A new mural in Guam’s capital is bringing attention to local innovation and sustainability. Unveiled Feb. 11 at Chamorro Village in Hagåtña, the artwork is the latest piece from the University of Guam’s G3 Art Corps, a program launched in 2023 to promote sustainability through public murals.
Local artist Kamaka Aquino painted the mural, which features a yellow backdrop, pastel-colored latte stones, and bold lettering that reads “Island Success.” A large light bulb in the design represents the power of local ideas.
"It's all about local innovation, and I just want to show that through [the mural]," Aquino said. "When we innovate locally, we have island success."
The G3 Art Corps is part of UOG’s Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, along with the Guam Green Growth Initiative, which aims to foster Guam's long-term environmental and economic resilience. Austin Shelton, the center’s director, said the mural underscores the importance of sustainability, no matter how priorities shift.
“This is a testament to why sustainability will always be relevant,” Shelton said. "That's because the whole definition of sustainability is living on our island like we intend to stay here."
Several local leaders attended the unveiling, including Hagåtña Mayor Mike Gumataotao, who expressed enthusiasm for the mural's addition to his village.
"We are excited to see how art can inspire us all to come together and create something meaningful in our community," Gumataotao said.
Sen. Shelly Calvo, who chairs the legislative committee
on the Arts, Culture, Historic Preservation, and Hagåtña Restoration, was also in attendance.
"I will truly, truly support any efforts that will propel art and culture, here, in our beloved island," Calvo said.
Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio praised Aquino’s work and emphasized the importance of supporting local artists.
“These are interesting times nationally, but as you can tell, you have strong support here locally,” Tenorio said.
The mural’s debut comes amid shifting federal support for the arts. In early February, the National Endowment for the Arts announced it would cancel the next round of funding under its "Challenge America" program, which supported projects for "underserved groups and communities that may have limited access to the arts relative to geography, ethnicity, economic status, and/or disability."
The program would have awarded a total of $2.8 million in small grants.
Despite this change, Tenorio reaffirmed Guam’s commitment to uplifting its artists like Aquino.
"The kind of work that you're doing to make sure that we bring attention to all the gifts that we have from our ancestors and from the Lord above, [...] we're going to continue to help you do that," he said.
More murals are planned for Mongmong-Toto-Maite and Hagåt, as part of the G3 Art Corps’ ongoing efforts to promote sustainability through art across the island.
