Intuit Art Museum is a cultural experience not to be missed -- for Chicago buffs and newcomers…read morealike. It champions self-taught and outsider artists with sincerity and respect, giving voice to those who have forged their own artistic paths. The works presented here lack nothing in skill, beauty, ingenuity, or eloquence. The exhibition Catalyst: Im/migration and Self-Taught Art in Chicago deepened my understanding of the city's history and connects meaningfully to conversations about immigration today. Barberena's linocuts are especially striking, emotional, and deeply resonant. Other highlights from my visit included a beautiful commissioned work by Della Wells, stunning fiber art by Pooja Pittie, and the dazzling portraits of Drossos Skyllas, shimmering with character and skill. Henry Darger's story -- and the work itself -- is haunting in the best, most imaginative way. Our tour with Claire was outstanding: passionate, informed, and clearly invested in the artists' lives and contexts. I highly recommend getting a tour! I left inspired and grateful that a museum like this exists. Strongly recommend.

Intuit Art Museum has recently completed a massive renovation that expanded the facility threefold…read moreor so. Intuit features self-taught art by artists many of whom have a Chicagoland connection. My lovely wife and I have been to the "old" museum before, and it was an eye-opener to visit yesterday (Memorial Day) during a special free admission Grand Re-Opening weekend (the regular admission fee has also tripled to $15 from its former $5 ticket price). The star attraction is the recreation of Henry Darger's apartment and studio, along with a celebration of his works and methodologies. There are also spaces for the interesting and diverse Permanent Collection, as well as Special Exhibitions. Also interesting is the fact that the museum featuring self-taught art has bathrooms with fairly posh fixtures. Intuit Art Museum is not far from the Chicago Blue Line station. Check out the compact but cute gift shop before you leave.

Art City Paint and Sip is a fun and creative place for a night out with friends, a date, or even…read morealone. All materials are provided, and you can take your painting home. Bring your own beverages and enjoy a cheerful atmosphere while letting your creativity flow. It's the perfect escape from everyday stress, and I highly recommend it for a relaxing and enjoyable experience! Additionally, they offer many special classes where you can paint your pet, which is one of my favorites.

Simply amazing customer service and great style. This shop is fun, whimsical and cozy. They do a…read moregreat job, from small to large and they patiently work with you to find the best solution to your framing needs. Prices are pretty much on par with every other high end framing business in the area, so know that your getting a good deal when you do business here. Framing ain't cheap these days. The artwork and pre made frames for sale are nice features, including a live in parrot which adds another level of unique quirk to the shop. I can't recommend this business enough. Well done Alley Gallery!!

I've been going to Alley for years now . . .they always come through…read more If there are issues, and they very infrequent, they will resolve them. Alley folks also work to find a proce who can afford. Great shop to browse in . . .very old school! Check them out in Evanston! Larry

Just to add to the review I left in October 2023, in the roughly 18 months since then Chris and…read moreMichael have continued to provide me with excellent advice, service and a wonderful selection of beautiful art for my home. I would really suggest anyone looking to add beauty to their home or office at least stop by Art Post (or visit their website) because what they offer is a wonderful alternative to the outrageous prices and narrow vision of many of the other Chicago area art galleries. Chris and Michael are not at all pushy and genuinely want you to love what you purchase. Every room in my home feels bright and cheerful and makes me smile, largely because of what I've taken home from Art Post in the past two years.

I've been to one gallery after another looking for the perfect painting for my family room. I'm…read morebummed that the hunt for a painting took me so long to visit Art Post Gallery because they have gorgeous work. I spent a lot of time examining the artwork on their website ahead of time and love how they let you search by style, size and other options that makes the art buying process a little easier. I had admired a few paintings on their site, but of course nothing beats seeing something in person. And the same paintings I liked on the site were even better in person. I liked one, Uplifting Light, so much that I asked Chris if she could photoshop it into the room I've been looking for. She said an even better option was to take it home for the weekend. She was also super helpful on what frames would work best and I loved that they could frame the painting right in their store - and she said they could hang it too! I filled out some information, gave her my credit card # and I loaded up my SUV. Turns out SUVs are good for something besides carpooling children around.. Once home I was so excited to see the painting in my family room since I was certain this was the "one." I'm so glad Chris let me try it out because while I loved the painting on it's own it just didn't work in the room- the size was wrong, the colors clashed with the colors in my room, etc. And so a few days later I sadly brought it back and handed it to Michael who was very understanding about the situation. I actually did find another painting at a different gallery over the weekend that I believe is the "one" after trying it out in the room, but I will definitely be back to Art Post Gallery when ready to find art for other rooms in my house.

Love this store! The window displays change for the seasons. They do an amazing job with the decor…read more Any witchy person in your life would love anything from this gem of a store. From candies to books or jewelry. You name it, it's here. Talismans, tarot cards, teas, socks, art. Sheri & Anna have curated the best art in the upstairs gallery too. They book classes & have events in the garden out back. It's such a great place to spend some time. Lots to see & buy. My go to place for gifts.

This place is amazing. Great place to find unique gifts for yourself and friends. Love the vibe…read morehere. It represents everything witchy, occult, taxidermy, sideshow, etc. Staff is very helpful to assist you to find that special gift or item you have been dreaming to own. Be on the look out for their special events, art openings, and workshops.

A hidden gem! Beautiful and unique original artwork. Other sundry items, such as candles and small…read morehandcrafted figurines, were available, all seemed reasonably priced. Definitely worth a trip, would recommend.

I brought a piece of art to Flax that was rolled up, unfortunately paper has memory so it was very…read moredifficult to mat it down perfectly. Brian and team tireless explained the whole framing process and provided different methods of mating several times till I was completely satisfied with their frame work. They went totally above and beyond with their customer service. Don't hesitate to bring your beloved pieces to them, they will cater to your needs and do a superb job with the framing. Thanks again Brian and Kelly!

Whenever I'm traveling and I run across an art store, I try to stop in. I know Flax as an art…read moresupply store, from living on both coasts, so I was surprised that this location only does framing. The owner greeted me and we chatted about the art supply business and how he came to concentrate only on framing. And the framing that was displayed there was beautiful. I've paid a ton to frame fine art photography and also done it myself. Either way, it takes expertise to get it right and make it look good.

An amazing collection of work from a prolific photographer whose work spans not only cities, but…read morecontinents across the world. The initial feeling as you walk into the exhibition is one of excitement, as rows and rows of his work consume the walls of the gallery. Familiar, iconic images can be found scattered amidst many other equally defining works. The joy is just really going through them all to find the "decisive moment" in each of his works, but then relishing in the unexpected pieces that you discovered somewhere along the way. Coming back again for the free Thursday night admission? I'd skip all the other works and make a beeline for Henri's work and start right there. Because then you can be sure that you leave the AIC without any other regrets before the museum closes its doors for the evening. But I can't promise what you MAY regret after the doors have closed and you've been left to your own devices for the rest of the night that has yet to begun!

when i was in chicago rolling through town, i made it a point to see this exhibition and boy was it…read moreamazing. the tickets were reasonably priced for such a famed photographer. there are a lot of original prints in this exhibit and the space they created for his photos reflects the same feel that's in his photos.