Crowdfunding to be the first Co-working space for Artists of Color in Chicago!

The story for The Studio Gallery begins with searching for studio space in Chicago as a Black independent non-binary artist. Either the spaces were too small, too expensive, or too far. Due to this, I converted my patio to a part-time studio, yet it still wasn't very functional. As I met other artists of color I noticed this as a trend. So, I began to ask: Why are artists of color struggling to find affordable studio space? Why are studios not more collaborative with independent artists? Searching for and securing studio space can be time-consuming, expensive, and downright inaccessible without capital.

Our solution is simple:  a co-working space that BIPOC artists can rent out monthly or quarterly to work on their projects independent from their personal/home space. This studio is a multifaceted space allowing residents to showcase and sell their work as well. With this, The Studio Gallery aims to address the issue of access and capital. 

CONVENIENCE

We are planning to be located in the heart of Noble Square right off the blue line. This will allow for easy access from across the city for Residents, artists, and the community to visit us. 

RESIDENCIES

We offer monthly and quarterly residencies for artists of color to create in the studio 24/7 during their time with us. They will be able to leave and lock up their equipment, which means no more lugging your items across the city on public transport every time they'd like to shoot or create.

GALLERY 

Not only does the studio offer space for residents and artists who want to rent out the studio, but there will also be a small gallery space with two storefronts to showcase our community artists' work on a rotating basis. They can create and sell their products in the same space!  

OUR MISSION, VISION, AND VALUE

The Studio Gallery is about more than studio space. We will provide equipment, strobes, softboxes,  and materials for various types of artistry to bring in BIPOC artists from all works. From our cyclorama and moveable wall to a sewing machine and printer. We plan to have it all. A one-stop-shop for the residents. We want artists to leave empowered and refreshed. 

EMPOWERING BIPOC ARTISTS TO GET THEIR WORK OUT THERE: We believe BIPOC artists just need some space to grow and being surrounded by other artists helps with creativity.

CHALLENGING THE TRADITIONAL: We are not your typical co-working space. We are here to get messy and make art. We encourage the residents and artists to use the space to create their dreams.

OFFERING AFFORDABLE RENTALS: With rent costs rising the average artist's studio cost to rent in Chicago is equivalent to that of renting an apartment. In addition, the average BIPOC artist makes 35% less than their white counterparts. Leaving artists of color who want to grow their business left without many options for space. This studio will provide affordable residences and rental rates for the community.

CREATING A COMMUNITY SPACE: We are here to create space for the community with meet and greets, gallery showings, and events. We are artist-centered. 

THE BEGINNING

As a photographer, three details are the most important principles in my work and career: flowers, queerness, and Blackness. Before I was a photographer, I ventured into international education, pursuing a MA in Educational Leadership and becoming a study abroad advisor. Overwhelmed with the educational system and working as a Black queer advisor for primarily Black and brown students. I reached the road of burnout. Now without insurance and resources for my chronic conditions, I spiraled into a depressive episode. 

Then one sunny day the song Havana by Camilo Cabello played, dancing me into a  dress overflowing with flowers. I placed the tripod in the middle of the plant room, the iPhone, repurposed on the stand snapping pics as the dress carried me around the room. These are the three photos you see above. Self-portraits ignited a passion in me, to show the depth and vastness of my Black femme non-binary queerness.

It has since expanded to photographing the QTBIPOC community, and our transitions in bloom. My self directed projects and art explores the intersection between Black queerness and flowers. We bloom and we have seasons and we are lush. We deserve to surround by opulence. 

Last fall I began taking clients for my photography business, Tonal's Corner. Now, after working with 30+ people and three self-directed projects, I help others see define themselves through portrait photography. Creating designs and prop sourcing with businesses/individuals has been one of my favorite parts of the set design process, which is why I am seeking studio space for my business. To be able to have space to create and be surrounded by other artists.

By day, I am a grant manager and have been working with expanding portfolios and projects over the past eight years. As a professional with management experience, I am uniquely qualified to lead The Studio Gallery by bringing branding, photography, and marketing experience. I am also my own customer and understand the struggle to find affordable and adequate space for my art endeavors. While working in a different industry I hope to transition to becoming an artist full-time over the next three years. Opening this studio will be the first step! Check out more of my work here: Tonal's Corner

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^REWARDS!!

NEWSLETTER SHOUT OUT! Get a shout-out in our newsletter and our socials!

ART FROM AN ARTIST :) You will receive a screensaver that can be used for your phone, tablet, or computer from a local Chicago-based artist.

WEBSITE SHOUT-OUT! Get a spot on our website as an official sponsor of our community work. Show Chicago that you support us!

COACHING SESSION FOR ARTISTS, Want help starting your business? Well, let's sit down for 30-60 minutes to talk about your dreams and make a plan, together.

COACHING SESSION FOR BUSINESSES, need help with diversity and inclusion in your media or marketing? Let's chat about your current strategy and discuss one step you can take today to diversify your portfolio. 

Thank you so much for helping the Studio Gallery secure our physical space. We look forward to creating with our community!