New Guam Green Growth Art Corps Mural Unveiled in Hagåtña, Celebrating Sustainability and Island Culture

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Guam Green Growth Art Corps muralist Kamaka Aquino stands in front of his creation at the CHamoru Village in Hagatna. The mural highlights the need for local innovation as a part of Sustainable Development Goal #9 Industry, Innovation and Infrustructure.

Community leaders stand in support of Guam Green Growth Art Corps muralist Kamaka Aquino at the CHamoru Village in Hagatna. From Left to right: UOG CIS and Sea Grant Associate Director Kyle Mandapat, UOG CIS and Sea Grant Associate Director Fran Castro, G3 Program Coordinator Joseph Certeza, UOG CIS and Sea Grant Director Austin Shelton Ph.D., UOG SVP and Provost Sharleen Santos-Bamba Ph.D., Senator Joe San Agustin, Vice Speaker Tony Ada, Aquino, Lt. Governor Joshua Tenorio, Senator Tina Muna Barnes, Senator Sabrina Salas Matanane, Senator Shelly Calvo, and Hagatna Mayor Michael Gumataotao.

The University of Guam’s Guam Green Growth (G3) program unveiled their latest Art Corps mural at the CHamoru VIllage in Hagåtña.

The mural, designed and painted by Kamaka Aquino, highlights the need for local innovation in line with Sustainable Development Goal #9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

According to Aquino, a prominent feature of the installation is a lightbulb, which illuminates the entire mural, symbolizing the local spark that must spread through all aspects of business and innovation on Guam in order for long term generational prosperity.

“This is a testament to why sustainability will always be relevant. No matter when priorities change, sustainability will always matter. That’s because the whole definition of sustainability is living on our island like we intend to stay here. That’s never going out of style,” said Austin Shelton Ph.D., the director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, which facilitates the G3 initiative. “Leaving can never be the priority because we all love our island so much, and we want our future generations to continue to be here and to thrive.”

The G3 Art Corps initiative engages local artists in creating public art that promotes environmental awareness and social change. Through these murals, G3 aims to inspire dialogue and action on critical sustainability issues facing Guam.

Hagåtña mayor Michael Gumataotao was excited about the mural in the island’s capital saying that the village is the center of the island and it continues to be a shining example of CHamoru culture. He said, “Today we are about to add to that story with the unveiling of this mural here in CHamoru Village. This mural is a reflection of the talent of our local artist and a symbol of our shared vision for a sustainable future.”

UOG Senior Vice-President and Provost Sharleen Santos-Bamba Ph.D., lauded the great impacts of the G3 program and the dedication the university has to the community.

“I know that we all recognize the value that UOG brings to our island and the value that we bring to individuals who move on to their home islands. Our footprint is definitely in Hagatna but our footprint also extends to Micronesia,” added Santos-Bamba.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by community members, local officials, and representatives from Guam Green Growth with Chairperson for the Committees on the Arts and Culture in the 38th Guam Legislature – Senator Shelly Calvo expressing her support for the program and excitement for future mural reveals.

This latest mural joins a growing collection of G3 Art Corps projects across the island, transforming public spaces into vibrant canvases for environmental advocacy.

The murals serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of community engagement in building a sustainable future for Guam.

May 10, 2024December 31, 2024

Artist Corina Benavente paints brighter days through Yoña mural

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Art Corps Season 1 member and local artist, Corina Benavente, shares her experience of creating the Yoña mural with attendees moments before its unveiling.

The newly unveiled mural pictured prominently along Peredo's General Merchandise in the village of Yoña.

For Corina Benavente, art transcends mere aesthetics. Whether wielded as a brushstroke on a blank canvas or a spoken word, art, in Benavente’s view, possesses the power to heal. This truth resonated deeply during a personal crisis, when art became her solace.

“I was going through a rough ending of my marriage,” Benavente confides. “I started falling deep into depression and I didn’t have anyone to talk to. That’s when I started to pick up sketching, and after a few weeks, I picked up a paint brush. I wanted to do more to keep my mind busy.”

What began as a distraction from a tumultuous time blossomed into something far more profound by 2019.

“I started [painting more] because it helped me get through my healing process. I started painting for my family and my husband’s friends since I love helping others. Some cried, others were astonished by the paintings. I’ve always [given my paintings] away, never wanting to sell [them] because I wanted to heal others as well.”

Through artistic expression, Benavente not only navigated her own rough waters but discovered a newfound capacity to uplift and inspire others.

Fueled by this transformative experience and a deeper connection to herself, her surroundings, and loved ones, Benavente embarked on a mural project in the village of Yoña.

Displayed prominently, the mural by Peredo’s General Merchandise embodies themes central to the UN’s third Sustainable Development Goal: Good Health and Well-Being.

It’s a visual narrative, unfolding from left to right.

The journey begins with a figure gazing at a tumultuous seascape, representing the acknowledgment of a troubled past.

A weeping willow takes center stage, symbolizing the internal and external struggles we all carry; Its roots dig deep, reminding viewers to release the burdens we hold within.

As the eye travels further, a karabao, a symbol of resilience, emerges, representing the inner strength we possess to overcome challenges.

Finally, on the far right, stands a female figure, an anchor amidst the storm, both literal and metaphorical.

The entire scene unfolds against the backdrop of Tagachang Beach, a haven of peace and serenity for Benavente.

Despite embarking on the Yoña mural during a challenging period, Benavente’s perseverance culminated in personal growth and strength. She likens the artistic process to tending a garden:

“It is like planting a seed: you water it, nurture it, give it sunlight, and watch it grow into something beautiful! That’s art to me!”

Benevente is a member of the Guam Green Growth Art Corps’ first cohort. Recruitment for Cohort Two is underway. Visit guamgreengrowth.org to apply today!

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May 7, 2024December 31, 2024

UOG Calls for Artists: Apply now for Guam Green Growth Art Corps cohort two!

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Guam Green Growth Art Corps member Kie Susuico works on outlining his design on a wall in Sinajana. Members for the Cohort Two will also be creating murals in the various villages on Guam.

Artist Gera Datuin works on her mural in Hagatña as a member of the Guam Green Growth Art Corps. Datuin is one of the many accomplished artists who joined the first cohort of the program. (Photos courtesy of University of Guam)

The University of Guam (UOG) and the Guam Green Growth initiative are thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the second cohort of the Guam Green Growth Art Corps (G3AC). This exciting program empowers local artists to translate Guam’s sustainability journey into vibrant public murals.

Following the success of the inaugural cohort in 2023, the G3AC returns, offering another nine talented artists the opportunity to hone their skills, contribute to the beautification of Guam, and raise awareness about critical environmental issues.

Bridging art and sustainability

“The Guam Green Growth Art Corps is a groundbreaking program,” says Joseph Certeza, program coordinator for Guam Green Growth. “It merges artistic expression with environmental education, creating powerful visuals that spark conversations about sustainability in our community.”

Selected artists will work collaboratively under the guidance of experienced mentors throughout the program. They will participate in workshops covering mural design, painting techniques, and the principles of sustainability as outlined by the Guam Green Growth Action Framework and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Leaving a lasting legacy

The culmination of the program will be the creation of a captivating public mural at a designated location within the island. This artwork will serve as a permanent symbol of Guam’s commitment to environmental responsibility, while showcasing the artistic talents nurtured by the G3AC program.

“The exciting program empowers local artists to envision our sustainable future and share them in vibrant public murals for our community,” says Austin Shelton, director for the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant.

Beyond artistic development, the G3AC fosters a sense of community and environmental stewardship among participants. Artists will gain a deeper understanding of Guam’s unique environmental challenges and contribute to positive change through their creative expression.

How to apply:

Applications for the Guam Green Growth Art Corps cohort two are now open and will be accepted until May 22, 2024. Prospective artists are encouraged to apply online at guamgreengrowth.org today.

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May 18, 2023December 31, 2024

G3CC Recap – Island Beautification – Mural Prep

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The G3 Conservation Corps had another week packed with diverse activities designed to enhance and protect Guahan’s natural resources.

A highlight for several of the members was assisting the G3 Art Corps with preparation of walls in Dededo, Yona, Malesso, Sinajana for the artists to paint their murals. “We pressure washed and primed the walls so the artists would have a good foundation in place when they start the murals,” said Ciara Taijeron.

“All the activities we took part in this week were equally important and needed,” explained Cassie Bordallo. She also mentioned she finds some of the activities challenging and that she feels blessed to have this opportunity be a part of the Corps.

The best part of the week for Zeraih Blas was working with the Art Corps team preparing walls for the murals and learning the basics of what it takes to paint one. “It will be exciting to see the murals completed and to be able to say we helped set it up,” he said.

Jace Blas really enjoyed working with Kie Susuico and Joey Certeza from the Art Corps at the Sinajana mayor’s office. “Meeting the new artisans and working with them to provide beautiful artwork for the community and the island was the best.”

Michael Herbert found working with Teddy and the GROW team in the Ugum watershed restoration very important. “We see the need to stay consistent with the work there. We have seen the progress and the potential of bringing back native plants,” he enthused.

Connor Law really appreciated the kindness and support from the community when they were in Sinajana with the Art Corps. “We get a chance to meet a whole range of people working with G3; political leaders, artists, conservationists, people who care about the environment, and people who want to learn more about what we are doing,” Law said.

This week’s amazing opportunity for Michael Torres was cleaning the area of an ancient latte site. “It wasn’t something the Corps usually does, but we enjoyed it very much. The haligi and the tasa were huge. We visited three or four sets of latte houses. It was an awesome experience to have with the Corps. We would love to experience more things like that around the cultural aspects of sustainability and conservation,” he said.

The epic moment for Laura Layan was when she created a firebreak by clearing vegetation to reduce the spread of wildfires in the Ugum watershed for the GROW team.

Ken Manibusan, who handles maintenance for the Ordot-Chalan Pago Mayor’s Office, assisted the G3 Conservation Corps with the village cleanup on Friday. He said, “This is my first time to experience doing a cleanup with these guys. Honestly, I am proud that they are helping Guam stay clean and I am happy to assist them.”

May 6, 2023December 31, 2024

G3 unveils Art Corps, lineup features emerging and seasoned artists

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The Guam Green Growth (G3) initiative and the University of Guam launched their inaugural Art Corps program at the G3 Makerspace and Innovation Hub. The G3 Art Corps aims to provide a platform for artistic expression while promoting island sustainability.

For the program’s first cohort, G3 selected eight talented artists to collectively design, plan, and execute public murals on Guam. These murals will highlight the island’s journey towards achieving sustainability by 2030, as outlined by the G3 Action Framework and the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The chosen artists include Ariel Dimalanta, Kamaka Aquino, Frank “Kie” Susuico, Corina Benavente, Baptist Bell, Ha’ani Bettis, Geraldine Datuin, and Lucille Ronquillo.

Dimalanta has decades of experience as an artist, sculptor, and publisher. While semi-retired, he decided to join the Art Corps to make a difference. “It is time to give back to the community,” he said.

Each artist will receive a stipend in exchange for participating in capacity-building activities and collaborating with the team to create the murals. For two years, two cohorts will paint 17 murals to disseminate the message of sustainability and sustainable development to a broader audience.

UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Director Austin Shelton stated that art is crucial for community engagement. “Today, we are bringing something new to the table; we have previously talked about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, Technology, Engineering, and Math before. That is about figuring out the science of our natural resources. But now we add an A in between. Art is important because this is the way that we can connect with our community.”

Meanwhile, UOG President Thomas Krise emphasized that the murals would encourage people to consider their environmental and sustainability impact. “This is another great G3 initiative,” he added.

Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio said that the project engages people and draws attention to the natural resources and beauty of the island, especially for younger generations.

The G3 Art Corps aligns with several UN SDGs, including Goal 4, which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, and Goal 11, which focuses on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

The Governor’s Educational Assistance and Youth Empowerment Grant [Project Award S425H210004] provides support for the G3 Art Corps program.

The UOG Center for Island Sustainability was awarded $840,311.00 for the Guam Green Growth Education and G3 Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub program as part of the Governor’s Education Assistance and Youth Empowerment Grant Program.

About G3

The UOG Center for Island Sustainability facilitates Guam Green Growth, or G3, in cooperation with the Office of the Governor of Guam and the G3 Working Group, whose members represent all sectors of society. With the UN SDGs and G3 Action Framework as a guide, G3 develops tangible solutions to sustainability challenges and contributes to a green economy for the island region.