Besides math - youth art focused exhibiton

This event brought together approximately 130 student artists (K–12), families, educators, and community leaders to celebrate the boundless imagination and creative potential of young people. Houston Mayor John Whitmire issued a congratulatory letter and proclaimed November 1 as.. Pn

Organized by the Asian American Art & Culture Initiative (AAACI), the Besides Math Youth Art Exhibition held its grand and successful opening and awards ceremony on November 1, 2025, from 2:00–4:00 PM at the Houston Central Library (500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77002). All artworks will remain on display from November 1, 2025 through January 20, 2026.

This event brought together approximately 130 student artists (K–12), families, educators, and community leaders to celebrate the boundless imagination and creative potential of young people. Houston Mayor John Whitmire issued a congratulatory letter and proclaimed November 1 as "Besides Math Day.” Fifteen students received Special Recognition Certificates from the Mayor’s Office. U.S. Congressman Al Green, Texas State Representative Gene Wu, and Sugar Land Mayor Carol McCutcheon also issued letters of recognition for the exhibition Distinguished guests included representatives from the Houston Public Library Foundation, Houston Public Library, Houston Arts Alliance, Houston Multicultural Advocacy Coalition, United Chinese Americans, as well as multiple community partners and sponsors. The ceremony was hosted by Texas Teen Princess of America, Daisy Liu. Co-chairs June Xu and Eileen Huang delivered remarks. Ada Wang, Houston Public Library Foundation board member specially appointed by the Mayor, also addressed the audience. Former Rice University First Lady, Y. Ping Sun, delivered an inspiring speech, highlighting the “three Ps”—Passion, Preparation, and Perseverance, which deeply resonated with students and guests.

From nearly 100 submissions, over 40 outstanding works were selected for exhibition, spanning painting, crafts, photography, and creative media. Besides Math encourages youth to express their voices and creativity through art beyond their academic pursuits, reflecting AAACI’s mission to preserve underrepresented stories and empower the next generation through art, history, and education.

The exhibited works showcased each student’s individuality, imagination, and personal stories. For many young participants, being selected for the exhibition is a tremendous accomplishment—an honor that recognizes their effort, creativity, and courage in exploring art.

The Asian American Art & Culture Initiative (AAACI) is a Houston-based nonprofit dedicated to preserving untold Asian American stories through art, oral history, and education. Its dual mission is to honor the past through creative research and to empower the next generation to shape their own narratives. Through exhibitions such as Roots Unveiled (held earlier this year in Austin) and Besides Math, AAACI creates an inclusive space where creativity, cultural heritage, and learning come together, inspiring cross-community dialogue and understanding.

Additionally, AAACI plans to present a video art exhibition at the Houston Public Library in May during AAPI Heritage Month, showcasing the stories of some of the earliest Chinese immigrants in Texas. Stay tuned for more information.