Maui Haliʻa logo, Kristina Mekdeci, Hawaiian-inspired art, tropical design logo, sunset and ocean waves, island branding, vibrant logo, Maui artist, artistic branding, creative business logo, colorful Hawaiian identity.

Who Is Kristina?

Kristina MekdeciKristina Mekdeci was born with an artistic talent. Her mother recognized this talent and enrolled her into summer art programs at a very young age. After graduating with a Degree in Fine Arts from the University of Central Florida, she worked as a Mural Artist for Walt Disney Studio and Nickelodeon. She spent over a decade working as a graphic artist with Florida Today News, WB18-WKCF, and New Horizons. Kristina was an art teacher with the Department of Education since 1999. Along with creating her own artwork, she is also a Children’s Book Illustrator, Graphic Artist, Educational Video Editor and skilled in Marketing & Advertising. You can watch many of her educational art videos on her YouTube Channel Kre8withKristina.

Kristina Mekdeci Kristina believes there are a variety of art styles, so why restrict one’s artistic freedom to only one style? She is always pushing the limits in visual communication. Her style brings up a feeling of joy inside the viewer while also telling a story of the possible realities we appear to be living in. Each series is uniquely different while still expressing an overwhelming theme of bright colors and flat 2D brush strokes.

Kristina Mekdeci Kristina was a professional surfer in early 2000 and continues to spend her free time surfing in Maui, Hawai’i. Living and visiting so many beautiful tropical surfing locations influences her paintings. Here in Maui her connection with Mother Oceanʻs sea-life and the amazing sunsets cascading the skies in bold bright colors influence the “Maui Haliʻa,” series. “Maui Haliʻa” means Maui Memories and these paintings remind the viewer of the intense feeling of beauty one experiences while visiting the islands of Hawaii.

Kristina Mekdeci She break away from the 2D paradigm with her “Centrifugal Force” series. Surfing is the major influence of this series. She had a desire to find a visual representation of the powerful motion in surfing using the energy of Mother Ocean in a way which ‘pops’ off the canvas. She also expresses this same motion in her golfing series. “The swing of the golfer is very much
in harmony with the lines carved into a wave by the surfer,” she explains.

Kristina Mekdeci “Sun Salutation” is her tropical acrylic series which is an expression of all of the beautiful places Kristina has visited during her career as a professional surfer. The viewer is transported to those tropical places with the warm colors of the setting sun contrasting against the deep blues of the salt sprayed oceans.

Kristina Mekdeci This remarkable artist still finds a way to balance the depth of her work with a ‘lightness’ you will see in her humorous illustrated mixed media series “Warrior Women of the World.” She emphasizes the importance for women to love themselves. With a little humor, this series is a reminder for every woman to remember just how beautiful we truly are. She expanded this series to include hand-painted, illustrated earring holders expressing the beauty of all women from every color and every culture around the world. Each paintings background is an acrylic paint pour technique. Then she illustrates the female portrait with paint pens, cuts out the image and seals this onto the acrylic canvas. Finally, she hangs the earrings on the canvas for functional piece of artwork.

Kristina MekdeciSparked by her desire to understand the human psyche better, she completed several training programs to become a certified Medical Hypnotherapist and Quantum Healing Hypnotherapist Level 2. This training inspired her “Quantum Awakening” series. This artwork pushes the limit of one’s visual comfort, as Kristina exposes many of the conspiracy theories through her artwork, conspiracies from decades ago which are now proven facts. The paintings are almost painted ‘through her’ as if by some divine guidance. She explains, “I don’t plan, I just allow the creative force to move my hand which directs the paint brush and paint around the canvas.”

Beside surfing she likes to spend her time at home with her pet birds while creating beautiful works of art for all to enjoy. She hopes her artwork brings the joy of this tropical paradise to your home.

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Kristina Mekdeci ~ Resume

Creative Entrepreneur | Professional Artist & Educator

Dynamic professional artist, creative entrepreneur, and veteran art educator with a distinguished career spanning fine art, luxury hospitality, education, and brand development. Personally selected for solo artist residencies and exhibitions at world-renowned resorts, including The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua. Known for vibrant, tropical-inspired watercolor artwork that celebrates Hawaiʻi’s natural beauty and fosters emotional connection, joy, and cultural appreciation. Proven ability to engage collectors, guests, and communities through live art experiences, education, and retail collaboration

Professional Experience
Founder & Artist | Maui Haliʻa

Kihei, HI | 2017 – Present

  • Created and managed a thriving art brand featuring original artwork on trucker hats, microfiber beach towels, totes, clutches, and prints.
  • Focuses on watercolor techniques, creative expression, and developing artistic confidence.
  • Grew TikTok following to 29,000+ followers and Instagram to nearly 2,000 followers, using engaging storytelling and process videos.
  • Artwork and art products sold in: Lani Beach Shop (Maalaea), Maui Memories Paia, At Witt’s End Kaanapali, Makan Koala Gallery Marriott Kaanapali, Hanalei Surf Company Kauai, North Shore Surf & Sail Oahu, Sand & Sea Paia, Kholea’s Garden Lahaina, Creation Nation Kauai, and Kona Shack, Kona.
  • Successfully collaborated with Maui Ocean Center, Moku Pau Soap, and other Hawaii retailers for exclusive custom designs.
  • Weekly vendor at the Maui Swap Meet and a three-year consecutive participant in the Made in Maui Juried Show. featuring original artwork on trucker hats, microfiber beach towels, totes, clutches, and prints.

Personally Selected Artist in Residence – Solo Exhibition
The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, Maui | October 2025

  • Personally selected by The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua for a solo Artist in Residence exhibition, recognizing artistic excellence, professionalism, and guest engagement

  • Presented original, Hawaiʻi-inspired artwork in a luxury hospitality environment to an international, high-net-worth clientele

  • Conducted live painting demonstrations and engaged directly with guests, collectors, and resort patrons

  • Generated custom commissions and private sales through on-site artist interaction

     

Artist in Residence | Luxury Resort Properties
Fairmont Wailea Maui | Grand Wailea | Sheraton Kāʻanapali | Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort

  • Delivered live painting demonstrations and curated art experiences within luxury resort settings
    Created immersive visual storytelling aligned with Hawaiian culture and natural beauty

  • Built lasting relationships with guests, resulting in commissioned artwork and repeat collectors

     

Art Instructor | Private & Group Instruction
Kihei, Hawaiʻi | On-Demand

  • Provide private and group art instruction for adults and children

  • Specialize in watercolor techniques, creative confidence-building, and expressive art practices

  • Customize lessons for individuals, families, and group events

Art Educator | Special Needs & General Education
Various Locations | 1995 – 2022

  • Dedicated 27 years to teaching Fine Arts, STEAM, and Special Education students, with a strong focus on working with children with disabilities.
  • Developed adaptive art programs to make creative expression accessible to students with diverse needs.
  • Led school-wide art projects, exhibitions, and fundraising initiatives for art programs.

     

Marketing Art Director & Graphic Designer | WB18-WKCF Television
Lake Mary, FL | 1999 – 2001

  • Designed promotional advertisements and branding materials for the television network.
  • Assisted the sales team by creating impactful marketing presentations for advertisers.
  • Collaborated with production teams to develop on-screen graphics, set designs, and promotional visuals.

Graphic Artist & Advertising Specialist | Florida Today/USA Today
Melbourne, FL | 1997 – 1999

  • Designed impactful print advertisements, branding materials, and editorial graphics for a high-profile newspaper publication.
  • Worked closely with clients and sales personnel to develop marketing and advertising strategies.
  • Created visually compelling layouts that enhanced readership engagement and sales performance.

Exhibitions & Awards
Contest & Recognition

  • Ritz Carlton Kapalua Solor Exhibite Artist in Residence October 2025
  • First Place Award in Art of Possibilities Art Show & Sale 2024 for “Sea Meats Land” Painting.
  • Selected Showcased Artist in AESTHETICS 2023 for “Waterfall Honu” Turtle Painting.
  • Selected Showcased Artist & Published in Exhibizone Publication ‘Kingdom Animal’ 2023 for “In-Sync Lava Ledge” Whale Painting.
  • Selected Showcased Artist in The Gallprium Exhibition & Publication for “Kohola Nalu Nui” Large Wave Whale Painting.
  • Selected Showcased Artist & Published in Exhibizone Publication ‘Curves’ 2023 for “Nalu alo” Wave No Break Painting.
  • Selected Showcased Artist in Biafarin Awards 2023 for “Lahaina Sunset” Painting.
  • Selected Showcased Artist & Published in Biafarin Publication ‘Wings 2023’ Awards for “Wings of the Whale” Painting.
  • Selected Showcased Artist & Published in Biafarin Publication ‘Spirituality 2023’ Awards for “The Cabal’s Addiction to Oil” Painting.
  • Online Artist Solo Exposition as the 10th Annual International Solo Exhibition Artist with SoloS 2023.

Contact & Online Portfolio