Allison Retina Stewart is a Houston-based Art Director, educator, and nonprofit founder dedicated to shaping meaningful stories through art, wellness, and community. As Artistic Director at the Anderson Center for the Arts, she leads innovative residency programs, exhibitions, and cultural events that spotlight diverse voices. She is also the founder of Free Juice Inc., a nonprofit supporting emerging BIPOC photographers. With a background in directing campaigns for global brands and mentoring the next generation of creatives, Allison continues to build spaces that inspire connection, creativity, and intentionality.
Connect
Hi@AllisonRetina.com
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2025 Harris County Education Dept. Art & Writing Awards
2024-2025 β Photolucida Critical Mass Top 50 Jury
2022-2024 β Diversify Photo Portfolio Review
2024 β ICP Portfolio Review
2024 β Shoot the Shit Photo Crit, presented by Flats Camera
2024 β The Meeting Place Portfolio Review, Fotofest
2023 β Photolucida Critical Mass Jury
2022-2024 β Parsons School of Design BFA Photo Portfolio Review
2022 β Free Juice Mentorship Day Party
2022 β APA SD Untitled Exhibition
2022 β ICP Portfolio Review
2022 β NYC FotoWorks
2022 β Women Photograph Grant Jury
2021 β Diversify Photo Membership
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2024 β Copyright Alliance Creator Spotlight
2022 β The Luupe
2022 β BuzzFeed2022 β This Week in Photo
2022 β Format Magazine
2022 β Format Magazine
2022 β Authority Magazine
2017 β The Lark
2016 β Tribe City Festival
2015 β ACurator
2015 β Afropunk
2015 β Parsons School of Design -
2023 β Lecturer: Best Practices for Choosing Photos for Digital Experiences, California College of the Arts
2023 β "POST Work: Learning with Allison Retina Stewart" Panelist, presented by POST HTX
2021 β "Culture & Cause: Highlighting Women in Photography," Panel moderator, presented by MOPA & APA San Diego
2021 β "Black Women Photographer's Mentorship Program," Mentor, presented by West Elm
2019 β "Brunch & Black Excellence," Panelist, presented by Kean University NCNW
2019 β βWhere TF Do We Startβ, Panel Moderator, presented by Free Juice & SBGM
Education
Parsons School of Design, B.F.A, Photography (2015) Honors
Curatorial
2025βCrosby ISD District Art Show
2023-2025βFree Juice, Inc presents: Free Juice University Graduation Exhibition in partnership with MARG (POST HTX)
Volunteer
2020 β Urban Peace Institute
2017 - 2019 β NBA Cares