The exhibit Guam in Bloom at DFS T Galleria in Tumon has received coverage from various news outlets, but since I share plant stories, I want to take the opportunity to highlight this beautiful showcase of Guåhan’s native flowers, curated by fashion collective Abby Crain, Franceska De Oro, and April Colitoy. The exhibit features several mannequins adorned as native flowers, created with natural and upcycled materials. An outreach booth provides QR codes for you to scan and learn more about Guåhan’s native flowers.
In this piece, I aim to share the artists’ stories. Discover how fashion icon and project lead Abby Crain fell in love with the mustard-colored Bulbophyllum guamense orchid, learn about Franceska’s cultural connections to native plant species, and admire April Colitoy’s stunning flower wallpaper. What inspired you to combine fashion and native flowers for this art exhibit? Abby: I aimed to highlight Sustainable Development Goal 15, Life on Land.
I was particularly inspired by the endangered orchids at the Center for Island Sustainability, Island Conservation Lab’s rare plant nursery. Many hikers overlook these small-flowered orchids, so I wanted to showcase them, especially the Bulbophyllum guamense with its unique triangular shape. April: I gravitate towards flowers as a subject matter in my work as an artist and designer.
When Abby approached me with her idea to highlight our island’s native flora, I was excited and eager to work on a design that.