Arte Haus Studios: Redefining Art Accessibility in Chicago and Beyond

Arte Haus Studios: Democratizing Art and Building Creative Community

In the vibrant landscape of Chicago's art scene, a relatively new but influential force has emerged with a mission that challenges traditional gatekeeping in the art world. Arte Haus Studios, founded in 2021 by entrepreneur and art collector Kendall Hurns, represents a fresh approach to art curation, artist management, and community building that prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity over exclusivity.

The Vision Behind Arte Haus

Arte Haus Studios embodies a core mission that is both simple and revolutionary: to make the once-inaccessible realms of art accessible to all. At the heart of their efforts lies the belief that what makes a 'haus' a 'home' is the vibrant and inclusive community it fosters. This philosophy permeates every aspect of their operations, from the artists they represent to the exhibitions they curate.

The collective is built on four foundational pillars: exposure and accessibility, collaboration, community building, and education. These principles guide their diverse approach, which encompasses exhibitions, talks, activations, artist resources, innovative artist collaborations, comprehensive artist management services, and art consultancy—all within an environment where creativity knows no bounds.

Meet Kendall Hurns: The Multi-Hyphenate Behind the Movement

Kendall Hurns brings a unique perspective to the art world, having successfully navigated multiple industries before founding Arte Haus. As a Chicago native, Hurns is a multi-hyphenate culture converter who has his finger on the pulse of various arenas within entrepreneurship, fashion, sports and the art/design space.

Hurns embarked on his remarkable "journey of hustle" immediately after high school. While his plan was to pursue a degree in Business Management, he seized a unique opportunity and entered the world of sports management after a close friend was drafted into the NBA. His networking skills, strategic direction, and insight helped propel him and four-time NBA champion Andre Iguodala of the Golden State Warriors towards unprecedented success.

Driven by his own creative passions, Hurns ventured into fashion, launching his lifestyle apparel brand, Robotic Minds Concepts. With A-List celebrities such as Jay-Z, LeBron James, Wiz Khalifa, and Teyana Taylor among its supporters, Robotic Minds became a beacon of inspiration and proved Hurns' ability to bridge different cultural spheres.

This diverse background in sports management, fashion, and entrepreneurship uniquely positioned Hurns to understand the challenges artists face in building sustainable careers and gaining proper representation in the art world.

A Roster of Diverse Artistic Talent

Arte Haus Studios represents and collaborates with a compelling roster of artists who reflect the diversity and creativity that the collective champions. Among their featured artists are Paul Shelton, better known by his artistic moniker McFlyy, a visual artist, graphic, and fashion designer whose eclectic style has propelled him to the forefront of contemporary art and fashion.

Eddie Santana White, known as "Edo," is a self-taught multidisciplinary artist and entrepreneur born and raised on the South Side of Chicago. Raspy Rivera, a Puerto Rican artist and actress from Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood, is known for her abstract signature faces that encourage everyone to embrace their authenticity and celebrate their imperfections.

The collective also represents Jess Owens-Young, a self-taught multidisciplinary artist whose work explores the rich and varied experiences of Black individuals in America, and Christina Gray, a Chicago native and culinary force known for her bold personality, sharp wit, and signature style.

Beyond these core artists, Arte Haus has collaborated with notable figures including Hebru Brantley, Mia Lee, B. Robert Moore, Antwoine Washington, Esteban Whiteside, Bianca Walker, and many others, showcasing the breadth of talent within their network.

Exhibitions and Cultural Impact

Arte Haus Studios has made significant contributions to the art world through thoughtfully curated exhibitions and cultural experiences. One notable example is their "Create, Destroy, Rebuild" exhibition, which featured work from artists including Hebru Brantley, Mia Lee, B. Robert Moore, Antwoine Washington, Esteban Whiteside, Bianca Walker, Delisha McKinney, A.J. Ainscough, Courtney Collins, and Be Nevado.

The exhibition's overarching narrative explored how the "Create, Destroy, Rebuild" approach can be applied to daily life, with Hurns noting that "none of them started their pieces and had it right the first time," emphasizing that "countless hours" were required to get each piece to its final form. This philosophy reflects the collective's understanding that great art—and great businesses—often require multiple iterations and continuous refinement.

Arte Haus has also established a presence at major art events, including Art Basel, and has organized experiences in markets beyond Chicago, including Miami, demonstrating their growing influence and reach in the contemporary art world.

Building Bridges Between Industries

What sets Arte Haus Studios apart is Hurns' ability to leverage his connections across sports, fashion, and entertainment to create opportunities for the artists he represents. His experience working with NBA players, fashion brands, and major corporations like McDonald's, Kith, and Foot Locker provides unique pathways for artist collaborations that might not exist through traditional art world channels.

This cross-industry approach has resulted in innovative partnerships and projects that expand the reach and commercial viability of contemporary art, helping artists build sustainable careers while maintaining their creative integrity.

Community-Centered Approach

At its core, Arte Haus Studios operates with a community-first mentality. Their virtual doors are perpetually open to everyone—whether you're an established or emerging artist seeking support, an art enthusiast or collector in search of inspiration, or simply someone with a curiosity for the arts.

This inclusive approach extends beyond just welcoming people into their space; it involves actively working to break down barriers that have historically excluded people from art collecting, appreciation, and creation. By focusing on education and accessibility, Arte Haus is working to democratize art in meaningful ways.

The Future of Art Accessibility

Arte Haus Studios represents a new model for how art collectives and management companies can operate in the 21st century. By combining traditional artist representation with community building, education, and cross-industry collaboration, they're creating pathways for artists that didn't exist in previous generations.

Their success in just a few short years since their 2021 founding demonstrates the demand for more inclusive, accessible approaches to art. As they continue to grow and evolve, Arte Haus Studios serves as an example of how entrepreneurial thinking and genuine community focus can transform traditional industries.

For uristocrats interested in art collection, supporting emerging talent, or understanding new models of creative entrepreneurship, Arte Haus Studios offers valuable insights into the future of the art world—one where accessibility, community, and collaboration take precedence over exclusivity and gatekeeping.

In an industry that has long been criticized for its insularity and elitism, Arte Haus Studios is proving that success can come from opening doors rather than keeping them closed. Their model suggests that the future of art lies not in maintaining artificial scarcity, but in building genuine communities around creativity, expression, and shared appreciation for artistic excellence.