SPRINGFIELD — The Art for the Soul Gallery is hosting “Room to Grow,” a photography exhibit by local artist Sophie Alissa Markham, through 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,” said Markham.
She went on to describe the exhibit as a kind of “museum” of everything she’s ever loved. As she gathered work and memorabilia from the last decade of her life, she was filled with a mix of nostalgia and grace.
Sierra Myers, executive director of the gallery, said that Markham’s show is a pilot for programming that will take place in their new space, The Studio.
”Her [Markham] images are grounded in the environment around her, with a strong focus on Springfield, its people, and its daily life. She captures the grit, essence, and often overlooked beauty within the city,” said Myers.
Markham’s passion for documenting began with watching her father constantly record Christmas mornings, Filipino Christmas parties, and birthdays.
She began shooting photography on her mom’s iPhone 3GS in 2011, but it wasn’t until she joined her high school photography club at Commerce High School her first year that she was encouraged to keep going.
Dr. Paul Hetzel, Markham’s photography mentor from Commerce, expressed that when he first met her, she was a shy and reserved teen.
”She clearly had an eye for composition. She gravitated to street photography and portraiture. Over the three to four years as part of the Photography Club, it was gratifying to see her grow,” said Hetzel.
Markham’s confidence has grown since she began documenting. She recalled the days when she stood far away, looking for the moment — she once described herself as a fly on the wall. Since beginning her journey as a freelance photographer, she has grown out of being socially awkward and has naturally found herself gravitating closer to the subject.
To achieve growth, she had to be dedicated to her art.
”I would say the most inspiring part of watching Sophie’s journey is witnessing her growth and her dedication to the art grow. She’s dedicated to capturing art that moves people,” said Derick Thompson, Markham’s boyfriend.
Thompson has had a front-row seat to her dedication for the past 10 years and says this installation represents new beginnings, but also a milestone, as it recalls a thought Markham once had.
“Room to Grow” is an immersive installation that explores Markham’s artistic journey, examining how social media, technology, and modern living have transformed the way people interact with one another. Carefully chosen, her images are honest and unfiltered, yet open to interpretation and emotion. Also featuring music and crafts from local artists, she hopes those visiting can take away the beauty of the city.
The exhibit and the gallery, located at 1500 Main St., on the second floor, are open to the public Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. For those wanting to meet the artist, she will be in the gallery on Thursdays.
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