In 2016, Nathan Madrid and Katie Murray co-founded Art Room as a creative, curatorial team that sought contemporary art to engage the Fort Worth, TX community.
As MFA and MA students at Texas Woman’s University, Nathan and Katie frequently discussed creating a space for contemporary art to showcase a diverse culture of local, regional, and national emerging and mid-career artists in a variety of media. Founded on the principles of open-thinking and creating, Art Room gained its name from the experience of having a space to create, discuss, and experience art. In its inception, Art Room collaborated with reputable art dealers, businesses, and non-profit organizations to provide accessible spaces to exhibit culturally relevant and thought-provoking fine art. Deedra Baker joined the team during Art Room’s TWO exhibition. Deedra also received her MFA from TWU and had known Nathan and Katie for several years.
As the three artists started working together to enhance the cultural environment in Fort Worth, they frequently talked about more possibilities for impact in the community through education and extended resources for youth and adult makers. Art Room as a 501(c)(3) non-profit was officially brought to fruition in October 2018, to make room for art in the lives of multi-generational makers in the Fort Worth community through education, inspiration, and support.
