The Mission

Co-founders Christina Nafziger and Abel Sommers Braughton launched Middle Child Gallery in 2023 with the mission of supporting Midwestern artists through collaborative exhibitions and programming to showcase the diverse and expansive talent across the region.

The Midwest, like the middle child, is constantly overlooked; both are often defined by being overshadowed and existing only as the in-between. The middle child may not have all the attention, but they are often the strongest link, the connector, the facilitator. The middle child has something to prove. And so do we.

We understand place is a privilege and location is access. More than just the “heartland,” our culture is industrious, humble, and inclusive of so many different paths and identities. By building mutually beneficial partnerships with artists and organizations, we aim to form supportive networks for all and provide space for emerging work and experimental ideas.

The Model

Access, inclusivity, and sustainability for both the gallery and our community was top of mind when building our business model.

Operating as a consumers’ co-operative, our membership program gives those who opt-in a share of any profit we make. Annually, members will receive a credit to the gallery sized to the purchases they have made that year. We believe this not only cultivates continuous interest in the work we’re showing, but also builds a regenerative base of support for the artists and organizations we work with.

Partnering with community-based organizations across the region, regardless of direct relation to the arts, is important to us. Ensuring support for the many communities we’re connected to via collaborative events, fundraisers, and/or exhibitions will be part of the programming we’ll regularly offer. We believe bringing folks in and weaving an even stronger network of multi-faceted folks together assures scalable success for all. Contact us about potential partnerships here.

Lastly, you’re not just here to buy stuff. We’re a place to hang around, meet new people, and maybe learn a thing or two. We’re big believers in the power of friendship (obviously), and placemaking and connection is integral to what we do. So come on by stop for a cup of tea and check out our zine corner or the most recent exhibition. We can’t wait to meet you.

A long time coming…


Lifelong BFFs Christina and Abel have dreamed of running an art space together since they were teenagers. Growing up in Indiana during the early aughts, there wasn’t much for two fifteen-year-old weirdos with zero dollars to their name to get up to.

Eventually they found The Murphy — an experimental-use building in the Fountain Square neighborhood of Indianapolis where creatives of all types lived and worked. Galleries, studios, hair salons, “donkey-sized” burritos and more all existed under one roof. The doors were always open for wandering and it was always filled with friends that wanted to get together and make something (anything!) just for the joy of it.

Fast forward almost two decades, and Christina and Abel have both landed in Chicago after years of bouncing around the states. Through the pandemic, their memories of The Murphy came flooding back and they knew that type of placemaking and community would be needed for all. They then picked up their childhood dream and slowly started plans to build such a space.

Meet the Fam

  • Christina is an arts writer, editor, poet, and curator with over 10 years of experience working at art galleries and nonprofits. She is also the Co-Managing Editor of the art publication Sixty Inches From Center and Associate Editor of Create! Magazine. Read more about her work on her website.

  • Abel brings over a decade of experience in operations and business management. Coming from a startup-heavy background, they have held various operations + development roles at Good Eggs, TechStars, and currently Lyft. Read more about their background on Linkedin.