Categories: Art Galleries
Art Galleries & Shows: Overview
Author: Emily Capdevielle
Art galleries are plentiful in the Chicago art scene and each gallery has its own unique setup and exhibitions on display. The various galleries feature work in a wide range of fields, from up-and-coming artists to renowned artists like Pablo Picasso.
The beauty of visiting an art gallery is that if you see something you like you can take it home with you—of course for a price. From abstract expressionism to video and sound installations, there is a vast amount of art to explore all over Chicago.
If you’re not enthused by the idea of having to take several buses and cabs to visit a number of galleries in the city, there's no need to spend a fortune on transportation. There are central areas populated with art galleries in many hues. The River North art scene is packed with enough galleries to last the day, and is located right off the "El" (CTA Brown Line, at the Chicago stop). The West Loop and Fulton Market Gallery Districts are also concentrated with galleries that are off the Green Line at the Halsted stop. Be sure to plan your day out according to which galleries you would like to see since the hours vary upon each day of the week. Other art-trafficking areas include the Oak Park Arts District, The Chicago District, and the North Side and South Loop areas.
While some art galleries change their exhibitions on a regular basis while some specialize in certain types of art. There are plenty of galleries focused on emerging, abstraction, photography and sculptured art. Art enthusiasts are never short on things to in the city with the many scheduled events and tours scattered around the main art districts.
Art tours and gallery walks are also given on designated days and in certain areas like River North, West Loop, Pilson and the Oak Park Arts District (OPAD). There are special events and activities that take place for a hands-on experience with some art making of your own. As part of the "3rd Fridays" in OPAD, you can make your own glass paper weights and make your own beaded anklet provided by Bead In Hand.
The monthly "2nd Fridays Gallery Night" is an exceptional event located in the Chicago Arts District. More than 35 galleries will showcase art and visitors will be able to converse with the artists. The River East Art Center also gives you the chance to get up close and personal with resident artists showing their artwork in the studios on "Gallery Nights," which also includes a tour of the galleries, live music and raffle entries to win prizes with no admission fee.
In general, galleries in Chicago usually have opening receptions for new exhibitions on Friday evenings and are open to the public. Arists also make appearances when available so you can converse with the actual artists about your favorite piece of displayed artwork.
Going to Chicago’s art galleries will give induce a utopian state of mind in any art enthusiast. One doesn’t necessarily need to knowso much about art in order to appreciate it. There is so much talent in each gallery to gawk at that it’s hard to know where to start until an extravagant sculpture or vibrant oil painting captures your eye. Once that happens, go from there.
Check out places of interest near Art Galleries & Shows: Overview:
Carl Hammer Gallery
740 N. Wells St.,
Chicago, IL 60654
New and emerging artforms have a place to call home. The Carl Hammer Gallery is one of the River North neighborhood's hottest shops for outsider art and has been since opening in 1979.
Expression Gallery of Fine Art
708 N. Wells,
Chicago, Illinois 60610
The Expression Gallery of Fine Art specializes in 19th and 20th Century master prints including Picasso and Renoir. Contemporary American, Spanish and French painters are also represented.
Sawbridge Studios
153 W. Ohio St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
This gallery-esque store features handcrafted furniture and home accessories.
Slaymaker Gallery
936 W. Roscoe,
Chicago, IL 60657
Fine art and antiques can be found at the Slaymaker Gallery.
Vale Craft Gallery
230 W. Superior St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
Contemporary American pieces in a wide variety of media are offered here.
Chicago Antique Market
47 W. Division St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
This indoor/outdoor urban antique market attracts bargain hunters of all kinds.
Saint Sebastian Players
1625 W Diversey Pkwy.,
Chicago, IL 60614
The Saint Sebastian Players is a Chicago theatre company affiliated with St. Bonaventure parish on the city's near West side.
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60603
Discover 5,000 years of artistic expression at one of the world's great art museums. Journey through Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas as you enjoy paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures, photographs, videos, textiles, and architectural works. Admission $7-$12.
