Throughout the month of August, ten talented creatives with Guam roots showcased their art using various mediums. The Guam Artist Collective recently wrapped up their first official exhibition in La Jolla, California.

Former island residents Neeko David and Zard Apuya launched the Guam Artist Collective as an opportunity to showcase the talent of artists with Guam roots. David, a graphic designer and Apuya, a toy custom designer known for his custom Munnies, came together in hopes that it would inspire people from Guam that there were creatives out in California who are doing amazing things and are working hard.

Apuya admits it it can get very competitive. And it was how the Guam Artist Collective showcase came to be. Apuya said they have a good relationship with a local gallery in San Diego, Thumbprint Art Gallery. For the month of August, the collective had an exhibit.

They had the space, now they needed the artwork to fill it. After putting a call out and even a flier, along with David and Apuya, eight other creatives from the area and even Los Angeles with Guam roots jumped at the opportunity.

That network includes graphic artist Shaira Espino, who was born and raised on Guam. "I do a little bit of everything, but more recently I'm focused on a lot of illustrations, I do a lot of clothing designs, portraits, and murals."

Espino moved out to San Diego at the age of 18 to pursue a bachelor of fine arts degree. She has worked as an interior designer and a stage set designer but she always went back to painting. "Especially using themes of nature to stay connected to home. My parents arealso from Yigo - hi Mom and hi, Dad!" she said.

Being a part of the showcase and seeing the support was inspiring for her to see. "We also got to share a lot about out culture, including my friends who didn't even know where Guam was on the map," she said. "And I think that's what it is really all about. Being able to bring the essence and emotion of Guam through art."

And while we mostly know Jason J. for his music, not many know of his other passion – drawing. He said he met David through his shows in San Diego. "I always knew what he did and really loved his work....it was nice," he recalled.

His drawings, bold in color and design, where does he get his inspiration? His drawings are done digitally and are done on his iPad and then printed on canvas and many of those pieces were on display at the exhibit. And being among a group of other creatives was such a great feeling.

Another artist taking part in the exhibit was motion designer Kenneth Paulino, Jr., who has worked in augmented reality for platforms like Instagram.

Paulino was amazed by the outpour ofsupport for exhibit.

Aguon's contribution to the TGAC showcase was a series of images she had been working on that featured cats. "It started out as an emotional chart for my daughter, to navigate through her feelings. I'm excited to keep moving forward," she said.

She is always creating stuff, professionally she is a tattoo artist but admits she does different types of art. Her brother informed her of the call out for the showcase, and she jumped at the opportunity immediately.

Follow @theguamartistcollective on Instagram and find more images and videos on @thumbprintartgallery.