Austin Neal Center was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee.  From his early childhood, Austin has developed a keen interest in art. From painting and ceramics in Mrs. Philips art class or woodworking class with Mr. Lowe, to his most recent paintings and sculpture, Center’s love of art has only grown with time.  Throughout his artistic development, Austin has studied with several renowned artists and craftsman such as George Gabb, woodcarver from Belize, and ceramicist Sinclair Ashley. These artists were major influences in leading Austin to study painting, sculpture, ceramics, and art history in Florence, Italy under the tutelage of artist Jules Maidoff.  It is in Florence that Austin first learned how to make handmade paints, which he uses often in his artwork. During his time in Italy, Austin fell in love with ceramics, Terra Cotta, Majolica and glazing techniques, which led him to create many pieces including a series of raku firings in Tuscany, and which continues to inspire him to push the boundaries of ceramic sculpture.  After graduating from the College of Charleston, Austin moved to New York City, where in addition to creating his own artwork in a studio in Soho, he taught painting, ceramics, drawing, and sculpture at the Children’s Museum of the Arts for six years.  Austin’s work has been exhibited Nationally and Internationally.  His work can be found in many private collections, and is currently represented at Gallery 1401 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Austin is also the Public Art Collection Specialist for the City of Chattanooga. Austin has served on the Board of the Association of Visual Arts, where he chaired the Programs committee which oversees the 4 Bridges Art Festival and has recently served as juror of the 2023 4 Bridges Art Festival.  Austin is also the founder of the Young professional group Avant-art at the Hunter Museum where he founded Hunter Underground an annual fundraiser engaging new demographics for the museum.  Austin has served as chair of Spectrum, the annual fundraiser at the Hunter Museum, and on the Public Art Commission of the City of Chattanooga. Additionally, Austin has service on the advisory board of The Children’s Rights Institute as an advocate for Children’s Rights throughout the world. Currently, Austin is serving on the ORT America National Board, World ORT International Cooperation Committee, World ORT Board of Governors, and Community Relation Chair for the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga.

He also has served in the past Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Bright School, the oldest Independent Elementary School in Tennessee, and Past Chair of the Board at the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga in Chattanooga.

Austin now resides in Chattanooga, Tennessee where he continues to develop his artistic talents.