Artist's:   Kitty Cantrell, Doug Winberg, Caroline Boydston  

Kitty, Doug and Caroline were the only non-Hawaiin artist's chosen for this event, their Gecko was auctioned off for charity, and brought the second highest amount of any entry. 

Location: 2405+ Kalakaua Ave (on makai side past Police Station between station and "Duke" Statute). The most visible outdoor art exhibition and charity fundraising event ever held in Hawaii in October of 2004 in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Geckos in Paradise, organized and managed by the Kapiolani Health Foundation, is a once-in-a-lifetime art exhibition that embellished Hawaii's landscape. Up to fifty five-foot long geckos, each sculpted in fiberglass, were given a unique "personality" by a local artist and put on public display throughout downtown Honolulu and Waikiki Summer of 2004.

Geckos in Paradise was a volunteer based effort intended to increase the awareness of women's health issues, with a special focus on breast cancer. The goal of this exciting event was to raise $250,000, of which all the proceeds will benefit the Breast Center at the Kapi`olani Women's Center. In addition to solicited sponsorships, proceeds will also be generated from the sale of "gecko gear". Modeled after similar fundraisers that have taken place in several mainland cities, Geckos in Paradise is a "creative-creature-cause."

In recent years, other organizations have carefully chosen a creature or animal that may be identified with their community. For example, Seattle decorated pigs, Chicago decorated cows and Washington DC decorated elephants and donkeys. While on display, the chosen creature gained tremendous popularity with residents and visitors. To promote awareness of women's health issues, the island gecko has been chosen to showcase the creative talents of a diverse group of Hawaii's artists.