Third City Studio, located at 5538 W. North Ave. in Austin’s West Side, opened its doors to “The After Hours Artists” exhibit, which runs through Nov. 21. The show highlights a growing collective of Chicago‑based creators who balance full‑time employment with their artistic practice.
Incubator for Creative Dreams
Curator Nathan Alston describes the exhibit as an incubator for artists who need a supportive community while holding day jobs. “Anyone with a dream about creating more art, this is a place for you to really nurture that part of yourself and share it with the people in our community,” Alston said.
Alston spent years in the arts before earning a business degree in 2020. He now works as a management consultant and uses his professional network to help fellow creators find accountability partners and quarterly meet‑ups. A TikTok callout in January generated more than 20 responses, leading to the formation of the After Hours Artists group, which now counts 15 members.
Artists Share Their Balancing Act
Logan Square visual artist Caroline Suttlehan, who also works as a consultant, explained the ongoing struggle to balance work and art. “Anyone who has any drive to make art knows it takes energy,” she said. Suttlehan now treats her art as a seasonal pursuit, devoting more free time to social activities in warmer months and focusing on creative projects during winter.
Her current project explores stacked cubes drawn on a chalkboard, a study of form that has occupied her for several years.
Hyde Park ceramicist Luke Dyer, a former university career advisor, described art as a vital outlet for “surviving adulthood.” His three‑piece ceramic series, “Body of Work,” portrays his fingers, sternum and face, symbols he says have helped him build confidence.
Queer‑Friendly Community Emphasis
Most members of the collective identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Alston emphasized that the group’s queer‑friendly ethos reflects an “eccentric lifestyle” where artists support one another while pursuing their passions. “We are trying to be intentional about showing up for ourselves, even when it’s maybe abnormal,” he said.
North Austin Arts District Development
The exhibit is part of a broader effort to revitalize the 5500 block of West North Avenue. Third City Studio, a nearby floral studio and a soon‑to‑open café are the first components of the planned North Austin Arts District, a mixed‑use redevelopment aimed at fostering a vibrant cultural hub.
Visitors can explore the gallery, purchase artwork, and learn more about the After Hours Artists on the studio’s website.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
