Melody Avis is an artist living and working with 808 Urban, a non-profit group based in Honolulu, Hawaii.
808 Urban is a collective of community cultural workers: artists, organizers and volunteers committed to improving the quality of life for our communities through arts programming. In all of our work, we strive to integrate the highest levels of artistic innovation with grassroots cultural organizing for systemic, progressive social change.
808 Urban started off as a backyard project six years ago by the graffiti artist John âPrimeâ Hina who recognized the value of mentoring at-risk youth through urban arts and cultural education. Since then, 808 Urban has grown into a respected local community arts organization, while âstaying true to the streets.â Since 2006, 808 Urban has created over 50 large-scale mural projects throughout Hawaiâi, offered over a hundred free arts workshops, collaborated with dozens of local organizations and businesses, and has recently opened a new store and community arts hub called The Refuge.
