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

Enjoyable little store featuring a nice range of artist, mostly local in different mediums…read more Jewelry, scarfs, paintings, etc. Great place to pick up a gift for yourself or someone if you know their individual style. I did see a pair of earrings that I may go back and get, they were priced inexpensively and would be a cute vintage look for occasional wear. I have the tenancy to wear the same pieces everyday. Take a peek in if you're in the area you just may find a statement piece at a great price.

This charming consignment store is located on a busy stretch of Sherman Avenue. Among the artists…read moreselling their goods here are jewelers, fabric artists, photographers, ceramic artists, and more. I visited the store specifically because I used to work with one of the artists in a downtown office situation. While I enjoyed his display very much, I ended up buying a beautiful summer-light caped shirt produced by someone else -- don't tell him, please! I chatted with the owner, who sounds like an Englishman, and he was very pleasant and excited to tell me about the store. They'd only been open one week at the time of my visit. Just a good experience all around. I'm happy with my purchase -- which, by the way, did NOT put me into sticker shock! That was a big surprise, especially for such a unique article of clothing. I feel like I'm walking around in wearable art. Highly recommended for the selection of goods, the variety, pricing, and customer service. If I have any complaint, it's the road construction in the area, but that, of course, is out of the store's control. One thing you should know: the receipt has a note that says "Consignment items cannot be returned. All sales are final." This wasn't mentioned to me before the purchase, but I can't blame the owner for that. We were having such a pleasant chat, I'm sure he was distracted. Just be aware that you cannot return what you buy. Whether or not they'll exchange for store credit, I have no idea. Shop local! It does you and your community good.

I booked in home plant re-potting with Cultivate Urban Rainforest & Gallery, and was so pleased…read morewith their service! They re-potted the large plant I booked them for, and then had extra time and used it to look at all the other plants in my house, do some maintenance/re-potting, and to provide some plant education. This is a great local business!

I always love my time at Cultivate as the owner, Louise, is so helpful and a wonderful steward of…read morethe plants. I enjoy her bad assness! From the necklaces at check out, the mini gnomes, beautiful cork mountings, the list goes on! Worth a visit as I never leave empty handed :)

I'm often in the area since I'm probably BloOuts best customer and often admire the beautiful…read moreartwork here when walking by. When a friend recently showed me a gorgeous painting she had purchased here I decided to stop in to look for a space I've been looking to fill in my family room. Cynthia could not have been sweeter and after seeing a picture of the space showed me a bunch of paintings that could work. She has so much gorgeous art in this gallery, but I especially liked Amie Campbell's work. She photoshopped a few of my favorite pieces into the room and while I loved the artwork, I didn't think they were quite right for the space. I"m continuing to search for the perfect piece for this particular room, but I'll definitely be back to look for future artwork needs.

From the owner: Vivid Art Gallery specializes in contemporary art by emerging and mid-career artists. Media include…read morepaintings, works on paper, and ceramics. Designed to be a warm, inviting space, more like a living room than a gallery, Vivid displays the work of more than 25 artists every day. This allows customers to connect to the art that really speaks to them. The gallery also hosts an art opening on the First Friday of every month, so there's truly always something new to see. Our passion is helping people find artwork they love. We look forward to seeing you in the gallery soon!

Kid's birthday party with an amazingly creative project that really engaged the children. The…read morepottery maven was kind and happy and really knew how to work with kids. I want to make a turtle now!

My mother in law bought us a private pottery lesson! We had a great long two hour session, with an…read moreaaaaaamazing instructor, Carrie. 10/10 would recommend going and signing up for ANYTHING she teaches! This place rocked my socks off I had so much fun I'm prolly gonna sign up for regular classes starting in April I think she mentioned!! Go! Call! Reserve a spot! You won't be disappointed!

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!

Chicago land exhibit- while in Evanston, I was able to visit the Block Museum twice ! They had a…read morevery interesting exhibit focused on the American Indians and their art !! They had some amazing pieces. Some from natural sweetgrass, lots of paintings and lots of basket weaving techniques!! Great installation and totally free and sponsored by Northwestern university . Totally ten star experience!! Highly recommended !!

I've been a Northwestern alum for nearly 10 years, and I have never donated to the university (even…read morethough I work there, because hi, I'm still paying off student loans from my graduate degree). That said, I did decide to donate this year, mainly because I really wanted the cute Arch jigsaw puzzle, and I designated my donation gift to go to the Block Museum. This place is a hidden gem. I am OBSESSED with William Blake...like, I own his entire poetry collection and two coffee table art books (one of which is from the current Block exhibit -- Age of Aquarius -- that I had to buy after visiting). The current exhibit is freaking brilliant. It's so well done, amazingly curated and organized, and is really ingenious. I admittedly don't know much about art (I'm kicking myself now for never taking an art history class during my time at NU), but I've been to The Block several times over the years working there, and I'm ashamed I never went as an undergrad. Plus, hello, it's free. Always. Super happy to support them and cannot wait for their next exhibits. In the meantime, I have a hot date with Blake at least 2-3 times more before it closes, including some of the fun special events they have planned in collaboration with other parts of the university and members of the Chicago community.

I took the Nuno felting all day class with a friend. It was wonderful. Ausrine is incredibly…read moreknowledgable, patient and encouraging. We came home with our own finished scarves and can't wait to take more classes with Ausrine! Highly recommend!

A few weeks ago I went with my mom for our Groupon felting class. We went there, not knowing what…read moreto expect. Our teacher Ausrine welcomed us in her well organized, beautiful studio. I was impressed with how well she explained the process of wet felting and gave us excellent support as we got to try to do this on our own. My mom and I had a great time and ended up with a lovely memento of our time together. Ausrine's class was also very inspirational. I loved it !!!! I look forward to going back, to learn more!!!

Nina's work is outstanding. Her beautiful and engaging canvases transport you into landscapes…read morerendering the mundane magical. She has a great selection and she is very helpful in working with clients to find the perfect piece for your needs.

From the owner: Fine art landscape paintings in Oil. Commissions, Art Consultants, Designers & private Collectors…read morewelcome!