He was told to forego his passion for art. Had Reverend Pelenato Liufau of the Congregation Christian Church of Samoa taken that advice, he would not be doing what he loves.

The principal of Leulumoega School of Fine Arts was once told that his desire to draw would not take him anywhere.

Rev Pelenato was educated at Manono Primary School before continuing to Chanel College from 1988 to 1990.

He said he didn't make it to Form Six and decided to enrol at the Leulumoega School of Fine Arts in 1991.

From then on, he saw a future in the pictures that he drew, even though his parents disagreed saying he would get nowhere from being an artist.

After graduating from the Leulumoega School of Fine Arts, he became a teacher there in 1996 and was shocked when he was given the role of being the first Samoan principal in 1998.

He met his beautiful wife at the school of fine arts, and they both were offered a scholarship to study at Auckland University by the CCCS Church.

They both graduated with a postgraduate diploma in Fine Arts from Auckland University.

Rev Pelenato, in sharing his success, says the arts made him realise the beauty of nature and the talent that he had.

He was part of the team that did the carvings for the VIP Terminal Airport at Faleolo and many drawings for churches like the Mulivai Cathedral.

"This is a talent where no one should look down to, it is a passion that has to be recognised," Rev Pelenato said.

Rev Pelenato was given the honour to draw 30 portraits of outstanding Samoan women who have contributed to the development of Samoa.

"This was an honour for me to work on these portraits and thanks to my wife and some of my students for the support," he said.

These 30 portraits will be showcased in an exhibition hosted by the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development to honour the women of Samoa on 9 May.

He is from Manono-uta and Auala, Savaii. Rev Pelenato is married with four beautiful children.

He is currently the principal of Leulumoega School of Fine Arts and Manager for the CCCS Museum.