How do you make museums a place where teens feel welcome—not just for one visit, but somewhere they want to return again and again?

A generous gift from the Anita K. Hersh Foundation prompted us to explore that question in a new way. We began by asking what draws young people to museums and, just as importantly, what makes them feel like they belong. One idea quickly rose to the surface: if teens could see themselves within the museum, they might connect with it more deeply. What better way to do that than by creating an exhibition that was shaped by teens themselves?

To bring that vision to life, we turned to Pedro Betanzos, Manager, Youth and Family Programs who coordinated a meeting with the Advisory Council of our Junior Docent Program. We asked them what a teen exhibition should look like and what stories it should tell. Their answer was clear: the exhibition should explore the realities of being a teenager today. They wanted to see honest reflections of how their peers are navigating identity, relationships, societal pressures, global uncertainty, and the transition to adulthood.

With that idea in mind, we reached out to high school art teachers across Westchester County and they enthusiastically responded to our call for entries. Art teachers are often on the front lines of fostering creativity, encouraging students to make art that is personal, meaningful, and authentic. They challenge young artists to give visual form to their thoughts, emotions, and experiences while introducing them to a wide range of artistic media and techniques.

Even before the artwork arrived, Camille Knop, Senior Manager of Design and Content, was already imagining a space that would feel fun, energetic, and welcoming to teens. Using stenciling, the gallery was transformed into a hand-drawn interior with architectural details, built-in shelves, and freestanding screens. As a result, the exhibition evokes an eclectic gallery wall in a home, rather than a traditional white cube. At the center of the gallery, a three-dimensional community screen that invites visitors to contribute their own drawings and reflections.

The range of artworks we received was exciting and inspiring. It was clear that students had thoughtfully considered not only how to express themselves and respond to the world around them, but also how to use non-traditional media such as vector illustration and cyanotype to develop their ideas. Again and again, a young person appeared in the work—meeting our gaze or interacting with their surroundings—offering glimpses into the many ways teens see themselves and the world around them.

As the gallery design came together, it was time to install the artwork. Every installation is a balance of careful planning and creative problem-solving—something Sal Schichiano, our Lead Preparator and Exhibition Manager, excels at. Each piece has to be placed at the right height, given the space it needs to shine, and lit properly. Under Sal’s guidance, the Junior Docents played an essential role installing the stencils and artwork, and it was exciting to watch the exhibition unfold over a few short weeks. Teens Seen: Art Showcase opened to the public on June 12, with a special reception on Sunday, June 14 for teen artists, their families, and art teachers. See photos from the reception here.

Perhaps the most rewarding part of the project was working alongside the Junior Docents and, finally, welcoming the young artists, their families, and the community into the finished exhibition. Watching the Junior Docents fully immersed within the process and seeing the teen artists experience their work displayed in a professional gallery for the first time was a powerful reminder of why exhibitions like Teens Seen matter.

Teens Seen is more than an exhibition of artwork—it’s a celebration of imagination, collective effort, and the next generation of creative talent. We hope visitors leave inspired not only by what they see on the walls but also contribute their own artworks, stories and ideas to the exhibition. Come in, see, be seen—and leave your mark on the Museum.

The exhibition will be on view at the HRM through October 4, 2026.

Shilpi Chandra
HRM Assistant Curator