Old garments are refreshed and upcycled with screen printing workshop at Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace

Local artist, Roldy Aguero Ablao demonstrates the types of screen printing materials workshop attendees will be using.

A screen printing design is tested on repurposed paper before being put to a garment.

Annania Nauta-Kemp shows off her garment to artist Roldy Aguero Ablao after a screen printing design is affixed.

A workshop attendee ponders placement of a screen printing design on a garment.

A participant of the G3 Makerspace Screen Printing Workshop sets a screen printing stencil on a garment before adding paint.

Attendees of the G3 Circular Economy Makerspace & Innovation Hub's Screen Printing Workshop showcase their finished garments at the conclusion of the event.

A group of aspiring entrepreneurs and artists on Guam recently had the opportunity to learn the art of screen printing at the Guam Green Growth (G3) Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub.

The workshop, held earlier in August, provided participants with hands-on experience in creating custom designs on a variety of materials.

Led by an experienced business owner and screen printer, Roldy Aguerro Ablao, the workshop covered essential techniques of the process. Participants were able to experiment with different types of inks, fabrics, and substrates to create unique designs.

G3 Circular Economy Coordinator Abby Crain organized the workshop and was excited for the opportunity to work with Ablao to show attendees how to extend the life of stuff they already have.

“People got to bring in their own garments that they don’t like anymore or were going to discard and personalize them to breathe new life into them,” said Crain. “They were able to make the old new again by adding designs via screen printing to refresh and upcycle clothes.”

Crain said that the workshop went well. “It was a great workshop and was well attended. The feedback was great. Some of the same participants came back to do the second class because they enjoyed it so much.”

“This is actually my first time doing screen printing! I’m not an artist whatsoever, so that’s why these workshops are so much fun to me! I had so much fun and a lot of the pieces came out better than I was expecting. I was a little worried about the mistakes I made, but everyone has been so encouraging about accepting the mistakes we make and making the most of it,” said Laura Gumbar.

“Everything is about self-expression and everyone here at the G3 Makerspace is so welcoming, so I hope more people come out! Don’t be shy! If you don’t have anyone to go with, you will definitely end up making friends here.”

Workshops are held monthly and September will feature 3D Printing and Flower Printing Classes.

The Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub is committed to supporting local entrepreneurs and fostering a culture of innovation. By offering workshops like this, the hub provides valuable resources and opportunities for individuals to develop their skills and start their own businesses.

For more information about the Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub and upcoming workshops, please visit guamgreengrowth.org or follow the social media pages @guamgreengrowth on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.