" After drawing a remarkable likeness of the chief, Rhonda examined her own reflection in the glass and sketched a haunting rendition of herself alongside the chiseled features of this tribal elder. In this dream-like drawing the artist engaged her imagination to transcend time and space...she 'is there'. One can only hope that Rhonda will continue to pursue art and that her talent will take her far!!