In today’s episode, we shine a spotlight on Linc Thelen, a Chicago-based artist who plays a key role in Arthouse, an unscripted home design television show produced by Crewest Studio and supported by the nonprofit Arterial, NOT REAL ART’s fiscal sponsor. Arthouse aims to bridge the gap between talented artists and everyday people, redefining how art is experienced in personal spaces. With a mission to democratize art, Arthouse empowers viewers to curate authentic artwork that aligns with their tastes without straining their budgets. The show's concept centers on eliminating intimidation in art collecting, providing local artists with a platform to showcase their work directly to buyers.
To support this vision, Arthouse is launching a crowdfunding campaign to raise $150,000 to produce a full-length pilot episode. Set in Chicago, the pilot will follow an individual or family as they explore local art scenes, visit artist studios, and make informed purchasing decisions with the help of host Carmen Acosta. The campaign, running from June 10 to July 25, 2025, on Indiegogo, offers a unique opportunity for art lovers to contribute to a project that aims to transform the way we perceive and appreciate art in our daily lives.
As the featured artist in the Arthouse sizzle reel, filmed in Chicago last year, Linc brings a unique perspective on how this groundbreaking initiative is reshaping the relationship between artists and the public. With a mission to connect real people with authentic art, Arthouse aims to eliminate the barriers that often separate original artwork from everyday life.
Linc also shares his artistic evolution, discussing the challenges he has faced while navigating the contemporary art scene. His involvement with Arthouse reflects his deep commitment to making art accessible to everyone, not just art collectors and gallery-goers. Throughout our conversation, Linc emphasizes the importance of fostering emotional connections through art, reminding us that the true value of a piece lies in its ability to resonate with individuals on a personal level. Listen to our conversation with Linc Thelen on the player above, or support Arthouse here.
Quotes From This Episode
“You want to keep on recreating yourself and not creating the same type of work. You want to keep living. And so you got to keep exploring.” — Linc Thelen [12:19]
“In my view, the kind of existing art gallery model is just one business model that unfortunately doesn't really serve 99 percent of artists out there. There's this huge number of artists, hundreds of thousands of artists in America that need support in terms of getting their stories out there, promoting their work.” — Scott “Sourdough” Power [17:39]
“Arthouse, at its core, is about real people meeting real artists to buy real art without breaking the bank. And so when I got the idea, I started talking to some people and they really resonated with it.” — Scott “Sourdough” Power [17:39]
“It is good to be able to share the techniques and spend time in the studio and have homeowners come in there that probably would have never had a chance to come to the studio or wouldn't know who to call.” — Linc Thelen [22:50]
“Arthouse benefits both the art-goer, the collector, and the artist because you're bringing attention to the arts, you're bringing attention to the process. Someone watching the show will be like, ‘You know what? I've always wanted a piece in my room.’ It opens up the doors to these homeowners to be able not to be so intimidated when talking about art instead of saying, ‘Oh, I don't know anything about art.'” — Linc Thelen [38:28]
Links Mentioned in This Episode
About Linc Thelen
Linc Thelen is an award-winning artist known for his innovative interpretations of the circle motif. With a BFA in painting from Northern Illinois University, he further honed his skills by studying the chiaroscuro techniques of Renaissance Masters in Italy and France. For over two decades, Linc has fused classical painting principles—composition, texture, form, and light—with a modern perspective, resulting in captivating works that resonate emotionally.
His latest series, Traverse, explores the intersections of lines, utilizing light, texture, and color to evoke the fluidity of life and reflect the complexities of human relationships. Linc views the circle as a metaphor for personal growth and evolution, allowing him to express himself in dynamic ways. His work has been featured in prestigious media outlets, including Architectural Digest, Luxe Interiors + Design, and HGTV, and is sought after in both private and public collections.
These show notes have been edited for length and clarity. All images published with permission of the artist(s); featured graphic: David Schwartz.