Hannah Lee Dykstra
carl street in situ
joining the artist colony
This year, A Total Work of Art: The Story of Edgar Miller—my graphic novel created in collaboration with Jeff Kruse—was officially published. Within the book, a key focus is Miller’s role in creating the initial 1920s artist colony movement in Chicago’s Old Town. Coachhouse1 is situated within the very first colony: the Carl Street Studios.
My residency in Coachhouse1 began with a practical goal: create community-oriented materials & design an exhibition within Old Town about Old Town. But as I was introduced to the current residents of the studios and became a participant-observer of sorts, I found myself contemplating the sacrifices of living within an artwork — the constant ritual of maintenance and care — and the array of people the studios draw to themselves in the 21st century. Everyone I met had a story of finding the studios. Everyone had a story about the quirky requirements of living there. Everyone had a fascinating personal history.
The stories and my transient window into the lives of the residents shifted my perspective and the spiritual focus of my stay. In our graphic novel three central questions are asked by the narrator: What is art? Why do we make it? Who do we make it for? In my mind, to an artist, and perhaps to all of us, they are a kōan of sorts. A single answer doesn’t exist - but pursuing them together provides an embodied one. This was my answer in the studios: for a time, I, too, was a Carl Street artist.
Special Thanks to all the Carl Street residents — balcony neighbors who said hi, those who invited me into their beautiful spaces, and all who made this such a kind and welcoming place. Thanks especially to Graham, Fran, & family for inviting me into their iconic Sol Kogen Studio to share the book with the people continuing its legacy. Here’s to the beautiful conversations and memories! Cheers.
Map of Old Town’s
Artist Colonies
During the residency, I created a map of the artist colonies in Old Town. This is displayed and distributed in the Handmade Histories Exhibition. Please contact Edgar Miller Legacy if you would like to acquire a copy.
Book Launch & Handmade
Histories Exhibition
As part of my time in Coachhouse1, I assisted with curation & design of the exhibit for A Total Work of Art’s book launch and community engagement initiative. See photos of the opening and other summer 2026 activities below.
Ongoing as of Summer & Fall of 2026, Handmade Histories | One Hundred Years of Old Town Art & Design features never before exhibited work by Edgar Miller, my illustrations & process from the graphic novel, and artwork from Old Town’s historic art scene.
Location: 1406 N. Sedgwick Street
Artist Bio
Hannah Lee Dykstra is a designer, illustrator, and educator currently based in Guangzhou, China. Her recent work includes illustrating a graphic novel about Chicago artist Edgar Miller, A Total Work of Art (2026), published by the artist’s foundation. Dykstra works in a variety of traditional and new media, often incorporating historic print processes and traditional paper marbling into her compositions. Her practice integrates historical research, graphic design, and narrative illustration, often exploring the intersection of history, place, and creative freedom.
