It's very cool...but...so cool you almost can't figure out how to get in. There are two doors. The…read moreone before Family Dollar is the one you can get in. This location is NOT handicap accessible as far as I can tell. Could be because I arrived mid-show but there was not much staff or direction or interaction. I paid my entry fee with nary a word and enjoyed a very weird, but intriguing show of experimental electronic sound. Their sound system is impressive! Very 8D, I could really feel the movement of the sound and despite being remarkably off-putting, it was also visceral and intriguing. Parking in the area is a little weird and unreliable.

Stopped in for a Screen Printing show with artist from near and far…read more BUSY but the crowd was mindful of their space and flow offering relatively free movement despite the space constraints. Picked up a few pieces for myself to add to my collection and caught up with friends.

Visited over the weekend for Pigmented FINE Black Art Faire and the space was great. This space…read moreallowed the artist to spread out and viewers were able to admire the art up close and personal. There was so much space here it was a full house but we didn't feel like we were in a crowd. Lovely space can't wait to return.

On the Third Friday of each month, Zhou Art center hosts a free exhibition and open studio event…read morewhere locals can explore the main galleries and the resident artist's studios. This is a great opportunity for Chicagoans from all over and tourists to come and support the artists. This was my first time visiting Zhou Art Center and it was ok. The staff was just walking around and not engaging with frowns on their faces. Some of the art work displayed throughout the center was pretty nice. It was nice to come out and see some creative pieces. This is a very beautiful art center. You can book an event space, host a party and wedding. A hidden gem right down the street from Bridgeport Art Center. You can have the best of both worlds and visit both art centers.

Great gallery nestled away in Rogers Park. Recommend going to their open gallery nights for a low…read morekey art vibe with 30+ studios, wine and eclectic people.

I can't say enough great things about the Greenleaf Art Center. Its truly a neighborhood gem and…read moremakes me sad to not live near it anymore as my kids would sign up for all the children's classes. The space is great - a beautiful restored factory building that opens into a busy Chicago neighborhood. Last time I was there, the owners were working on even more improvements and I can't wait for my next visit. I have not taken any adult classes, but, have sat in on the kids classes and was very impressed with the lessons. Kathie Paluch kept my kids happily working the whole time and I've found the lessons to be age appropriate. On the other hand, I have very much enjoyed a few of the Gallery Open Houses. The "long hall" as you walk into the studio has a lot of really great completed work, most of it for sale. But, as you wander through the studio you find that a large majority of the studios are open and the artists are happy to show you all their works in progress as well. The artists are all so great - every one of them focusing on a different style/medium and each of them interesting in their own right. Of course the drinks and snacks are fun and generous as well! My only regret is that now that word has gotten out about the Spring and Fall Open Houses, they have become more busy. Good for the artists and art center, not so good for those of us that have enjoyed a more personalized walk through the studios in the past! Finally, in this busy Chicago neighborhood, parking is never an issue (well, unless you come during one of the bi-annual art shows, at which case, you shouldn't be driving anyway :)).

It's not a 9-5 gallery. Open only during special events, which you can find on their Facebook page…read moreor dnainfo. Love the shows which feature local artists, local foods, and local drinks. There are political statements in more contemporary mediums as well as pieces in classical fine art styles and techniques. Very well curated and the music is great.

Co-Pro is the artist space owned by Ed Marszewski, who also owns Maria's down the street. I went…read morethere for Over the Influence, which was a beer-art show. I honestly had a great time there and I think the space really gave an opportunity for all the art to be displayed, especially the sketches for local beer labels. There was even a weird, alien beer bong which attracted a lot of attention and a keg bottle opener thingy. The space seemed small with a lot of the tables next to each other but it was easy to try everything and talk to the brewers to. The only downside was the line for the bathrooms-which was probably the longest line there.

Such a pleasant surprise when we ended up at the art fair while in search of the Ikebana walk at…read moreSouthport Corridor. Love the exhibits of local Illinois artisans from Chicagoland and elsewhere, great talent , affordable prices and good vibes . Will certainly try come back next year . It's not overly crowded and quick moving traffic . I fell in love with a couple of pieces of art and ended up getting some paintings

Nicely laid out Fest. Wide enough area to walk. Nice mix of art, jewelry, decor, and clothes…read more Perfect summer outing. Great shops & restaurants nearby.

I'm so happy to be able to post the first review of 1100 Florence! First and foremost I love that…read morethis former Polish grocery store has taken on a creative and artistic life. The owners--local artists and arts advocates, are giving back to the community by repurposing the front of the building into a gallery space, event space, and pretty much a space for any and all things creative. I recently had the pleasure of attending a photo shoot there. The morning light was absolutely ideal, and the white walls with the wood floors made for a perfect backdrop. The owner, Lisa, also in attendance, mentioned that she rented the space to the photographer on an hourly basis (can't remember, but the rate was very reasonable). Such a great addition to Evanston, and I loved the vibe so much I want to dream up my own exhibit for the future. Note: If you're lucky, you might be able to catch a glimpse of the really cute bunny that takes up residence in the building and roams freely.

The craziest part is that I grew up a block from this gallery and I remember what it was a butcher…read moreshop and for years it was vacant. Along comes a visionary couple who turned it into an art gallery. The first exhibit featuring artist Ben Blount is politically charged in mind opening. Don't miss it!

Our daughter suggested we went to the Renegade Craft Fair Chicago 2025 as we were in the area.  She…read morehad been to the fair many times in previous years when she lived in the city and enjoyed it, and it was my husband's and my first time there.  The fair was held along Division Street between Damen Ave and Ashland Ave in Wicker Park, about half a mile one way. There were over 400 artists offering all types of arts and crafts.  There was something for everyone to appreciate.  It took us a little under 2 hours to walk around the entire fair.  Our focus was on ceramic art and all sorts of cute looking things.  I could not resist but purchased a very cute crochet baby chick on a stick, like a flower on a branch.  I guess I would need a tall vase to display it, haha. For any outdoor fair, weather is a main element to contribute to its success.  We were fortunate that it was a cool summer day, and it was a delight to leisurely browse the booths, even when walking from east to west facing the sun.  Of course, my sun hat helped a lot. There were many outdoor restaurants and eateries along the fair.  It was good people-watching while enjoying a snack and drink at those outdoor seats. Of course, passersby would look at people eating as well. It was amazing that there were so many dogs going out with their humans in the fair, and as always, my daughter and I loved watching them as well! We had a great time, and I would love to return to the Renegade Craft Fair Chicago in the future.

Well, I have been coming to various iterations of this fair for quite a while now and gotta say,…read moreclassic September Division St. is where it's at these days. The winter one has gotten too crowded in a place that once seemed sufficiently spacious, and I never liked the spring popup. That said, be sure to arrive right at opening (11 am) to beat the crowds as best you can, and do research on vendors ahead to see what you might want to seek out (we couldn't figure out their booth numbering system at all, though). Vendors from all over the country, not just IL, come to this thing! We were super stoked to see out favorite print maker, Alternate Histories, from Pittsburgh, since he was initially waitlisted; his art has WPA-style posters and other vintage graphics with Godzilla and other kaiju, among other things. I also added to my "meta election button collection" with a pin from World Famous Original from LA, and bought a small print from Family Tree Designs. Most of the vendors are along Division, but don't miss a few little side streets with food trucks, organizations, a van from True North (antique collective in Morris, IL) and such. I always pay attention to the trends at this fair, and 2019's seemed to be: - tiny plants, particularly in macrame pots - macrame in general (at one point I thought I thought we had jumped in a time machine to my childhood living room) - Ruth Bader Ginsberg - Brass jewelry - cbd oil in all sorts of stuff - flavored sugars + salts - as my friend observed, "Anyone thinks that they can make greeting cards" (some with more success than others...) - ethically made things (bravo to this, by the way) Music was provided by Reckless Records (who were also selling albums), and freebies/samples from Harken wine, Kind bars and Haribo gummis (the guy with the giant duffle of gummy bear packets just shoving them into everyone's hands as he walked down the street was hilarious). I still miss Magnolia photobooth; if they were there I could not find them. :( Bonus points for vendors that provided affordable water! $2 for a bottle from Dinky Delights donuts is totally doable. Props also to this fair for staying free admission for so many years; makes for a fun and affordable day out! There weren't too many things I couldn't live without, but i got the business cards of a lot of the artists I liked and added them here for your enjoyment. Overall, a nice day outside in the city; see you next year!

Any time you put local art, Cevapcici Chicago, Revolution Brewing Co craft brews, Lula Cafe's…read moresangria and Balkan brass outfit Black Bear Combo together, you're guaranteed a good time. Add my sidekick Brett D and me to the mix and it gets that much better! Kidding, of course. It was 92 degrees in the shade, but at least we had shade to speak of. After taking in the band and lounging lazily in the grass, we checked out the Wagyu Wagon (they seem to have a fast following between their tacos, burger and bahn mi), Jameson soft serve ice cream, Taquero Fusion (Mexican corn on the cob!) and the Gaztro-Wagon's naan-wiches. Best food lineup I've seen at a festival... ever! Cevapcici has my sausage-lovin' heart, but it's nice to know I have other delicious options should I want them. It's kind of a bizarre layout with the beginnings of the festival starting some six city blocks away or so at California, but having the room to sprawl out and not play bump and grind was definitely appreciated. Check this one out next year, it's a good one!

Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival is yet another great summer festival that runs down Milwaukee from…read moreDiversey to Kedzie. The usual $5 suggested donation is encouraged for entrance. This festival, as it is named, includes art of all kinds. They have the regular pop up tents with jewelry and paintings but they also have some indoor exhibits as well along Milwaukee. Come check out some of the beautiful sights and sounds of the Logan Square neighborhood as they have musical performances on the North and South ends of the Milwaukee Avenue fest. Unlike many other festivals this fest does not require the purchase of tickets. Bring some cash and fill up and food and drinks. Also, they only offer 312, which is not a bad thing but is different than most festivals that have the $5 Bud Light choice as well as the $6 Goose Island option. From BBQ to pizza to ice cream, this festival has all of the food options for you to choose from. Sangria and mixed lemonade drinks are also very popular at this event. There is plenty of space to find an area to sit or stand to eat and drink. There are also some areas designated with picnic tables so you can enjoy your meal that way if you so choose. This festival does not get as busy as the Chicago Ribfest but still draws a large enough crowd to keep it entertaining.