Of all the museums in Chicago, this one takes dedication to both get to and try to understand…read more It's one large room in an academic building deep in the heart of the campus. I've been to at least 10 to 15 exhibitions here over the past 20 years, and I'm still not a fan of conceptual art. I love contemporary art, but the exhibitions here can sometimes be confusing. Maybe that's the intention.

The Renaissance Society is easily one of Chicago's most interesting, critical, and dynamic…read morecontemporary art institutions. Don't be put off by the name - it's an historical anomaly - this place shows difficult, fascinating and beautiful contemporary art. Its curators write brilliantly and invite some fantastic artists. Plus - the gallery space itself is wonderful - sun streams in the windows, high ceilings, big enough to create all sorts of different assemblages. Their shows are often quite sparse, they never over fill the space. It's a little hard to find -- inside a U-Chicago Building -- but once you have found 5811 Ellis, find the stairs and go up 4 floors. Well worth the trip down to Hyde Park, if you happen to live in the north. Some great recent shows included Francis Alys & Paul Chan.

Winter can be so isolating...and now even more so where many of our normal activities are currently…read moreundergoing restrictions. Tonight I walked past this sweet gallery HILTON ASMUS CONTEMPORARY and I noticed enchanting photography of beautiful hybrid wolf dogs with famous models. It all looked so inviting and magical I had to tap on the door to inquire about their hours. The loveliest lady allowed me in and invited me to enjoy the exhibit. She let me take my time and let me know the featured artist is David Yarrow and the photos all share a beautiful story featuring professional models posing with wolf dogs in Montana. Many natives to the area are also featured including a Native American Indian by the name of Chief John Spotted Tail. Trust me when I say this was a very valuable experience for me because I truly appreciate good photography and I enjoyed being lost in all these images. If you love observing lions, tigers, bears, horses and other beautiful creatures in nature or a staged setting them I encourage you to visit Africa Hilton's Gallery at 716 N Wells Street in the River North neighborhood of Chicago. I truly felt a sense of euphoria getting lost in these timeless images. Art makes everything bearable And Arica made sure I left with two books which include an explanation of the art I viewed this evening. I'll share the following quote for you from the photographic journal featuring this installation "You don't make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved" Ansel Adams This evening was Magical I loved my visit and soaked in all the joyfulness. I'd love to also include there are powerful images of horses, bears, lions, tigers and stallions either in a staged setting or in the wild where the animal subject is completely unaware of a camera filming their natural actions. I was mesmerized especially by the lion photos and the beautiful bear named Adam that is a rescue living in a sanctuary and used as part of series. This exhibit is definitely worth seeing and yes masks are strictly enforced here and everything completely organized, pristine and kept clean for everyone's safety. Good photography should tell a story a meaningful interlude that captivates you and engulfs you. You will be enthralled if you attend this gallery showing and you will leave learning more about David Yarrow's techniques and the joint effort of everyone involved in his creative endeavors.

Went to the private opening reception for David Gamble: Andy Warhol living room exhibition last…read morenight. David gamble was allowed to photograph Andy Warhol's residence after his passing. Not only did he photograph some of the iconic works of art that he owned, but he also photographed some of his normal every day possessions. It is a fascinating look at the living quarters of a very private person who was a very public celebrity. The exhibit runs from October 14th through November 12th. Some of David Gamble's works will also be feautured at SOFA Chicago at Navy Pier October 31st through November 3rd. The Hilton Asmus Comtemporary Gallery specializes in modern and contemporary paintings, works on paper, mixed media and sculpture with a special focus on photography. They always have interesting shows and events in their beautiful gallery.

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.

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.

Small but free, not a must do but if it's cold and you need some culture, here you go! Must check…read morein bag at door. I'm in!

This small free museum focuses on American & international photography from the 20th century…read moreonward. The permanent collection includes photos by Henri Cartier Bresson, Harry Callahan, Sally Mann, Catherine Wagner & 500 more of the best photographers working today. There are special rotating exhibits.

One of the coolest little museums about things that most people are too afraid to talk about. It's…read morea part of a record store, which I love. The workers were really friendly too!! I forget her name but there was a woman working who was super welcoming. The last time I came here, I wasn't greeted by anyone and then was too afraid to ask about how to get into the museum, so I just left lol. It's located in the back of their record store behind a curtain, and it can feel confusing on how to access it or if it's even accessible to the public. Most people probably won't even know there is a museum/if they are allowed in unless they ask. I think it costs $15 for Chicago residents and $20 for non-residents. They have an amazing collection of stuff so I think it's worth it to support them. If you take the time to read and look at everything, it could take up to an hour, but at least 20 minutes if you just skim through. There's also a free pinball machines in the basement for when you are finished with the museum and need something to refresh your mind, but we had to leave to get to the restaurant we were going to. Unfortunately we also didn't get to listen in on the man giving a more in-depth talking tour, but I enjoyed just doing a self-guided tour and looking at everything on my own. There's so much information written for each thing. I would love to come back and really read everything since I didn't really get to this time!

We went to Graveface today and time literally flew by. The museum has the most impressive curation…read moreof Gacy information/paintings, history of sideshow, taxidermy, and occult objects. Spencer is the perfect positive burst of knowledgeable energy to add some joy to the macabre! He was so knowledgeable and we really enjoyed our time. Will definitely be back!! If you have a morbid curiosity, definitely check out Graveface! Thanks Spencer!!!

Family Day at the Smart Museum…read more When my daughter booked our family for Family Day as what we thought was part of U Chicago's Family Day, we were quite excited. A fun crafting adventure for the weekend. We almost didn't go as we were running late. Called and they said to come, so we did. Lucky to find a parking spot next to the Smart Museum on the University of Chicago campus. Walked in to the open atrium where we saw families of preschool aged kids with their mommies and daddies weaving on paper looms. My daughters have progressed to grad school, so we were a bit surprised. The museum curator also said when she scheduled Family Day at the Smart Museum of Art, she didn't realize that was also UChicago's Family Day. What a coincidence! So....we explored the museum first for inspiration. The museum is small, but had some beautiful installations. My favorite was the sunflower quilt print. The Sunflower Quilting Bee at Arles. Rosa Parks. Sojourner Truth. Ida Wells. Mary McLeod Bethune. Harriet Tubman. Vincent Van Gogh watching strong women advocate for equality from a distance. So powerful. Then, back to the atrium to pick up paper looms and fill brown paper bags with and assortment of strands of yarn, cord, shells and cards. Not having a plan, we went to work. Creativity inspired by our love for each other. Nice to have their featured artist come check on us. No, we were not on our phones. We were weaving small works of art. A great opportunity to spend a few quality hours with my daughters away from their responsibilities as adults studying to make an impact on the world. Family Day at the Smart Museum of Art. #2700

I came here for a Saturday opening and reception of Composing Color: Paintings by Alma Thomas and…read moreBeyond Boundaries: Three Decades of Contemporary Chinese Art. It was so nice to go to a reception on a Saturday afternoon instead of a week night. The setup of the place is such that the food and drinks are floor level, but no food/drinks are allowed in the gallery space. Not convenient but understandable. This was my 2nd or 3rd time in this space. There was cheese/meat/fruit in one area, sealed pieces of cake in another area, and bartenders pouring wine, beer, soda, and water. Also a special drink dedicated to Alma Thomas. I was not familiar with her work, she was big admirer of outer space. It coincided with the Artemis II lunar space trip, so that was just awesome! The other exhibit about the University of Chicago's history with Chinese art was visually arresting and thought-provoking. There was a space separate for kids to do crafts as well. the bathrooms were small but clean, and a coat rack was provided, which was quite convenient. It is not far from public transportation, and I can't speak to parking, but the campus is so nice, if you live a mile or so away, it's a nice walk.

Coming from the I.E./L.A., it was hard for me to wrap my mind around a large vibrant Mexican…read morecommunity outside of the Southwest. Growing up in a pre-social media era, I knew the the Puerto Ricans, Cubans, and Dominicans claimed major metropolitan areas on the East Coast (NYC and Miami), but I never associated Mexicanos in the cold AF Midwest and East Coast. My god, I'm grateful for discovering the Pilsen neighborhood and this museum. I represent the third generation-guero faction of my Mexican American family, but I grew up surrounded by the cultura, with a deep appreciation for the culture. And this museum, much like Placita Olvera, gave me the "feels." It's in a super residential neighborhood. I guess you could say the same thing about LACMA, but it just feels different here, and in a good way. All the "Fuera Ice" signs in the area around the museum made me proud of Chi-City. I don't see these signs around LACMA, but I could be wrong. Nevertheless, if you're visiting from out of town, I strongly encourage you to stop by here and chill. Spend some time here. Check out the graffiti murals around 18th street. Soak in all the exhibits. The good. The bad (colonization). And the ugly. The continued racism and othering of a community that fights and dies for this country, that takes care of this country's kids, that handles this country's landscaping, that builds this country's neighborhoods and cities, that feeds this county's people, con sabor, and so much more--con todo!

It's mediocre the expos are whatever Chicano Expos (not for everybody)…read more The store sale cheap souvenirs at high prices it doesn't represent the real Mexican art Also it's very focus in Dia de Muertos, Frida, Virgen de Gpe the Mexican art it's very extensive every state has its own art it should have more variety Over Priced Cheap Art