By Rubyjane Buhain-Redilla
I am an artist—an identity I’ve wrestled with for some time now. I’ve often dreamed of capturing the attention of the art world, perhaps through a prestigious auction house like Sotheby’s, where my works would be valued at prices that reflect the time, skill, effort and passion I invest in each piece.
But the reality on Guam is far from that dream. Even at local galleries, where I price my art as affordably as possible to attract buyers, my pieces often go unsold. It’s a harsh truth many local artists face: an island community that supports artists but has limited interest in or resources for purchasing their work for the price it truly reflects.
Accepting this is difficult because it feels like a romanticized notion, reminiscent of the stories of great masters who struggled to sell their art during their lives, only for their works to sell for millions posthumously. Far-fetched, I know, but I dare say this is not far from the truth—because I am an artist, I am alive and I am struggling.
For artists living on Guam, inspiration comes easily—from the island’s breathtaking beauty to its rich cultural heritage. Inspiration is abundant, waiting to be found in every corner of this unique place. However, the island’s small community and limited economy make it difficult for artists to access the same opportunities that larger cities with vibrant art markets offer.
With the decline in tourism, many artists whose work once catered to the tourism market are now struggling to sustain their craft.
Understandably, the market tends to opt for mass-produced framed prints from Ross, which are more affordable and accessible but lack the unique stories and personal touch of locally created original artwork.
There’s a disconnect when it comes to viewing art as an investment or as something that enriches a home and supports the local creative community. Instead, original artwork from local artists is often seen as a luxury, something to admire but not necessarily purchase.
How do you shift a culture to eschew mass-produced print vomits, and instead invest in original art that holds deeper, more meaningful value?
On a practical level, aside from time, which makes up the bulk of the gross cost, the net costs of creating art often outweigh the returns. Paint, oil and acrylic mediums, canvases, brushes, varnishes, easels, framing materials and tools —these expenses add up quickly, and with limited sales, I’ve sometimes wondered if it’s worth keeping it going.
I've dedicated myself to preparing for major exhibitions, only to watch my work sit unsold. In two recent exhibits at local galleries, I invested significant time, money and energy into creating pieces I hoped would resonate with buyers.
Although my first exhibit yielded a few sales, I barely broke even. The second exhibition yielded zero sales.
With gallery commissions ranging from 30 percent to 40 percent, plus gallery fees, which impacted my pricing strategy, the potential for financial return felt distant, and the experience left me utterly disheartened.
As I moved all my art pieces out of the gallery, my house became filled with my artwork on every wall, while my blank canvases were left collecting dust. I have not touched a single paintbrush since.
My passion for art, however, was reignited recently through an unexpected opportunity: Artspace Guåhan, a new nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting local artists, held its first “Creative Connections Mixer.”
The event combined a mini art exhibition with poetry, live art and a mixer, providing space for creatives of all kinds to connect and collaborate. It was an immersive experience as I got to exhibit a few of my pieces, meet other artists and perform at their open mic.
Artspace Guåhan doesn’t charge artists to participate in these events, nor do they take commissions on any artwork sold, which means that 100 percent of the sales go directly to the artists.
I sold two of my paintings at a lower price since there were no commissions involved. This experience was both humbling and exhilarating. It allowed me to connect directly with a buyer who truly resonated with and appreciated my paintings, and the payment was made directly to me.
It was a rare moment that renewed my hope in both my passion and the potential for success in this industry on our small island.
Artspace Guåhan’s impact on my journey has been so empowering. I had the opportunity to interview Deane Jessee-Jones, one of the co-founders, who shared the story behind Artspace Guåhan.
Last fall, Deane visited a similar space in Raleigh, North Carolina, with her daughter Jenna and was inspired by the nonprofit model she saw there. “Witnessing how a nonprofit could support artists by providing studio space and equipment sparked a new vision,” she explained.
Her experience in Raleigh revealed how transformative access to resources and community support can be for artists—a vision she’s now bringing to life on Guam.
Deane said that by 2026, Artspace Guåhan hopes to establish a permanent home where local artists can access free or affordable studio and gallery spaces. Their plans include creating educational programs that are accessible and affordable for everyone in the community, bridging economic divides and fostering a stronger culture of creativity on the island.
Artspace Guåhan also envisions collaborating with Guam’s Master artists and bringing in artists from around the world to share their expertise, creating a vibrant exchange of ideas and skills.
Artspace Guåhan’s mission is to provide all artists with opportunities to advance their careers or pursue their creative dreams. The organization aims to highlight the incredible talent on Guam and throughout the Pacific region, encouraging residents to view local art as a valuable part of our community.
The financial barriers and the market’s preference for mass-produced prints reflect broader cultural perceptions and economic realities, yet they also underscore the need for greater education and awareness about the value of supporting local artists and investing in their work.
Organizations like Artspace Guåhan play a crucial role in bridging this gap by engaging dialogues about the importance of fostering and investing in local creativity—not just for the benefit of artists, but for the enrichment of the entire community.
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