Join Side Rail


Side Rail Collective is an artist community built around shared space, independent practice, and interdisciplinary exchange. Our members include designers, painters, mixed-media artists, and craftspeople who value both focused studio time and the energy of a creative community.

There are two primary ways to join Side Rail: Become a Resident or Nomad Member by applying below.

Resident Studios

Available immediately, we have multiple private studios available for rent, ranging from 50 to 200 square feet, with monthly rates currently starting at $185/mo.

Resident artists are welcome to share these private spaces by renting with a friend or small group. Please apply for additional details.

Nomad Studio

Our shared Nomad Studio is available as an artist and community arts workspace, including access to shared tools & supplies. Members may book a table for yourself or a small group, or reserve the entire space for your workshop or other creative event.

View our various membership levels and details, below.

  • Our most affordable membership offers up to 10 hours in our shared workspace each month.

    $40/month

  • Utilize our shared art supplies, enjoy your own 12×12×12” storage cubby, plus receive discounts on our gallery hanging fees.

  • 24/7 access, 3 month commitment.

  • This membership level offers up to 20 hours in our shared workspace, or 4 hours use of the entire Nomad Studio for your workshop or creative event each month.

    $75/month

  • Utilize our shared art supplies, enjoy your own 12×12×12” storage cubby, plus your own wall space in our shared areas, and our hanging fees are waived when you participate in our shows. Lastly, you are welcome to be featured on the People page of our website.

  • 24/7 access, 3 month commitment. Hours may be pro-rated among the use of individual tables and the full Nomad studio. See FAQ below for details.

  • This membership level offers up to 40 hours in our shared workspace, or 8 hours use of the entire Nomad Studio for your workshop or creative event each month.

    $140/month

  • Utilize our shared art supplies, enjoy your own larger storage space, plus your own wall space in our shared areas, and our hanging fees are waived when you participate in our shows. Lastly, you are welcome to be featured on the People page of our website.

  • 24/7 access, 3 month commitment. Hours may be pro-rated among the use of individual tables and the full Nomad studio. See FAQ below for details.

Drop-In Sessions

from $15.00

Drop-in use of shared art studio - Member Host must be present, and Guest must agree to our rules and liability waiver.

Friends, join us for a Side Rail Session. Members, share Nomad Studio with a friend or small group.

No partial refunds. Unused time may be rolled over within each quarter; All time resets quarterly.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Collective Members share a number of things in common, namely 24/7 access to Side Rail Collective and our shared creative space, Nomad Studio. We are also a creative community who share a no-commission gallery, members’ events, Georgetown’s monthly Art Attack, and access to one another for creative support and connection. We host creative events for the public, and welcome members at Level 2 and above to host events of their own, whether private or open to the community. Members share no obligations beyond following the rules, though limited volunteer opportunities are available to help offset the costs of Membership.

  • If you enjoy creating alongside fellow creative people, then Side Rail Collective may be a good community for you. We offer a low-cost space and a no-cost gallery in which creative individuals and emerging artists can thrive.

    There are three key ways to take advantage of a Side Rail Membership. One, enjoy the shared space to pursue your own creative practice. Two, enjoy use of the entire Nomad Studio to host events. Three, participate in creative events at Side Rail, with access to Members’ events and discounts on many other events. Membership features, hours and rates vary by Level.

    Everyone is welcome to attend our public events, to visit the space and see whether Side Rail is a place you might enjoy. Ready to Apply? Reach out and a Member will be in touch.

  • Members at levels 2 and 3, as well as Resident members with their own studios, may reserve Nomad Studio for their own events. Your event may be private or open to the public, free or ticketed. You choose, and you handle coordination of promotion, payments, and all logistics.

    Members at Level 2 share 4 hours’ use of the entire Nomad Studio per month, and those at Level 3 share 8 hours’ use. These same members may reserve additional hours hosting events, by buying Add-On Credits for fee of $25/hour.

    Unused hours roll over each month, but reset quarterly. So for example, a Level 2 member can theoretically use the entire Nomad Studio for a 12-hour event once per quarter.

    Non-members may also rent our space. Please reach out with inquiries.

  • One membership hour equals use of one table in the nomad studio for one hour. Level 1 members may reserve one table up to 10 hours each month, and are welcome to bring a friend to share it. Level 2 & 3 members enjoy the additional benefit of converting their table hours into full use of the studio. Five table hour equals one full studio hour. So, L2 members may convert their 20 hours of individual table use into 4 hours use of the entire Nomad studio for their workshop or other creative event. L3 is similar, with 40 hours converting to 8. These hours can be pro-rated. Unused hours roll over each month, but reset quarterly.

  • Maybe! If the event is open to the public, then yes. We ask that all public events hosted by Members are either free or discounted for other Members of Side Rail.