Feature image: Subset, Greg Edmondson & Lisa Bergant Koi, April 2023.
By April Behnke
Tucked away in a small garage, deep in Chicago’s western suburbs, is one of the region’s hidden contemporary art gems: Studio Break. I recently spoke with David Linneweh, the artist who runs it all.
While Studio Break is also a gallery, it began in 2011 as a podcast dedicated to fostering an artist community. As Linneweh explains, “Our interviews provide an in-depth look into an artist’s studio practice, extending beyond the boundaries of the gallery.”
Podcasting was a brand-new endeavor when Studio Break first launched. “It was in its infancy,” he jokes. Linneweh, who had recently earned his MFA at Southern Illinois University and completed several residencies, was inspired by the rich sense of community they offered.
“There were all these great conversations about art and life,” he shared. “While visiting my friend, artist John Reddington, I recorded our chat about his paintings and studio practice on a whim. Working in the studio can be an isolating experience. I thought maybe someone would appreciate the conversation.” The podcast was born. Today, it holds an impressive archive of over 300 recordings.
Studio Break highlights artists across a wide spectrum of experience. Emerging artists are regularly featured through its juried and open call programming, bringing a (usually) younger voice to the table. But established artists are showcased too. It’s always expanding. “Like a mix tape from the 90s, I often find out about new artists through our growing community,” he says.
The gallery and the podcast strengthen each other. “I’ve been doing the podcast for 15 years, and that comes across in how the gallery and podcast work in tandem,” he explains.
Linneweh launched the gallery in 2021, turning his garage into a refined space to host exhibitions. It’s located in West Chicago, far from downtown, but that has its perks. “Because we’re located in the suburbs, we’re a destination rather than one stop on a gallery hop,” he says.
Studio Break Gallery holds its place in a long tradition of alternative spaces in Chicagoland. Linneweh views that as an honor. But he doesn’t limit the roster to highlighting artists in the region alone. “My goal has been to bring in great artists to show here,” he says. “It’s been amazing to have national artists flying in to be a part of it.”
Community, for Linneweh, underlies it all. “Art for art’s sake is important. Building meaningful connections, not just looking for opportunities, has shifted the paths of many of those who make it out for a show. It’s been fantastic to have artists and friends out to see some great work, then sit by the fire, talk, and look up at the stars.”
To learn more about David Linneweh, Studio Break Gallery, and the Studio Break Podcast, visit davidlinneweh.com.
April Behnke is a Chicago-based painter and writer whose artistic practice centers on the building and breaking of patterns. She received her MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2011 and her BFA from Cornell University in 2006. Behnke has exhibited nationally and internationally, including at the Rockford Art Museum and the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts. Though born in Boston, Behnke has roots in the Midwest and a passion for exploring the region’s art scene.