“We have really dramatic walls and high ceilings, so we want the art to stand out,” says Nishal Patel, pointing to a large space above the bed she shares with her husband, Nish, in their recently renovated Chicago condo. With their baby arriving in just three weeks, the couple's spacious home is smooth, spackled, and baby-proofed—but still feels bare. Acquiring original artwork is the final touch in their renovation, and they're eager to find pieces from local artists that reflect the ambience of their home and infuse it with life. “We want everything completed before the baby arrives,” Nishal explains to Scott “Sourdough” Power, creator and executive producer of Arthouse, an innovative home design TV series that connects everyday art lovers with local artists in their homes and studios.
Last year, the Arthouse production team flew to Chicago to film the show’s first pitch reel and assist the Patels in finding artwork that matched their personalities, preferences, budget, and physical space. Now, following that success, Arthouse aims to raise $150,000 through a crowdfunding campaign to produce a full-length pilot. The 30-minute episode, set to film in Chicago following a successful campaign, will showcase the series' unique concept of connecting buyers directly with local professional artists, eliminating the intimidation factor and high price tags associated with galleries and art collecting. Launched on June 10, the Arthouse pilot fundraiser runs through July 25, 2025, on Indiegogo.
Scott “Sourdough” Power, the visionary behind Arthouse and its fiscal sponsor, the nonprofit arts media platform Arterial, has always sought novel ways to promote artists and make art more accessible. "The reality TV format allows us to create engaging, emotional connections between artists, buyers, and viewers at home," says the NOT REAL ART founder. "We're not just selling art; we're telling stories about creativity, passion, and the human desire to surround ourselves with beauty and meaning."
Inside ‘Arthouse’
Each episode of Arthouse will feature an individual or family with different budgets as they explore local art scenes, visit artist studios, and make informed decisions that reflect their personal taste and financial means. After visiting three studios, the Patels chose an abstract painting by award-winning Chicago artist Linc Thelen to hang in their bedroom. The piece’s breezy color palette and “ever-evolving circle motif” energize and enliven the couple’s light-drenched condo like a breath of crisp, cool air.
Finding the perfect work for the Patels didn’t happen by accident. The team behind Arthouse includes industry professionals such as Carmen Acosta, also known as Jane Dope, an LA-based artist and curator who is slated to host the series. In her role, Carmen will guide participants and audiences through the process of meeting artists in their studios and communities, helping new collectors understand the experience of acquiring original art. Not your typical curator, Carmen brings a working artist’s perspective to the series: “In all the shows I've curated, the artists have always been at the forefront, and my role has been to highlight their work in the best possible light. My goal is to help viewers appreciate art and equip them with the tools they need to confidently choose pieces that resonate with them and enhance their homes.”
Behind the scenes, the Arthouse production team brings a wealth of experience in producing and directing acclaimed reality, documentary, and arts-focused television. With a legacy spanning hundreds of episodes on major networks and streaming platforms, including NBC, HGTV, Netflix, MTV, ABC, and BBC, the team comprises Director Laura Patterson, Showrunner Stacy Schneider, Director of Photography Brian Hajik, and Producers Wendi Mirabella, Hans Fjellestad, and Dana Cook.
The ‘Arthouse’ Fundraiser: Getting Involved
The mission of Arthouse is straightforward: to make original art accessible and to showcase talented artists from around the country. Achieving this goal will require support—both financial and otherwise—from the arts community and individuals who want to see local arts economies thrive. There are various exciting perks available for those who contribute toward the $150,000 goal. For just $25, you can snag an official Arthouse show poster. If you bump that up to $30, you’ll get access to a curated music playlist. A donation of $50 not only comes with a stylish tote bag but also gives you the chance to nominate an artist, city, or community for future episodes.
For those looking to make a bigger impact, there are even more exclusive rewards. A $150 contribution nets you an original art print, while a $500 donation lets you get an early sneak peek at the pilot episode. If you’re after something truly unique, a $2,500 gift includes a private piano performance by Steinway artist Ric'key Pageot. And for the serious art aficionados, you can get a custom portrait from Los Angeles artist Man One for $5,000. Higher-tier donations also come with special opportunities, such as an Associate Producer credit for $10,000 or an Executive Producer credit, along with an invitation to a wrap party for $25,000.
“Now is the perfect time to support the arts,” says Carmen, “and the Arthouse crowdfunding campaign offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact. We need a larger voice that can resonate across the nation, presenting art in a way that feels approachable and relatable. By donating to this fundraiser, you’re supporting the show and making a difference for creatives everywhere. It's a chance to change how we view and appreciate art in our lives.”
Funds raised will be allocated toward essential production costs, including professional equipment, artist compensation, location filming, post-production, and marketing. Plus, thanks to their partnership with Arterial, a 501(c)(3) organization, donors will also benefit from tax-deductible contributions.
The Future of Accessible Art
Long before the concept of Arthouse emerged, its creator, Scott “Sourdough” Power, co-founded Crewest Studio—an independent media platform and creative production agency dedicated to promoting creative culture. Over the years, Crewest has expanded its offerings to include a network of podcasts, an award-winning memoir, the smARTalks conference, and now, Arthouse. With financial support from Arterial, the series is poised to become a cornerstone of Crewest’s programming and a shining example of the future of accessible art.
As an independently produced show, Arthouse represents a growing movement of creators developing authentic content outside the traditional studio system. In today's media landscape, independent financing through crowdfunding has become vital for bringing fresh, innovative concepts to audiences without compromising creative vision. By directly engaging with supporters, independent productions like Arthouse can maintain artistic integrity while creating content that genuinely reflects diverse perspectives and needs in the art community.
"We believe art is for everyone and should be accessible to all, not just wealthy collectors or industry insiders," Scott says, explaining the core philosophy behind all his projects. In particular, “Arthouse will empower viewers to see themselves as potential art buyers, supporting talented artists in their communities who are creating meaningful work at affordable prices."
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The Arthouse fundraiser runs through July 25, 2025, on IndieGoGo. Special thanks to Arterial and Fractured Atlas for their continued support.
This feature has been edited for length and clarity. All images published with permission of the artist(s); feature graphic: Carmen Acosta.