It started with an affirmation.

“I just went out into the world like, ‘I’m an artist,’” Lindsey Acree said.

What You Need To Know

  • Lindsey Acree grew up obsessed with art, but didn't believe it was something she could pursue full time as a career. Now, she's working to make sure that others have the necessary support to know they can pursue this path

  • Eleventh Hour provides free studio space and arts supplies so that artists can come and work on their pieces without the usual costs. It also provides camaraderie between these individuals as they pursue their passions

  • Acree feels incredibly blessed by the neighborhood's reaction to her gallery. They have welcomed the artists with open arms and become some of their biggest supporters

And the Eleventh Hour, a fresh take on what an art gallery could be, was born in Brooklyn Heights.

“That’s why it’s Eleventh Hour, it’s the last possible time before it’s too late,” Acree explained.

Lindsey Acree first discovered her passion for art as a child, but as she grew up she turned instead to what was considered a more “lucrative” path.

Now with her new space, Acree is hoping to change the narrative about following your passion.

“I wanted to create a space where people found a home and where young people could understand that it is possible to do this as a career and that people believe in them,” Acree said.

Eleventh Hour invites young artists to not only display their work, but it’s also a place for them to create with all the necessary tools at no cost.

“It’s really expensive to be an artist,” artist Jillian MacDougall. “So we have the space here and we have some help with the supplies and then we have a support system, which I also think is insanely important.”

Starting with Carter, and then Sophie and Jillian, a community of nine artists began calling this studio space their own. For Acree, the neighborhood’s reaction to the gallery has been incredible.

“Everyone has been so supportive of us in this neighborhood and that’s the most wonderful part about this place, I think people feel really comfortable. It really kind of feels like a home,” she said.

Across the bathroom wall hang polaroids of the locals who pop in. They often turn out to be the greatest supporters for the young artists.

“There’s something about this space. It’s just magic and it attracts magical people,” Acree said.

The message is clear: art is accessible and open to everyone.

“Once you take that intimidation or that pretentiousness out of the art world, then people will open up to it. It’s connectivity. It’s beauty, and pain, and sadness, and all of it. And it makes us understand each other.”

Acree hopes to further open Eleventh Hour to the neighborhood by offering free art classes. She hopes her determination to change the narrative will inspire future generations of artists.

For unlocking a world of creativity, Lindsey Acree is our New Yorker of the Week.