Gallery sights in Chicago
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Pilsen Galleries
Pilsen is the most casual of Chicago’s three main art districts (River North and West Loop are the other two). Works are largely by Chicago locals, and there’s a good deal of folk art. A great time to come here is on Second Fridays, when the 20 or so Pilsen galleries – known collectively as the Chicago Arts District – all stay open late on the second Friday of each month to welcome throngs of wandering art patrons with wine, snacks, and freshly hung paintings, ceramics and photos. It’s free, and takes place between 6pm and 10pm. Pick up a map at the office at 1821 S Halsted St.
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River North Galleries
The River North district is the most established of Chicago’s three gallery-rich zones (West Loop and Pilsen are the other two), with art from top international names and price tags to match. It claims to be the largest concentration of private galleries in the US outside Manhattan. Most are very welcoming, and together they open their doors for a festive art hop on the first Thursday of every month (which is held in conjunction with the younger, edgier West Loop galleries). Pick up a gallery map at any of the venues to help find artwork to your liking.
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West Loop Galleries
Tucked between meatpacking plants and warehouses, the galleries of the West Loop are the beachhead for contemporary art in Chicago. Though they’re less entrenched than their River North peers, the lower rents here mean larger showrooms. Generally speaking, the galleries also take bigger chances on up-and-coming and controversial artists. Gallery hours typically run from 11am to 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday; admission is free. Check www.westloop.org for listings. Note that owners often take off a week or two in August.
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Flat Iron Building
A warren of galleries, studios and workshops burrows in the landmark Flat Iron Building. Contemporary painters, realist photographers, digital animators, pop-art printmakers, experimental videographers and metal sculptors fill the spaces. There’s an open house on the first Friday of every month (admission $5), as well as larger group shows in mid-September and around the winter holidays. Keep an eye on telephone poles around the area for flyers detailing the latest shows and open-houses in the ’hood.
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Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art
The ‘Ukrainian’ in the name is somewhat of a misnomer, as this bright white storefront showcases local artists of all ethnicities. The space has earned a reputation for putting together playful and provocative exhibits, done in a host of different media.
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Zolla-Lieberman Gallery
The first gallery to arrive in River North back in the ’70s (when the area looked more like the West Loop does today), it shows cool, contemporary art by established and emerging artists.
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Catherine Edelman Gallery
If you love photography, drop by this place where artworks range from traditional landscapes to mixed-media photo-based collages.
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Robert Henry Adams Fine Art
A friendly, two-floor gallery specializing in works by pre-WWII American impressionist, regionalist and modernist painters.
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Parts Unknown Gallery
One of the best bets in the Pilsen Galleries group is the eclectic Parts Unknown Gallery.
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Dubhe Carreno Gallery
Set in the Pilsen Galleries group is the ceramics-oriented Dubhe Carreno Gallery.
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Jean Albano Gallery
The contemporary art here includes paintings, drawings and interesting textile works.
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