Categories: Art Galleries

Art Galleries & Shows: Pilsen

Author: Emily Capdevielle

Overview

The Pilsen art galleries is a hot spot for collectors that consist of cutting-edge art from local to national artists. This art scene requires a little more planning if you would like to make a day out of your visit. Many galleries are only open on certain event nights or by appointment only. The area between 18th and S. Halsted streets is the Chicago Arts District, formerly known as Pilsen East. More than 30 art galleries make up the district and display art from a multitude of local and national artists. For all art aficionados out there, the eclectic collections of art in this scene are different from other areas in Chicago. Some galleries are hosted right out of the homes of the artists or a rented space. From decorative pieces of furniture to architectural photography, the Chicago Arts District has a lot to offer art lovers.

There are many unique galleries that are outside the realm of the traditional fields of sculpture or painting. At the Chicago Art Department, you can find art like the summer exhibition Death + Extinction which demonstrates the soon to be extinct medium of the Polaroid. Chicago artists had a mission to create a Polaroid-themed project, including “Before I Die I want to…” by Nicole Kenney and KS Rives. The project consists of a massive amount of Polaroids posted on a wall of the gallery with diverse individuals on each Polaroid and a caption below of something that person wants to do before they die. The Get Knifed Gallery is another art space filled with a variety of artists collaborated by Nathaniel Bettinger and Max Bare who are artists as well. Each show has a theme and the summer show “9/12” is a collection of political art that holds powerful political statements.

If you would like to experience a mix of art from one wall to the next, the 4Art Inc. gallery includes sculpture, digital art, paintings, and photography. Art collectors have been drawn to this gallery for the six-month program Robin Rios (owner, director and artist of the gallery) has instated. The program enables artists to continually display their art in the gallery over a six-month period so individuals can see the evolution of their work. As part of the summer exhibition, "Phase IV," artist Steve Cox is one of the resident artists whose work is inspired by the “chaos of modern life." “All Flesh and No Bone” is one of Cox’s pieces full of dark and vibrant colors demanding anyone’s attention in the room.

If you’re looking to adorn your place by getting some artistic furniture, Grid Gallery Inc. owned by Robin E. Eck has quite the eclectic collection of chairs, couches, mirrors, jewelry and accessories to observe. This gallery showcases art that doesn’t only serve as something to look at but is functional as well.

Events

The event most looked forward to for all art collectors and admirers is 2nd Fridays Gallery Night. This event happens every second Friday of each month where individuals can not only experience art but the artists as well. Complimentary wine and appetizers are available with music and live performances in select galleries while you absorb all the art.

The Pilsen East Artists’ Open House is one of the oldest annual art events in Chicago. Going on for 38 years September 26-28, the 30-plus galleries in the Chicago Arts District along with other artist residences are open to the public. This free event includes the opening of new exhibitions, artist talks, performances by EP Theater and various musical and theatrical performers in the Fire Arts Garden. Award-winning courtyard gardens are also open to visitors during the event. With over 100 participating artists, there will be plenty of opportunities to meet the creator of your favorite pieces.

Dining

Dining in the Pilsen vicinity leads to various choices when you decide to take a break from all the art viewing. La Petite Folie is a diverse restaurant serving vegetarian food items to seafood and meat. If you’re looking for something with a more simplistic and inexpensive feel, The Skylark Restaurant & Bar is ideal. This restaurant has a laid back atmosphere with menu items like a portabella sandwich or a burger with a beer. If your sweet tooth is aching for some sugar, the Bombon Bakery will have your mouth watering at the site of there unique pastries, cookies and variety of cakes. Fit for individual portions or for special occasions, everything on the menu is baked from scratch with the freshest ingredients.

Check out places of interest near Art Galleries & Shows: Pilsen:

4Art Inc.
1932 S. Halsted , Chicago , Illinois 60608

4Art Inc is a gallery that hosts a number of art forms including sculptures, digital art, photography, and paintings from a number of established and emerging artists.

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.

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.

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.