The Gallery Scene

The Gallery Scene

You don't need to be an art expert to explore the city's growing web of local neighborhood galleries. Just do like a local and ready yourself with a free copy of The Chicago Reader, which has gallery and exhibition listings (available in many street dispensers, coffee shops, and record stores), or grab the Chicago Gallery News (or check it out on the Web at www.chicagogallerynews.com) -- it's the best source for maps, gallery information, and exhibition listings. Most galleries provide complimentary copies.

Here's the skinny: Chicago is divided into gallery "districts," or communities. They each have their own feel and flavor. Stop by anytime during gallery hours -- no need to make an appointment -- even if you're just browsing. Gallery directors and staff are always available to answer questions or provide further information on their artists.

River North District

The city's first organized art neighborhood remains a vibrant community and the hub of the gallery scene.

Zolla/Lieberman (contemporary multimedia, 325 W. Huron St. 312/944-1990).

Roy Boyd (contemporary painting and sculpture, 739 N. Wells St. 312/642-1606).

Carl Hammer (American folk and outsider, 740 N. Wells St. 312/266-8512).

Ann Nathan Gallery (contemporary painting and sculpture, 212 W. Superior St. 312/664-6622).

Stephen Daiter Gallery (vintage black-and-white photography, 311 W. Superior St. 312/787-3350).

West Loop District

Lots of galleries have opened in multilevel warehouses on Randolph Street and throughout the rest of the neighborhood.

Packer Schopf Gallery (emerging and mid-career artists, 942 W. Lake St. 312/226-8984).

Rhona Hoffman (established and emerging contemporary artists, 118 N. Peoria St. 312/455-1990).

Donald Young Gallery (local and international contemporary art, 933 W. Washington Blvd. 312/455-0100).

East Pilsen District

Most artists live in their galleries in this district south and west of the Loop, and the line between reality and fantasy is often outrageously blurred.

4ArtInc (contemporary, artist-run, 1932 S. Halsted St. 312/850-1816). and Dubhe Carreño Gallery (contemporary ceramic art, 1841 S. Halsted St. 312/666-3150).

Wicker Park/Bucktown

The area is home to a respectable chunk of the city's artists, but most show their work privately or in independent group shows. You can still see artists' studios if you wander around the Flat Iron Building (1714 N. Damen Ave.). Check out Pagoda Red (Chinese and Tibetan art objects, 1714 N. Damen Ave. 773/235-1188).