We self-toured past many bright murals along 18th and 19th Streets in Pilsen, Chicago. These photos are just a few of them read more

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I lived in Pilsen for 18 years and I went to the art walks all 18 years. It was amazing.please go. Let's support are local artist.

Interesting History, Food and Art Since the 19th century, the demographics of the Pilsen neighborhood has made many changes. Originally inhabited by German, Polish, Italian, and Czech immigrants, the area was named by Czech immigrants after Plzeň, the fourth largest city in what is currently the Czech Republic. Overcrowded with poor sanitation, flooding and illness, a cholera outbreak killed hundreds. This led the German and Irish residents to flee the area and seek better living conditions. By the late 1950s to early 1960s, there was a great influx of Latinos into Pilsen as they were displaced from the neighborhood currently occupied by UIC and other urban revitalization projects. Although some gentrification is starting to occur in this neighborhood, there is still a strong Hispanic feel to this Lower West Side quadrant of Chicago filled with quaint thrift stores, old fashioned barbershops and Mexican taquerias. Take a stroll, pick up some tacos and check out the street art. read more

Pilsen Art Walk - Street Art - Public Art Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Give me a break. Trustafarian "artists". Minimalists with giant VISA logos displayed larger than their "art". I literally saw a "photographer" that had pieces of black paper framed. Nice. Only $98! Mark Rothko wannabes (hint: it's been done, and he killed himself). I went here a few years ago before tonight, and there were many more galleries and a lot more going on. People, if you art sucks, at least let the wine flow freely. It's the New Minimal Around the Coyote . . . with minimal describing the talent. And Pilsen is such a disappointment. I also went to a gallery night back in 1994 and there was such promise here. Now it's just a lot of Podmajersky signs with "Gallery? Restaurant? Studio?" begging for tenants. The buildings are great, the hidden gardens are gems . . . there's just no people, and nothing going on. Seriously, Pilsen . . . gentrify a bit more or die. read more

Great spaces. 2008 seemed better than other years I've gone. Got some good advice from Robert Marshall on building a lightbox for a glass piece. Jason Lewis (jasonlewisfurniture.com) furniture...i want. Deva Suckerman (devasuckerman.womanmade.net) painterly depictions of a cast of characters on found objects...as found or as woven together into painted sculptures. The images on the website don't do the work much justice due to the variety of scale. So go see her stuff. Also don't miss the showroom at Grid Gallery (643 W. 18th / 18th & Ruble). Great space packed with furniture, paintings from local artists, decorative items, etc. Never know what you might find. We went a little too late on Saturday so I fear we missed quite a lot. There were many closed doors after 5:00 so better to go right at the start on Friday night while everyone and everything is fresh and that piece you want so bad hasn't been sold already. read more

Pilsen Art Walk - keep alert between the studios for street projects hidden and not so hidden in every corner - Public Art Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

An artsy way to spend the second Friday of every month! Most of the exhibits feature contemporary art, which personally isn't my favorite type of art but I still had a pretty good time! They change the exhibits every time, so if you go once, you have NOT been to it all! There's wine/snacks in almost every exhibit, which is a huuuuuge plus. I like to go out here with my friends whenever they're in town during a school break, so it's a great place to hang with friends and check out some cool art. read more

This event is a larger, more formal version of the "2nd Fridays" hosted by numerous art galleries in the Pilsen area monthly. The Art Walk has been going for over 30 years now! Usually around the beginning of fall, many galleries along Halsted, 18th, and surrounding streets open their doors to the public. You walk around and browse the art, as well as seeing some of the awesome artist lofts. One of the coolest things I've seen here is the artist colony comprised of galleries and lofts between 18th & 19th Streets and Between Halsted and Peoria Streets. The storefronts on Halsted Street open up in back to an expansive urban enclave. The alleys are closed off so that non-residents cannot get in, and there is a huge communal courtyard filled with art projects. Tons of porches and chairs give the place a great community feel. All of the doors are open so that the browsing public can see the art and the cool spaces. Many galleries offer free finger food and sometimes wine or beer. Best of all, it's free to come and walk around! One of the coolest things to do in September. read more

I had never been to Pilsen before, but I enjoy art shows, and when my friends suggested going to the Pilsen Art Walk I was game (even with a bum footsie.) We saw some interesting things and I was able to buy a few small and inexpensive pieces. We wandered into one gallery that had a vintage jewelry table set up and the word sucker appeared on my forehead the second I saw it, but only because I'm a sucker for the vintage bobbles...the prices were very affordable and I'm wearing some new clip-on earrings as I type this. There was wine everywhere, albeit in teeny plastic cups, and one place had a bucket cheap beer on ice (Blatz, PBR, etc.) that was free for the taking. Sort of like that "Please take one" bowl of Halloween candy, except for grownups. read more

I've gone both years I've lived in Chicago and couldn't imagine missing it. I love that they offer this. It's so much more personal than going to a sterile gallery and seeing only one or two artists' work. Here there's a large variety, all the artists are on hand and there's free wine. Some of the art is so-so but some of it is just incredible. Both years I have found that I lost my friends because I was so enthralled in a particular artist's work that I didn't notice them leaving. No matter how much you do or do not like art or where you live in the city, make sure you make it down to the Art Walk at least once. A little aside: Last year at the Art Walk I saw some woman get hit by a car so hard she slid up to the windshield. Luckily she was alright. So, pedestrians, reminder, take caution when crossing the road and don't wear black at night... cars can't see you. Drivers: pay attention to the crosswalks especially during festivals. That guy was lucky it wasn't a kid and that it had been raining so she went over instead of under the car. read more

Really one of the best reasons to live in Pilsen. I'm getting excited for next week's event now that it's getting warmer outside. Don't limit yourself to the inside spaces and a lot of the outside courtyards and backyards are just as beautiful as the art itself. The artists are always so friendly and welcoming. It's a bit shocking when you realize a lot of these folks live right in these studios, but you truly get to see people living for their craft. Great event to support local art!! read more

I did the 'walk' for the first time a couple of weeks ago. I think its a fun concept and a real opportunity to see local artists showcase their work. I had a great time and was exposed to a few artists that I think are good enough to follow. I have a real respect for people who do what they do for the sake of their art and try to make a living from doing what they love. HOWEVER, I would have to echo the sentiment of Erika G. I think that the event was replete with what I refer to as 'Arteeests' that mass produce 'art' for the purpose of commerce (that's backwards). For example, I walked into a loft where a guy had several wet oil canvases on his walls that he had obviously produced within the last hour priced from $2000 and up. They were not 'bad' but frankly, I have a hard time reconciling the price with his effort to produce them. I was a fan of Xavier Nuez's photography work - especially his "Glam Bugs' exhibit. Also I really enjoyed the work showcased at the Logsdon1909 Gallery. Bottom line - I would definitely attend again. Its worth it if you can filter out the art of mass production. read more

On the 2nd Friday of every month, the galleries in Pilsen open up for exhibits, parties, platters of cheese and cheap wine served in plastic cups. Sure some of the art was pretty lame and overpriced, but I also saw some really amazing, creative pieces. Like any exhibition, some of it's crap and some of it's great. At some of the galleries, the vibe is more welcoming than at others, and at some, it's a downright party with free-flowing wine and music. Start at the welcome center, grab a map and then wander in and out of the galleries. Grab some wine and a few free cubes of cheese and enjoy a free night out. read more

It's not as high a traffic as art walks of Wicker Park & the like, but it's a little more upscale; YES I said it & I prefer it! The walk is more intimate & the food seems a little more gourmet. There are a few fun bars in the neighborhood to go to afterwards so there is a little more comfort in this event. I used to go to art walks up North in the city but those were more like fests than actual ART walks where you NEEDED to go with a group of friends to enjoy it (Gallery Row walk DOESN'T count). This is more intimately ART; I don't mind going with a date or a friend but if I went alone, I would still have a wonderful time. read more

Let's be frank. It's tough to go wrong with art and free booze. It helps that the artists are friendly and generally quite good at what they do. For a fun, cheap evening (unless, of course, you plan on purchasing) check it out! read more

i'm shocked at how few people there were last Saturday. Regardless, we had a great time touring the galleries and learning more about the artists. I fell INSTANTLY in love with Studio Oh! Great (free) way to spend the day. read more

Great event this year, as always. Peeking into studios is always fun (as it is on 2nd Fridays), but at the yearly art walk, aaaaall the studios are open, whereas 2nd Fridays are kind of spotty some months. Plus you get to see a bunch of the second floor studios, which aren't allowed to be open on 2nd Fridays--weird, I know. The art and variety of art out for viewing is awesome. I really did walk away inspired, and I'm not usually the cheeseball type that will admit to that. The artists are all pretty laid-back, happy to talk with folks, so I even learned a lot while I was out and about. Oh! And there were concerts in the little pavilion in one of the enclosed garden spaces with different acts running all day Saturday and Sunday. Very cool. For me, this was uber-convenient since I live nearby. It was literally a matter of walking half a block and I was there. The mixed blessing is that folks are open the whole weekend, and if it's just one artist, it's hard to be there every moment during all the open hours, so occasionally you'll walk up to a door to find the studio closed. There's ample street parking (unfortunately for me, that means I don't always get to park on my usual block during this event) and there are also a few lots available around and about. A fantastic free outing. I'd definitely recommend folks check it out when it rolls around again next year. read more

Just attended for the first time with some friends. I got to poke around a new vintage store, sip on some sipping chocolate, and see all kinds of beautiful art (ranging from not for sale to cheap to well out of my personal price range). I got a really cute whimsical yoga painted plaque for $15. The show/area has a really fun and laid back atmosphere, I will be back! read more

I love Art walk! It's always fun to walk around and view the various new galleries and local artists. Each walk is different depending on the theme, the time of year. Come with a date or a small group and savor the culture of Chicago's south side. read more

This September 28-30, 2007! On the map check out #7 Ned Broderick. #20 Larry Roberts Studio. #41 4Arts Gallery (Robin Rios)! You want to see real art? You want to see people living their dream? These guys are the real deal. Looking for flowers and fuzzy bunny paintings? Go to WalMart! read more

The Pilsen Art Walk is a good way to start the night to casually walk around and check out a different area of Chicago. Overall, there are a lot of interesting galleries with a wide variety of art, music, and people. My biggest wish is that there were better signage. In the main building with the bar area at ground level, you can actually go up the stairs and explore the various studios in the building. There wasn't anything indicating you can do that, and we simply followed people walking around and discovered this purely on our curiosity. Definitely worth checking out while you're in Chicago! read more

Just went to last nights openings... I go only once or twice a year to the Pilsen gallery district and I've definitely noticed the decline of the area. Last year it was packed. Tons of people, lots of galleries and open artist studios, and very inspiring on the independent gallery front. Now it's just empty. Lots of vacant art spaces and store fronts. I'm hard to please when it comes to art in general. I like a well curated group show, and prefer a strong solo show. Almost every show I saw tonight was mixed and unrelated. I was also reminded of how bored I am with quickly produced artwork. Overall, it's just not worth going to anymore. What happened Pilsen? read more

One of the best times I've had in Chicago in awhile. All the artists are really friendly, you may find some nice inexpensive, great art. Many have wine/beer and some light snacks available. It's a great vibe. read more

I love the Pilsen Art Walk. Me and my boyfriend look forward to the new art exhibits every second Friday. I wish that there were more open galleries but I appreciate the ones that are open. One of my favorite places on the Art Walk is "I Shoot Rockstars". read more

I love this place! When you walk in, you feel like you have been transported to overseas since the decor is so beautiful. Not only does it has one of the best selection in Chicago...its owners are down to earth and personal. Everyone is always so helpful when I go in that I end up staying for hours. read more

Where has Pilsen been all my life?! I can't believe this wonderful walk through art has eluded me for so long. Free drinks and app's and amazing art of all kinds. I was thoroughly impressed with the art walk. I now want to move to Halsted and set up an artist live/work studio. I absolutely love that everyone was just invited into homes and studio's of artists. I will be an attendee at this event all summer long. Maybe even enter some work. This is such a great FREE event that Chicago has I highly recommend this to everyone especially someone that needs inspiration. read more

A day after doing the Ravenswood art walk, I visited East Pilsen Sunday. I was underwhelmed by the number of galleries/studios open, and not many pieces struck my fancy. Sorry. read more

Amazing... Restaurants , lofts,Gardens ,drinks niblets great people watching.... An in expensive but amazing evening

I live close by.. it's worth your trip just by going through the amazing lofts and gardens.

What a fun way to spend an evening! I forgot all about this until I saw it on here. Thanks Yelp! A few years ago I had a friend that lived in a loft on Halstead that participated in this event so I went. It was a lot of fun and something different to do. I think I'll go this year! read more

This is fun, but the one in late October in West Pilsen--centered across the street from Cafe Jumping Bean in the huge building with the arched doorways--is even better. It's less commericial, for one thing, and less concentrated in one place. I've stumbled on artistic geniuses (Ricardo Santos Hernandez, Felipe Figueroa) on the West Pilsen art walk, without even knowing where I was going. And some like Marcos Raya whom I knew and was aware of. The artistic center of energy in Pilsen seems to be moving westward. read more

BEST weekend of the year, and what sold me on the area.

I absolutely love the Pilsen Art Walk. A great way to appreciate a wide range of art and mediums in a nice area with interesting people and artists all sharing their enthusiasm over wine and energy bars! I rarely miss a Second Friday. Bought a great piece entitled Urban Warrior from Brian Sperry in the 1900 S. Halsted Building. Many folks head over to Simones afterwards. Really nice atmosphere there as well. Second Fridays is a good night to plan to be here. read more

Got to take in Pilsen's Second Friday event, located just south of UIC. It's an appropriate location because like UIC, the art walk lets everyone in and most of the participants won't have real jobs any time soon. It's also a great excuse to take in the Pilsen neighborhood. Unlike the trust fund babies in Wrigleyville, you'll never see a Pilsen resident get in someone's face and ask "Do you know who my father is?" (unless the question is directed at their mother). And unlike those bridezillas in Lincoln Park, Pilsen brides aren't afraid to open a wedding registry at Family Dollar. Sadly, strolling the art walk, you realize that although this event has a small but devoted following, it will be dead within a year (which reminds me I need to go read some ebooks on my Nook and then check out the Facebook page of [insert Glee cast member name here]). Make your first stop the visitor's center at 18th and Halsted and ask the blonde hostess for a map. It's unnecessary to tell her "I'm willing to pay top dollar for things of exquisite beauty" and definitely don't add "If you know what I mean" or "gigidy, gigidy." The map helps you locate art amidst all the empty gallery space -- a depressing reminder that although in previous art walks the spaces may have buzzed with the activity of an Apple store, most are now as dark and abandoned as a Microsoft outlet. Still, there is a variety of art beyond traditional paintings. In one studio, the artists turned mannequins into decorative robots and other statuesque creations, the best use of mannequins I've seen since Ferris Bueller placed one under his bed sheets to fool people into thinking he was there asleep (also the crappy, alternate ending to The Shawshank Redemption). At Crazy Xavier's studio, you could buy photo prints for $1. Although cheap, many of the photos were de-focussed shots of random objects, similar to what you see when Mohammed Ali takes a selfie. There was even "performance art," in which a girl within one of the studios sits at a table, rolls dice, and then spoons water between bowls as the audience watches from outside. It was amazing how oblivious she was to the people peering in, no matter how many times they shouted "Take it off!" So to those of you who disparage south side neighborhoods saying you'd feel safer playing "Wife Swap" with Drew Peterson, I say for shame! Girls who are worried about being pawed and fondled like Arnold Schwarzenegger's housekeeper, will pleasantly find themselves untouched and ignored, like Maria Shriver. Even better, now you have an exciting south-side survival story to take back to the (choose all that apply) [lacrosse team, book club, north side of Chicago]. read more

My boyfriend and I live in Pilsen and this is one of my favorite things about being in the area. Even with my hellish commute, it will be hard for me to ever leave. So the deal is, on the 2nd Friday of each month (winter included!) the art galleries around Halsted stay open late. You can come in, talk to the artists, drink some booze then stumble to Simone's (or home) afterwards. I know some have commented that there is free booze at these shows. While they do not "sell" booze, there is definitely a recommended tip at the places we have seen. My boyfriend loves to be able to chat with the artists about their work while I tend to just wander and sip some PBR. In December I won a piece at an exhibit that was celebrating the art of giving (get it?). It is already framed and up in my living room - I love it! If we don't have plans on a 2nd Friday, then this is where you'll find us, trying to expand our art collection. read more

One of my favorite places to take people that are visiting. It is a universal hit and I love going too. People open up their non gallery apartments just to entertain the random strangers on the art walk. No better vibe in my city. read more