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Artwork Showcase
Artwork Exhibit at Maryland House of Delegates
Purpose
We hope this digital global showcase can display the talent, creativity, and power of refugee and new immigrant youths around the world. Join us in appreciating and elevating their voices.
Upcoming In-Person Exhibits
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Halls of Maryland House of Delegates, June 19-June 26, 2026
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Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth's District Office, July 2026
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Maryland Humanities and Smithsonian Virtual Celebration Event, July 2026
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Maryland Center for History and Culture Museum, September 2026
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Reginald F. Lewis Museum, October 2026 (Tentative)
Maryland House of Delegates
Thank you to Morgan Streeter, House Administrator from Speaker’s Office for helping organize this.
Maryland Humanities & Smithsonian Collaboration
We are incredibly proud of all the youth who participated and grateful to Maryland Humanities for helping bring their artwork to the Smithsonian.
This event, co-hosted by Tulip's Promise and Maryland Humanities, is connected to"By the People: Conversations Beyond 250," a series of programs created by 51 humanities councils across the United States in collaboration with local partners. The initiative was developed by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.
My Journey To The Land Of Opportunities
Froheda Ariaey, 13 years. From Afghanistan, lives in USA.
I got inspired by my experience while traveling to America from Afghanistan. My family and I faced many challenges including the Taliban’s takeover. Therefore, I got inspired by all the feelings I felt and wanted to express them by painting my artwork. My artwork connects to the term “The World I Imagine” by representing my journey to the US for education and freedom. It represents the hopeful future I imagine for myself and my family. I want the viewers of my artwork to imagine how hard and fast the transition of my life was to a new environment, language, culture and people.
I got inspired by my experience while traveling to America from Afghanistan. My family and I faced many challenges including the Taliban’s takeover. Therefore, I got inspired by all the feelings I felt and wanted to express them by painting my artwork. My artwork connects to the term “The World I Imagine” by representing my journey to the US for education and freedom. It represents the hopeful future I imagine for myself and my family. I want the viewers of my artwork to imagine how hard and fast the transition of my life was to a new environment, language, culture and people.
Back In The Day
Oglo Weliemy, 15 years. From Egypt, lives in USA.
The desert reminds me of the time when me and my family went to see the camels and have a fun time. It brings back the peaceful memory of my family coming together and breaking our fast in the desert. My grandfather used to tell us about camels and that is why I chose to draw this painting that is close to the memories of my home country. In the world I imagine, I am having a peaceful and joyful time with my family.
The desert reminds me of the time when me and my family went to see the camels and have a fun time. It brings back the peaceful memory of my family coming together and breaking our fast in the desert. My grandfather used to tell us about camels and that is why I chose to draw this painting that is close to the memories of my home country. In the world I imagine, I am having a peaceful and joyful time with my family.
Beyond The Sky
Alsia Tabish, 13 years. From Afghanistan, lives in USA.
Something that inspired me was the natural world, and personal emotions, I got a chance to express myself so that's why these two reasons inspired my artwork.
My art work reflects the term ''The world I imagined'' by telling them that there are alot of things that people would imagine like how I added different universes, and different types of sand, this demonstrate how there are things that are never gonna happen like fantasy but I still added things and never felt ashamed. A message I would let my viewers to know about is that expressing yourself isn't something you should be ashamed of.
Something that inspired me was the natural world, and personal emotions, I got a chance to express myself so that's why these two reasons inspired my artwork.
My art work reflects the term ''The world I imagined'' by telling them that there are alot of things that people would imagine like how I added different universes, and different types of sand, this demonstrate how there are things that are never gonna happen like fantasy but I still added things and never felt ashamed. A message I would let my viewers to know about is that expressing yourself isn't something you should be ashamed of.
Camping With Friends
Mohammad Aslam yar, 11 years. From Afganistan, lives in USA.
My painting is inspired by my friends' cousin's camping trip to the forest. I was really fascinated by my friends' stories about their experience. When I think about the things in nature and joyful times with my close friends, It makes me feel happy. My message to the viewers is to find happiness inside of simplicity.
My painting is inspired by my friends' cousin's camping trip to the forest. I was really fascinated by my friends' stories about their experience. When I think about the things in nature and joyful times with my close friends, It makes me feel happy. My message to the viewers is to find happiness inside of simplicity.
Un Mundo Mejor (A Better World)
Jesus Pereira, 15 years. From Colombia, lives in USA.
Mi otra se inspira en personas que aún tenido que abandonar sus hogares y países gracias a los conflictos que aún tenido los países entre ellos. Refleja a la guerra moderna con misiles siendo enviados a otros territorios que acaban con personas inocentes sin conocimiento a lo que ocurre.Quiero llevar esta obra como mensaje a aquellos políticos que solo quieren aumentar su ego en rivalidades sin sentido y lo único que hacen es dañar a personas que solo quieren tener tranquilidad en sus vidas.
Translation: My artwork draws inspiration from people who have been forced to abandon their homes and countries due to conflicts between nations. It reflects modern warfare—specifically the launching of missiles into foreign territories—which claims the lives of innocent people who remain completely unaware of what is happening. I intend for this piece to serve as a message to those politicians who seek only to inflate their egos through senseless rivalries, and whose sole effect is to inflict harm upon people who simply desire peace and tranquility in their lives.
Mi otra se inspira en personas que aún tenido que abandonar sus hogares y países gracias a los conflictos que aún tenido los países entre ellos. Refleja a la guerra moderna con misiles siendo enviados a otros territorios que acaban con personas inocentes sin conocimiento a lo que ocurre.Quiero llevar esta obra como mensaje a aquellos políticos que solo quieren aumentar su ego en rivalidades sin sentido y lo único que hacen es dañar a personas que solo quieren tener tranquilidad en sus vidas.
Translation: My artwork draws inspiration from people who have been forced to abandon their homes and countries due to conflicts between nations. It reflects modern warfare—specifically the launching of missiles into foreign territories—which claims the lives of innocent people who remain completely unaware of what is happening. I intend for this piece to serve as a message to those politicians who seek only to inflate their egos through senseless rivalries, and whose sole effect is to inflict harm upon people who simply desire peace and tranquility in their lives.
القصه في طفولته (Her Childhood Story)
Fatma el hüveyş, age 17. From Syria, lives in Narlıca, Turkey.
أنا من سوريا وأعيش الآن كلاجئ في تركيا، وقد افتقدت في طفولتي دفء العائلة بسبب ظروف الحياة. لذلك رسمت في "العالم الذي أتخيله" مطبخ طفولتي، المكان الذي شعرت فيه بالانتماء. يعبر هذا المطبخ بألوانه الدافئة عن الراحة والذكريات. وتمثل اللوحة أملي في بناء مستقبل أفضل واستعادة هذا الدفء.
Translation: I am from Syria and currently live as a refugee in Turkey. During my childhood, I missed out on the warmth of family due to life’s circumstances. Therefore, in "The World I Imagine," I depicted the kitchen of my childhood—the place where I felt a sense of belonging. With its warm colors, this kitchen conveys comfort and memories. The painting represents my hope to build a better future and reclaim that warmth.
أنا من سوريا وأعيش الآن كلاجئ في تركيا، وقد افتقدت في طفولتي دفء العائلة بسبب ظروف الحياة. لذلك رسمت في "العالم الذي أتخيله" مطبخ طفولتي، المكان الذي شعرت فيه بالانتماء. يعبر هذا المطبخ بألوانه الدافئة عن الراحة والذكريات. وتمثل اللوحة أملي في بناء مستقبل أفضل واستعادة هذا الدفء.
Translation: I am from Syria and currently live as a refugee in Turkey. During my childhood, I missed out on the warmth of family due to life’s circumstances. Therefore, in "The World I Imagine," I depicted the kitchen of my childhood—the place where I felt a sense of belonging. With its warm colors, this kitchen conveys comfort and memories. The painting represents my hope to build a better future and reclaim that warmth.
الريحانية - Al-Rihaniyah
Ilef Ilavi, 15 years. From Turkey, in Syria.
الإلهام لعملي الفني كان الزلزال الذي وقع في تركية في عام 2023. اللوحة تعكس المعاناة التي عاشها الناس في هذه الفترة خصوصاً الذين كانوا في البلاد الذي دمرت ولاكن مع كل هذه المعاناة والألم إلا أن كان لا يزال هناك امل.
Translated: The inspiration for my artwork was the earthquake that struck Turkey in 2023. The painting reflects the suffering experienced by people during that period—particularly those in the devastated regions. Yet, despite all this suffering and pain, hope still remained.
الإلهام لعملي الفني كان الزلزال الذي وقع في تركية في عام 2023. اللوحة تعكس المعاناة التي عاشها الناس في هذه الفترة خصوصاً الذين كانوا في البلاد الذي دمرت ولاكن مع كل هذه المعاناة والألم إلا أن كان لا يزال هناك امل.
Translated: The inspiration for my artwork was the earthquake that struck Turkey in 2023. The painting reflects the suffering experienced by people during that period—particularly those in the devastated regions. Yet, despite all this suffering and pain, hope still remained.
Our Culture Together
Fernanda Contreras, 18 years. Lives in Miami, USA.
I was inspired by African American working women who work hard every day to take care of their children. My artwork shows a strong mother who carries both her child and her responsibilities.
This piece reflects the theme “The World I Imagine” by showing a world where the hard work and sacrifices of women, especially mothers, are recognized and valued. I imagine a world where they are supported, respected, and seen for their strength.
I want viewers to feel admiration and empathy, and to understand the importance of perseverance, love, and dignity. This artwork is a tribute to all women who continue to rise despite challenges.
I was inspired by African American working women who work hard every day to take care of their children. My artwork shows a strong mother who carries both her child and her responsibilities.
This piece reflects the theme “The World I Imagine” by showing a world where the hard work and sacrifices of women, especially mothers, are recognized and valued. I imagine a world where they are supported, respected, and seen for their strength.
I want viewers to feel admiration and empathy, and to understand the importance of perseverance, love, and dignity. This artwork is a tribute to all women who continue to rise despite challenges.
The Burning Home
Adnan Abdullah, 17 years. From Syria/Homs, lives in Turkey/Reyhanlı_hatay.
This artwork, titled “The Burning Home,” expresses a deeply painful human moment that my family and I experienced when we were forced to leave Syria under aerial bombardment. It was a moment filled with fear and shock, as we had to abandon our home while it was burning before our eyes, leaving behind everything that represented our lives and memories. Through this painting, I aimed to convey three main themes: belonging, suffering, and hope. The father is depicted looking back at the burning house, as if he cannot comprehend what is happening. His gaze reflects a deep sense of belonging, as well as shock and longing at the same time. The smoke rising from his head, merging with the smoke of the burning house, symbolizes the strong connection between a person and their home, as if a part of him is burning with it. The mother and the child are shown in a state of fear and panic, reflecting the pain and emotional breakdown that a person experiences in such moments. Their crying and distress represent human vulnerability in the face of destruction.
Despite all of this, a small child in the mother’s arms is holding a teddy bear and appears calm, even slightly joyful. This child represents hope in the painting, and is the only sign that life continues despite everything, and that hope remains present even in the darkest circumstances.
This artwork, titled “The Burning Home,” expresses a deeply painful human moment that my family and I experienced when we were forced to leave Syria under aerial bombardment. It was a moment filled with fear and shock, as we had to abandon our home while it was burning before our eyes, leaving behind everything that represented our lives and memories. Through this painting, I aimed to convey three main themes: belonging, suffering, and hope. The father is depicted looking back at the burning house, as if he cannot comprehend what is happening. His gaze reflects a deep sense of belonging, as well as shock and longing at the same time. The smoke rising from his head, merging with the smoke of the burning house, symbolizes the strong connection between a person and their home, as if a part of him is burning with it. The mother and the child are shown in a state of fear and panic, reflecting the pain and emotional breakdown that a person experiences in such moments. Their crying and distress represent human vulnerability in the face of destruction.
Despite all of this, a small child in the mother’s arms is holding a teddy bear and appears calm, even slightly joyful. This child represents hope in the painting, and is the only sign that life continues despite everything, and that hope remains present even in the darkest circumstances.
Guatemalan Culture
Brandon Claveria, 17 years. From Guatemala, lives in Miami USA.
My artwork was inspired by Latin culture, nature, and traditional clothing. I wanted to show a strong woman with colorful clothes, flowers, and a bird to represent culture, beauty, and the connection with nature.
This reflects the theme The World I Imagine because I imagine a world where people respect different cultures and appreciate nature.
I want viewers to feel inspired and see the beauty of culture, color, and tradition.
My artwork was inspired by Latin culture, nature, and traditional clothing. I wanted to show a strong woman with colorful clothes, flowers, and a bird to represent culture, beauty, and the connection with nature.
This reflects the theme The World I Imagine because I imagine a world where people respect different cultures and appreciate nature.
I want viewers to feel inspired and see the beauty of culture, color, and tradition.
Karam evi
Suheir Altürkmani, 16 years. From Türkiye Hatay, reyhanlı.
My perspective on the painting I created is that it expresses hope and belonging to the homeland, as well as resilience and the loss of homeland between Palestine and Syria. In the cracked earth, there is a plant, and this represents hope. The jasmine flower represents Syria, and the olive tree represents Palestine. In the earth, there is destruction, and this is the destruction of war. The person raising their hands expresses belonging and the return of a new life.
Drawing is not just drawing, but it is a means of expressing feelings and ideas that we may be unable to express in words. It is a language that everyone understands without translation, and its lines and colors carry a deep message that reaches the heart before the mind.
My perspective on the painting I created is that it expresses hope and belonging to the homeland, as well as resilience and the loss of homeland between Palestine and Syria. In the cracked earth, there is a plant, and this represents hope. The jasmine flower represents Syria, and the olive tree represents Palestine. In the earth, there is destruction, and this is the destruction of war. The person raising their hands expresses belonging and the return of a new life.
Drawing is not just drawing, but it is a means of expressing feelings and ideas that we may be unable to express in words. It is a language that everyone understands without translation, and its lines and colors carry a deep message that reaches the heart before the mind.
Kafta’s Stripes
Floricel Abigail Betancourt, 17 years. From Honduras, lives in Miami.
This artwork is a reinterpretation of the concept of metamorphosis, inspired by Kafka’s exploration of identity and change. In the world I envision, transformation is not something to be feared, but rather a powerful union with our most authentic and primal self. The tiger represents a shift in being an inner force that emerges to protect and redefine the soul. It is my hope that viewers will reflect upon their own capacity for change and recognize that even the most radical "metamorphosis" can give rise to a new reality one that is both beautiful and fierce.
This artwork is a reinterpretation of the concept of metamorphosis, inspired by Kafka’s exploration of identity and change. In the world I envision, transformation is not something to be feared, but rather a powerful union with our most authentic and primal self. The tiger represents a shift in being an inner force that emerges to protect and redefine the soul. It is my hope that viewers will reflect upon their own capacity for change and recognize that even the most radical "metamorphosis" can give rise to a new reality one that is both beautiful and fierce.
Good Memories
Eliagner Chiquinquira Matheus Mercado, 17 years. From Venezuela, lives in Maryland.
This piece is about how even small moments can mean a lot when you leave your home behind. The phone booth represents staying connected to memories, people, and the life you came from.
I imagine a world where all can feel safe while still holding onto the memories and identity that make them who they are. Sometimes the smallest moments become the ones you never forget.
This piece is about how even small moments can mean a lot when you leave your home behind. The phone booth represents staying connected to memories, people, and the life you came from.
I imagine a world where all can feel safe while still holding onto the memories and identity that make them who they are. Sometimes the smallest moments become the ones you never forget.
Updates
We will be continuously adding to this showcase through Summer 2026.
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