The Art-Adjacent Career: Leading Beyond the Studio with Jocelyn Mathewes

While many artists dream of making a living solely from their studio practice, an art-adjacent career can be just as rewarding and often more sustainable. Roles in operations, marketing, teaching, film production, or community leadership allow artists to leverage their creative skills while supporting themselves financially. These paths not only provide stability, but also keep artists connected to the larger creative ecosystem, offering opportunities to collaborate, network, and influence culture in ways that extend far beyond the studio.

In this month’s Featured Artist Series, Jocelyn Mathewes shares how her own journey reflects this balance. By collaborating with Create Appalachia, leading as the Chair of Johnson City Public Art, and working as an Operations and Marketing Specialist, she shows us how reciprocity, leadership, and the art of gathering can shape a career that is both meaningful and impactful. She shows us that the value of art doesn’t have to live only in the studio, but can thrive wherever creativity is put to work.