Showstopping opening of the Crossroads Exhibit at ICA Seaport Studio

On July 18, the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) Crossroads Exhibit opened, bringing together artists and art lovers in a melody of fun activities, a beautiful gallery wall and community building. 

Walking onto the second floor of 100 Pier 4 Blvd, the event was designed to transport its visitors into a new and comforting atmosphere. The teen employees welcomed attendees into the exhibit, and the white walls housed colorful creations from teen artists. 

Set up around the room were interactive activities that invited the audience to explore their more playful side through drawing, painting and creating their own art, reminiscent of childlike ways. 

According to www.icaboston.org, the opening featured the work of youth artists who participated in Chapters of Choice, a ten-week-long comic-making program with Maria Fong, Urbano Artist in Residence, during the spring of 2025. Participants worked on comic strips using their voices to depict personal opinions on choice and agency. 

Urbano is based in Jamaica Plain and focused on bringing together the community to appreciate art and embrace change. It is the organization where Fong is based as a resident artist. They are focused on creating a space for people of all backgrounds to express themselves through art, according to urbanoproject.org. 

The work was displayed in their gallery area, expertly hung next to descriptions and analyses written and made by Teen Exhibitions Program members (TEP). The comic strips depicted times when each artist faced a decision, something that could change their course and move them in a new direction. 

The opening also housed various activities for guests, such as a photobooth, zine-making station and comic book-related activities. Food was also catered by Chipotle, among other light snacks and drinks. The thoughtful planning by the exhibit creators aided in making each guest feel comfortable and cared for during the duration of the event.  Laughs and smiles could be heard and seen throughout the exhibit, filling it with more than just artwork. 

Erika Monterio-Tavares, a member of TEP, shared how her program is focused on “bringing teens together so that they [TEP artists] can curate and install artworks from Boston teens.” 

Tavares also said how the program has helped her to understand “the professional art world,” and pay attention to the “little details” of exhibits. 

Vivianne Shreve, another TEP artist, expressed deep interest in art and museum curation. Shreve stated that she truly enjoyed the opportunity to learn from an actual curator who works for the ICA and curates exhibits in the main museum. Shreve found that TEP helped her to gain a better understanding of her interest and further her education in the arts. 

Tavares stated that being involved in similar programs and coming to events such as Crossroads, is possibly one of the most important things to do from a young age. 

“The arts are an expression and piece of our humanity. And everything in the world is artistic and it’s just one of the best ways that we as people have to communicate with each other, to understand each other, to relate to each other,” stated Tavares. 

“It’s really important to be connected to art. Art is political, and to be able to have these discussions, considerations and to think about complex thoughts and abstract ideas,” said Tavares. 

Crossroads teaches its visitors about the importance of change, choice and channeling their inner artist. Through the gallery, visitors learn from teen experiences, shedding light on an often-unheard generation. Too often, teens are portrayed through an older voice, and the Crossroads exhibit gives way for teens to speak for themselves directly to the community. 

Tavares states that “it’s really important that people go out and they meet their community and they also, you know, put the things they want to see into the world.” 

“So if you’re interested in art and you want to meet other artists, look at art or just do something fun in Boston, then the ICA is the perfect place to go, whether you go with your friends or alone. There’s always something for you to do,” said Tavares. “And you’re undoubtedly going to come away from the day with learning something new and seeing something that you wouldn’t have otherwise seen.” 

 To further your artistic journey, check out more exhibits and upcoming events on the ICA website, and create something new today.