The GAX Art Exhibit focuses on developing local artists while exposing the community to the vast amount of art that is unfamiliar to many locals on the island. 

GAX is a local art exhibit that was founded by Jude and Donna Baker, Jeff Ejan, Marvin Manibusan, and Jess.

Before GAX, most people on the island were used to a specific type of art,” Julian said.

“Not that it was bad, but there were so many artists creating cool stuff on their own and you’d never get to see it because there wasn’t a forum where they fit in. GAX became a place for them to show that work.”

Something else that sets GAX apart from other events on Guam is that it is a community that is welcoming of all types of people and their craft.

“You can’t just have a bunch of your greatest hits up at the gallery, you have to present one cohesive theme or style, showing where you’re at now as an artist. It can be work you’ve already shown in other places locally,” Julian said.

“If we know you’re capable of much more we push you to try harder or tell you the piece isn’t there yet,” Julian said.

Artists who have participated longer get the same criticism as newer artists except more rigidly.

GAX has opened up its doors to many different people on the island.

Ryan Shook and Alyanna Del Rosario are two artists who are no strangers to the local art scene with who have been active in GAX.

Ryan Shook is a local artist who describes his work as contemporary art. Shook shared, “Contemporary Art is synonymous with art that is reflective of the zeitgeist of its time. This is in the line with being a globally influenced, culturally diverse, technologically advancing world.”

“I never had a moment of discovering I was artistic or creative. I always just thought it was what people just did,” Shook said. “Both my parents were educators and were proactive in making sure that I had a verbal competency as well as a creative competency.”

Ryan Shook has been surrounded by art throughout the many years of his life and has participated in GAX. This year at GAX, Shook shared a piece entitled Covet, which was inspired by, “GAX 2017 POW! WOW! International GAX mural artists.”

 His piece was done using acrylic paint and was originally supposed to be worked on live at the “Beats and Pieces” show back in June 2018, but he ended up being grateful that he had more time to improve his work.

Alyanna “Aly” Del Rosario submitted apiece to GAX.With a group of young women, she has participated and hosted multiple art shows this yearcalled, The Gallery.

At GAX 2018, Del Rosario displayed a beautiful set up with a bunch of natural elements like bushes and leaves.

“It has helped me meet new people and artists. It gave me an opportunity to learn what people like about my art,” Del Rosario said. She explains that being apart of GAX has helped her network.

For more information about GAX, visit their Instagram page @GAXARTEXHIBIT.

If you would like toinquire or submit artwork for the next show, feel free to email: guamartexhibit@gmail.com.