On Thursday, August 6, Sundance Square will host Showcase Night, a celebration of artistic talent featuring eight young artists from the Fort Worth area. The event is scheduled to take place from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Plaza Pavilion, showcasing the creative achievements of high school students who participated in a nine-week mentorship program led by Sari Shryack, the 2026 Texas Artist-in-Residence.
Throughout the summer, these students engaged in weekly sessions at Shryack’s studio located above Sundance Clay in downtown Fort Worth. They honed their skills in drawing, composition, color theory, and acrylic painting, ultimately creating original pieces that express their unique artistic perspectives. The showcase will display one to three completed paintings from each student in a pop-up gallery format, highlighting their artistic growth and development during the program.
Sari Shryack emphasized the dual mission of her residency: “A big goal of this residency for me was to not only create a body of work centered on this city, but also do outreach based on art lessons with the community. I had an amazing painting professor come into my life when I was a teenager who gave me art as an outlet to express myself. I truly think this shaped the course of my life. As a teacher myself now, I’m lucky to know these students and have the space and time to be able to share my passion with them.”
This summer painting program is part of Shryack’s year-long residency, which combines the creation of a new body of work for a solo exhibition with community-focused arts initiatives in Fort Worth. Alongside her professional practice, Shryack offers painting workshops, retreats, and online courses.
Having grown up in a low-income household, Shryack discovered during her college years that painting could evolve into both a career and a lifelong passion. This realization inspired her to provide young artists with opportunities to explore professional pathways while fostering meaningful artistic communities.
Students were selected for the program based on recommendations from visual art teachers across Fort Worth, who identified candidates showcasing artistic interest, self-motivation, and dedication. The chosen participants come from several North Texas high schools, bringing a diverse range of artistic backgrounds.
Laila J., a freshman-to-be, shared, “I heard about the course from my art teacher in middle school. She told me this would be a fun opportunity. It has been; and I’ve gotten a lot better at my painting.”
Anna M., a rising junior, reflected, “I will take the knowledge that Sari shared with us. I get to practice my acrylic skills, which I’m happy about.”
Throughout the program, students engaged in observational and master studies, as well as drawings and paintings, eventually moving on to original projects that emphasized personal style, storytelling, and creative expression. The final artworks not only showcase technical proficiency but also highlight the individual perspectives that each student cultivated during the course.
Sarah Ayala, Art Director at Sundance Square, expressed the organization’s commitment to fostering community art classes, especially for emerging artists. “One of our dreams within the Sundance Square Art Department has been to host more community art classes, especially for young artists. We’re so proud of what Sari has built with these local students. We hope to continue providing North Texas with accessibility to the arts, but also to creative outlets, whether you’re an experienced artist or have never picked up a paintbrush,” she stated.
Showcase Night is free and open to the public, providing an opportunity for attendees to meet the student artists, view their work, and celebrate the accomplishments of this inaugural class. Shryack will deliver remarks at 6 PM during the event.
