memento - 2026 sift exhibition

Front Gallery

Featuring: Calliope Stewart, Cameryn Pool, Jenna Smith, Jiayu Wu, Joanna Davis, Justice Freeman-Wagner, Laila Breaux, Lillian Curi, Mia Munoz,
Penelope Kenon, Xara Hodge, Ximin Liang, Yixuanqi He, Yoana Tavarez, Zaiah Daniels, and Zhiqi Lu.

On view: July 31 - September 6, 2026

Opening Reception: Friday, July 31, 2026, from 6-8 PM

Sixteen talented young artists are set to unveil their layered works in a cumulative group show titled Memento. This showcase of emerging talent explores the themes of shared memories and connection through a diverse range of mediums including painting, sculpture, ceramics, and fiber arts.

The exhibition, conceived and curated by the teen artists themselves, invites viewers on a journey of serenity and reflection. These young creators offer intimate glimpses into the ways they are remaining present while growing up in an era of mass consumption and artificial intelligence. Memento encourages audiences to pause and practice gratitude for the people and communities who keep us grounded.

This exhibition represents a unique opportunity to witness the raw talent and personal insights of a new generation of artists.

The Summer Intensive For Teens (SIFT) program is held annually on site at ALH, and provides a selected group of students with four weeks of hands-on workshops delivered by contemporary artists, site visits to local museums and galleries, open studio sessions with real-time feedback from professional creatives, and the opportunity to create a public artwork in the form of a collaborative mural project. The Summer Intensive culminates each year in an exhibition of student work completed during the program, and stands as a testament to these students' use of creativity as an instrument to amplify their identity.

This year’s cohort worked under the guidance of muralist Nasha Scott to design and install a public-facing mural on site that illustrates the power of creative art forms bringing people together. Students generated this idea after discussions that centered around prioritizing real-world experiences.

The mission of the Art League Houston SIFT is to create a supportive, accessible, and inclusive space where students can expand their comfort zones and artistic skill sets, while exploring the scope of Houston’s arts ecosystem. Students leave the program armed with tools and resources to pursue a career in the arts, as well as lasting relationships and a sense of community.

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ALH would like to thank Peter Broz, Elisse Gachupin, and Ila Spence for sharing their time and talents with this year’s cohort. ALH would also like to acknowledge our friends at the multiple arts organizations across town who generously welcomed our group into their spaces. This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, H-E-B Tournament of Champions Charitable Trust, Harris County Department of Education: CASE for Kids – County Connections, and Texas Commission on the Arts.