Maricopa resident and Hawaiian native Janelle Gomez will bring stories from her homeland to the Maricopa Library and Cultural Center this week with a presentation focused on petroglyphs and hula, according to InMaricopa.
The free event is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday and is part of the library’s 2026 summer reading program, which uses an archaeology theme called “Unearth the Stories.” Gomez said she chose to connect Hawaiian petroglyph legends with the program because both share lessons about family and morals.
During the presentation, Gomez and her family will perform hula and invite attendees to guess the meaning of different petroglyph images. The full meanings will not be revealed until the end of the event.
Organizers will also provide handmade stencils for anyone who wants to create petroglyph art. Gomez said she enjoys sharing her culture in Maricopa and that performing with her family helps her feel more at home.
