By Candice Kraughto
Hawaii-based artist Bethany Georges was commissioned by Sony Group Corporation, a global force in creative media, entertainment, and technology, to create the 2026 Sony Open in Hawaii official tournament poster artwork. Sony’s commitment to the islands’ creative community has been evident through its continued support of Hawaii-based talent, showcasing their work at the prestigious Sony Open in Hawaii.
Georges, known for her unique style and deep connection to her craft, expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity. “When I first received the assignment to design artwork for the Sony Open in Hawaii, I felt extremely grateful to be given the opportunity to create a piece that would be in the same carefully curated collection of previously featured Hawaii-based artists, including Kamea Hader, Kat Reeder, Mae Waite, and Kirk Kurokawa, all whom I greatly respect and admire within the creative community,” she shared.
Georges’ artistic journey has been one of fervent exploration and growth. Initially drawn to art as a means of emotional expression, her techniques have evolved over the years, incorporating acrylic paints and by taking courses at Windward Community College. Influential professors like Toni Martin and Bryce Myers have played a pivotal role in shaping her approach, encouraging her to balance critical analysis with creative play.
Her experience working at Ben Franklin Crafts has further enriched her understanding of materials and financial pragmatism, while teaching workshops there allowed her to embrace the “joy of simplicity” in her art. “Coming from a tendency to over-render and over-think, I found freedom in rendering ‘just enough,’” Georges said, reflecting upon this period in her journey.
For the Sony Open in Hawaii project, Georges was committed to capturing the essence of 2025 champion Nick Taylor’s celebrated victory in paradise. “In my creative process I like to get a deeper sense and understanding of the personality and mannerisms of the people I’m illustrating,” she explained. Her preparation involved immersing herself in Taylor’s interviews and game highlights to create a vivid, sensory experience she would convey through her artwork. Her hope is that viewers connect with the illustrated moment of Taylor’s golf swing she captured in her mind’s eye, sensing the harmony between mind, body, and place – Waialae’s lush backdrop.
Other vivid mural expressions designed by Georges are prominently displayed across Hawaii, including murals at Aloha Beer Co., the Hawaii Cat Café, and Kalaheo High School. Additionally, her body art designs, primarily created at The Collective Tattoo Shop, represent another avenue of her creative focus.
To foster her innovative edge, Georges actively seeks new perspectives from other artists through workshops and seminars, ensuring her style continues to evolve. “Create from a place of inner stillness and you will always be surprised by what you find there,” has been a guiding principle that has fueled her artistic endeavors and personal exploration. From one stop in her journey – a mural for the people of Hawaii – to the next – a Sony artwork commission for a worldwide audience – Georges’ journey as an artist has infused Hawaii and the world with innovative artistic statements that carry “surprises” for all who experience what she has found there.
