AUSTIN GARDNER
Currently lives and works in Chicago, IL
Artistic, Curatorial, & Educational Intentions
As a multidisciplinary artist, curator, and educator, I believe the intersection of these three lenses is important in creating art experiences and learning environments that inspire people to dream. My curatorial and artistic mediums span physical exhibitions, videos, performances, instillations, sonic landscapes, creative writing, photography, digital art, and more. I am particularly interested in exploring worldbuilding, joy and pleasure practices, and identity formation through my work. With my background in education, I then apply learning theory to create workshops, presentations, and interactive making opportunities where learners are supported in their exploration of the ideas in my artwork and curated shows.
Education
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 Guest Lecture “Analysis and Performance of Text,” Northwestern University Performance Studies, Evanston, IL, May 7th
2025 Worldbuilding and Kink Workshop, Austin Rubber Roundup, Austin, TX, Feb 22nd
2024 Reflection as Art Practice: A Performance and Workshop, Comfort Station, Chicago, IL, May 11th
2024 Guest Lecture “Embodying Home Through Reflection and Collage - a Presentation and Workshop,” 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 Magnus (10-week Performance Series), Charlie’s Chicago, Chicago, IL
2023 Snow Stories, Charlie’s 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
2025-26 Intuit Art Museum Teacher Fellow, Chicago, IL
2022 - 2024 Art Exhibit Co-Curator, MIR International Rubber Weekend, Chicago IL
2019 Performance and Public Practice Intern, Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, IL