AUSTIN GARDNER
Currently lives and works in Chicago, IL
Artistic Intentions
I am a multidisciplinary creative, curator, and educator producing static and interactive art experiences for audiences. I believe the intersection of a curatorial, educational, and artistic lens is important for creating art experiences that inspire people to dream. With my background in education, I see creative practice as a conduit for learning and seek to challenge audiences to think when they engage with my artwork, exhibitions, and programs. My curatorial and artistic interests span physical exhibitions, videos, performances, sonic landscapes, creative writing, digital art, workshops, and more. I am particularly interested in exploring worldbuilding, joy and pleasure practices, and identity formation through my creative work.
Education
Expected 2025 MSEd in Learning Sciences, Northwestern University School of Education and Social Policy, Evanston, IL
2023 Certificate in Museum Studies, Northwestern University School of Professional Studies, Chicago, IL
2020 BS in Education and Social Policy, Northwestern University, School of Education and Social Policy, Evanston, IL
Exhibitions
2022 Group Exhibition, Joy in Kink, MIR International Rubber Weekend, Chicago, IL, Co-Curator
2018 Group Exhibition, Documentary Filmmaking for Social Justice, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, Displaying Artist
Lectures, Presentations, and Workshops
2025 Worldbuilding and Kink, Austin Rubber Roundup, Austin TX, Feb 22nd
2024 Reflection as Art Practice: A Performance and Workshop, Comfort Station, Chicago, IL, May 11th
2024 Embodying Home Through Reflection and Collage, Northwestern University Latinx Studies, Evanston, IL, May 7th
2024 Creative Writing Through a Black Queer Lens, Evanston Township High School, Evanston, IL, Feb 7-8th
Performances
2024 Reflection as Art Practice: A Performance and Workshop, Comfort Station, Chicago IL
2024 Who Will I Be, Ravens Room, Chicago, IL
2024 Cage Fight, Charlies Chicago, Chicago, IL
2023 Snow Stories, Charlies Chicago, Chicago, IL
2022 Juneteenth: Black Queer Futures, Comfort Station, Chicago, IL
2020 Friday Night Mass, B. Burlesque Blossoming and Blazing, Evanston, IL
2019 My Black Joy, Northwestern University Art Theory and Practice, Evanston, IL
Grants
2021 Jordan Schnitzer Black Lives Matter Artist Grant, Portland, OR
Relevant Experience
2022 - 2024 Art Exhibit Co-Curator, MIR International Rubber Weekend, Chicago IL
2019 Performance and Public Practice Intern, Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, IL