Springfield photographer debuts first solo exhibit at Art for the Soul Gallery

SPRINGFIELD — The Art for the Soul Gallery is internet hosting “Room to Grow,” a pictures exhibit by native artist Sophie Alissa Markham, by way of Jan. 25, 2026.

“With ‘Room to Grow’ being my very first solo exhibition, it only felt right to pay homage to my teenage years spent primarily at home, in my room,” stated Markham.

She went on to explain the exhibit as a sort of “museum” of every part she’s ever liked. As she gathered work and memorabilia from the final decade of her life, she was stuffed with a mixture of nostalgia and style.

Sierra Myers, govt director of the gallery, stated that Markham’s present is a pilot for programming that can happen of their new area, The Studio.

”Her [Markham] pictures are grounded within the setting round her, with a powerful deal with Springfield, its folks, and its each day life. She captures the grit, essence, and infrequently neglected magnificence throughout the metropolis,” stated Myers.

Markham’s ardour for documenting started with watching her father consistently report Christmas mornings, Filipino Christmas events, and birthdays.

She started taking pictures pictures on her mother’s iPhone 3GS in 2011, but it surely wasn’t till she joined her highschool pictures membership at Commerce High School her first 12 months that she was inspired to maintain going.

Dr. Paul Hetzel, Markham’s pictures mentor from Commerce, expressed that when he first met her, she was a shy and reserved teen.

”She clearly had a watch for composition. She gravitated to avenue pictures and portraiture. Over the three to 4 years as a part of the Photography Club, it was gratifying to see her develop,” stated Hetzel.

Markham’s confidence has grown since she started documenting. She recalled the times when she stood far-off, in search of the second — she as soon as described herself as a fly on the wall. Since starting her journey as a contract photographer, she has grown out of being socially awkward and has naturally discovered herself gravitating nearer to the topic.

To obtain development, she needed to be devoted to her artwork.

”I might say essentially the most inspiring a part of watching Sophie’s journey is witnessing her development and her dedication to the artwork develop. She’s devoted to capturing artwork that strikes folks,” stated Derick Thompson, Markham’s boyfriend.

Thompson has had a front-row seat to her dedication for the previous 10 years and says this set up represents new beginnings, but additionally a milestone, because it remembers a thought Markham as soon as had.

“Room to Grow” is an immersive set up that explores Markham’s inventive journey, inspecting how social media, know-how, and trendy residing have reworked the best way folks work together with each other. Carefully chosen, her pictures are trustworthy and unfiltered, but open to interpretation and emotion. Also that includes music and crafts from native artists, she hopes these visiting can take away the great thing about the town.

The exhibit and the gallery, situated at 1500 Main St., on the second ground, are open to the general public Tuesday by way of Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from midday to 4 p.m. For these wanting to fulfill the artist, she will probably be within the gallery on Thursdays.