A brilliant painting adorns the walls of the UOG’s Calvo Fieldhouse bringing a new point of interest to the University of Guam.

UOG unveiled a mural for its 70th anniversary, celebrating seven decades of transforming lives and advancing communities.

UOG Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Jonas Macapinlac said during the unveiling ceremony the project first began two years ago in November 2019 but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was put to a halt. Fast forward to today, the beautiful, unique, Instagram-worthy mural was released to the public which was done by UOG alumnus Austin Domingo.

Domingo described the panorama.

"So in honor of the UOG’s 70th Anniversary, the mural is filled with motifs that embody the spirit of the university and the island," he said. "The U displays the triton, UOG mascot, trumpet shell, with elements of the UOG seal inside. The O depicts a sea turtle which represents wisdom, perseverance, and guidance that created with imagery, prominent Guam, including the sun, a latte stone, leaves, and woven patterns. The G portrays a carabao with a mermaid body interpretation of the sea horses that pulled the mythical god aside its chariot. The tail form is a fish hook paying homage to the university’s big G logo."

It took about a month to complete the culturally pride-infused art piece. The project was funded by the Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency or CAHA.

Domingo majored in Fine Arts and graduated from UOG in 2012. He has bright intricate pieces all over the island on walls, corporate buildings, bus stops, food trucks, and even shipping containers.

It was a full-circle moment for Domingo.

“So to come back to a place where I started my career means a lot because people especially me didn’t know where we would end up especially with an art degree," he said. "But I knew that if I took the first step of taking what I love seriously maybe it can take me somewhere. And here nine years later it brought me back and I am still doing this to this day as a full-time artist. I am just very grateful for this.”

“I don’t really have much to say other than I want to express my deep gratitude to the UOG because this does not only mean this much to me but also to my family who supported me on my journey of becoming an artist,” Domingo said.

To see more of his artwork, you can follow him on Instagram @austimon.