Take in the mixed mediums and themes at OBRA exhibit in Tumon

Looking for a way to easel up? Then head on up to the Tumon Sands Plaza where the Organized Brotherhood Relating to the Arts, or OBRA, is holding its art exhibit for all to enjoy. The best part? No art style is the same, so there’s bound to be something to catch your eye!

OBRA President Olivia Newman shared the goal she wants to achieve under the group's banner.

"We have a lot of talented artists. If we can at least unite or at least just go in a group and learn from each other," she said. "Right now, I want to meet a lot of artists here in Guam, especially those people who are doing the mural. Well, we had one project we did two years ago during the COVID times, so from there, we expose ourselves and it’s also an invitation to the public to join us if they want to."

For those who have a love for Guam and Saipan, Newman's work is inspired by the beautiful scenery from both islands.

"Living here in Guam for fourteen years and hiking some trails, that inspired me to draw the Faifai beach, it’s a hiking trail going to the bottom of Two Lovers Point and Marbo Cliff, it’s really nice hiking there and I also lived in Saipan for eleven years so that’s why I have these two paintings here, which is the Forbidden Island and Suicide Cliff."

Newman encourages any new or veteran artist to check out the exhibit and reach out to OBRA, should they want to join and share their knowledge and art style. If you're interested in joining the art group, check out their Instagram @obraguam.

Multimedia artist Marcus Villaverde’s art style is very unique and one of a kind and is sure to make your head turn. He shared what inspired him to create such eye-catching work.

"The way I started with art was more on illustrating cartoon characters and all these things," he said. "And as I evolved as an artist, as I went to art school, as I got to befriend other fellow artists, I took so much influences from everything I learned, everyone I’ve met, every experience and just meshed it all together."

Villaverde says he has no particular art style, but it is a mix of digital illustrations, graphic designs, pop art and surrealism. He urges the community to support local artists and the arts, as it encapsulates the moment of our island culture.

The OBRA art exhibit is open daily until May 3 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free and you’re sure to walk out with a smile on your face and a deeper love for the arts and our local artists.