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 and art history in Florence, Italy under the tutelage of artist Jules Maidoff.  It is in Florence that Austin first learned how to make hand made 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 including New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, South Carolina, North Carolina, Michigan, Illinois, Tennessee, Jerusalem, Israel, Florence, Italy, Thessaloniki Greece.