The flat iron arts building is a lovely space where art galleries open to the public once a month during First Fridays! There is also a guitar store, music school, art classes, and more that are open regularly! Its full of awesome art and very friendly humans who are excited to show you their creations and to chat :) It's fun wandering the few floors of intricate hallways and perusing the art both in the hallways and in the galleries. On First Friday in November, we got to see and participate in some interactive exhibits, like a claw machine with food (loved the concept related to SNAP benefits) and Wrath + Love's confessions project which involved a typewriter. There was live music from Phil's Circle Music which is an adult music school and someone was freestyling while others played instruments. And shout-out to Bri and Andrew from Screams Everything Studio, who are so friendly and make really cool art! Definitely recommend checking out their studio and visiting the building during first Fridays. Overall awesome vibe and a great way to experience Wicker Park, it's art and people :) I think we spent a little over an hour walking around the building but we came late and took our time, so we didn't get a chance to see some of the open galleries. But I think you could expect to spend about an hour or two there depending on your pace. First Fridays is free and a lovely way to spend an evening! read more

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Checked out common language at the flat iron building for a silly rebound workout class! The architecture of this building is so historic and unique, it felt like you traveled back in time :) read more

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I would look forward to 'Around the Coyote' art festivals for months back in the late 90s early 2000s. The name came, I think, from the shape of the building and how it could resemble an animal on 4 legs. Don't quote me on that though. Anyway those days are gone but the Flat Iron still has some great and inexpensive art. (Also paid Collaboraction theater and music too). They have a security guard but no admission fee. (yay) The building is such a maze/labyrinth, and seeing talking to the artists is a plus, but they are not always present. I came around 6 and stayed til 7:45 or so with a friend, so maybe other artists showed up later. With social media now one can always google the artist's name and contact them via email, instagram, twitter, etc. Sometimes people watching is just as entertaining: a guy was making quesadillas and selling them (didn't buy any), a guy walked around with a LIVE parrot, and of course dogs roamed around too. I think early fall and winter are good times to go, and try to arrive later if possible, I think it's really hopping by 8! read more

Flat Iron Arts Building - Art by Charlie Rees, studio 207 - Art Galleries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've come to the Flat Iron Arts Building several times over the last few years for their First Friday's event's. On the first Friday of every month (6pm-10pm), they host an event in which many of the artists in this building open their rooms in order to allow people to view and buy their art work. This event is basically free, but they do have a $5 suggested donation at the front door. The building is open at other times to the public, but this seems to be the best time to go if you want to get the most out of your visit. The art work ranges from more traditional styles, to art work that is more funky and unique. The building has three levels, and the artist's have their rooms on the 2nd and 3rd floor. If you are visiting for the first time, be aware that there is art in almost every nook and cranny of the building. There are times that I thought I was at the end of the hallway, and then discovered that there is another room at the end. A majority of the artists are energetic and have some great pieces on display. Most of the time, there also is one or two performances going on in their stage area. I'm normally too restless to even consider sitting down to enjoy a performance here, but the descriptions of the performances normally sound interesting. read more

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Cool place for looking at art on the 2nd and 3rd floors. It'll be kinda sparse, but very nice artists and even a band performance or two! It's a good time. I do have to say that Zhao Brothers is probably the best place in Chicago to look at art, but this place has some great artists also to buy from or just soak in as you peruse the place. read more

Walking down Milwaukee Ave, I've always glanced up at the pop up artwork hanging on the windows but never knew how to access those art galleries until one afternoon, I went through these unassuming side doors between stores. The arts building reminds me of an school with a maze of corridors that lead to uncountable art studios. Every artist displays their artwork along the walls of the hallways for spectators to admire. One of the artists hospitably welcomed me in to see him live in action. On the first Friday of every month between 6-10PM, all the artists showrooms will be open for public to view and shop! Make sure not to miss this one! read more

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Enjoyed THE WATER CHILDREN at affordable price in an amateur setting (moving to Rogers Park soon). Sensitive topic delivered by talented actors with a good dialogue. Common modern day wardrobe as costume. Basic VENUE on a black stage with a black curtain that hides the loud HVAC that sometimes competes with the actors' voices. Best way to FIND the stage is going up the stairs where you find taped paper on wall. Inquire of makeshift RESTROOM as there are no signs, and you go through a series of doors/spaces. STAFF are friendly, and helpful...if you find one. An excellent building and studio for artist. Creaky floors. Horrible soundproofing that conversations may be heard in a play downstairs. read more

Flat Iron Arts Building - Art Galleries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This building holds the most artists for the annual Around the Coyote festival. It is a fun and frenzied place to be during this arts festival, and it is a good opportunity to see lots of interesting art and meet some artists too. read more

Flat Iron Arts Building - Flat Iron Arts Building - Art Galleries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I'm not sure how much I like this place. Pros: Painted artwork on the walls Artwork hanging from the walls Everyone is always friendly and says 'hi' as they pass you in the halls Cons: Hot as a mother... (i mean honestly, i understand its winter but blasting the heat to 120 degrees does not make me feel better) The fumes and weed smell is uninviting (well maybe just the fumes) Poor location, with only one entrance Some of the prices for the artwork is unfreakin' believable. (I get being a starving artist is hard and supplies can be expensive but $3000 for a splattered paint piece...nahhh) read more

Came here last Friday because a friend of mine was showing some of his art. David Miller, Mad Lab (pardon the plug). As usual, he gave me no information about what was in store. So we show up look real stupid cuz we ask if this is where David Miller is. They say "probably". So then we wander around several floors of artists showing off their goods, checking it all out until we stumble upon the artist we came for. I really like the idea of what they've got going on there. I like having this forum for a bunch of lesser-known artists to show their stuff more publicly and professionally. It's a great idea. I just wish there was some A/C! A girl can melt alive in that sort of heat and humity combo! But more importantly, and seriously, I wish they had maps or directories or something. I'd like a little booklet that tells you your way around and who/what you can expect to find around every corner. Or at the very least, a poster on the wall at each floor to tell you what's there. We didn't even know where to find a potty! That's important business. read more

First Fridays at the Flat Iron Artist Community Every month on "First Friday" artists of all types using various mediums open their lofts/living spaces/studios to the public at the Flat Iron building at 1579 N. Milwaukee in Wicker Park. In fact so many artists throughout the building participate that you can enjoy a good wander through the maze of this triangular landmark building while taking it all in. It's a chill scene, with not so much a pressure to buy, as just an inspiration to explore. Artists are welcoming and Real - many of them show up and open up - themselves through explaining the passion behind their work - or their doors to allow you a peek of them in the creative process. What a great scene - spontaneous live music by locals and friends breaks out in the hallway, wine is shared, laughter bubbles in the echoing corridors... it's vibrant and inspirational. Don't miss a First Friday at the Flat Iron! Maybe you'll even get something from your favorite artist, like a small ceramic alien or glossy colorful enameled tile, to take the spirit home! read more

By now, I have passed the Flat Iron Arts Building hundreds of times and I finally visited the inside this past weekend at the Wicker Park/Bucktown Smart Show. I was very impressed by both the art work and the studio space. The set-up of the art show was perfect! Art work filled all the studios and hallways and a lot of the artists were available to discuss their artwork or answer questions. The environment was fun and the showcase was filled with talent. read more

Upon recommendation from one of my art savvier friends Sara B, we attended the most recent First Friday. Little did I know I was in for a maze of memorable characters, fantastic local art, and awesome guacamole. You can definitely make a night of it with several floors of artists- all who have a story. I loved the community feel of all of the art enthusiasts- there was so much interaction going on everywhere. The artists themselves could give me pages to yelp about- truly it is a haven of the most interesting people in the city. Most importantly of all I finally met JoJo of JoJo's closet, a sign I had seen high above Milwaukee avenue an always assumed was for a retail shop of sorts. Thats where I will leave that. Words don't do JoJo's closet justice. You just have to see it and hear it from the artist. Call if the door is locked. So, if you've got a night free and you are looking to expand your thinking for the evening its definitely worth it to check it out. And don't be cheap- pay the $5 entry fee. Support the arts. And the people who are so willing to go for their dreams they are living in their art studios.... read more

Went to the First Friday event tonight. The building opens up to allow you to get lost in the warren of artists' studios to meet artists, have some drinks and light refreshments, and see what tickles you. I didn't see much work that I would want to take home... but the atmosphere and concept are terrific. Well worth the $5 donation at the door. If you're planning to make a night out at the vomit triangle, you could do much worse than start your evening at First Friday. I'll be back and bring some friends this time. read more

First Fridays. .. fun

They charge an admission fee for their First Friday event which brings them down a number of stars. The Fine Arts building downtown has the same type of event with no admission fee. read more

Figures it would be Chicago that would make it two words ''Flat Iron''. The building is NOT an Iron for pressing clothes. Look at NYC , they get it right.. Flatiron architects would be rolling over in their graves if they knew how ChiCAgo spells it. However, with all said and done, Chicago's Flatiron building and the artists who inhabit it serve as a nice juxtaposition to an otherwise unremarkable humdrum yuppy infested midwestern neighborhood. It's too bad we won't be able to teleport the entire building and all the good artists in it to NYC's lower East side (1981) .Go back in time , wake up one morning , walk out the front door and there it is , the lower east side and all the action unfolding before your eyes - AND a whole new way of seeing things. read more

I like the artists showcased here, and yeah when the arts festival comes around lots of people go here. It's a great time, good art to see and lots of characters. read more

cool spot... one of the better i've been to in NYC as well as Chicago. Good just about any day of the week...

Pretty cool place! I met an artist at a party who invited me to his exhibition on Friday (apparently that's when most artists like to show to the public). I assumed it was more of a gallery/museum place, but it's more like an office building for artists. There are a lot of "offices" of varying sizes that artists use as studios or to simply exhibit their art. It was quite the experience, I'd say, and there are many different styles. Some of the larger "offices" featured bands, drinks, alcohol, homemade cookies, dogs (very fun to pet them). Also, it seems a lot of people smoke inside, but it's not a huge issue unless you have asthma. $5 donation at the door...I don't think it was required, though. read more

Checked out the Showroom on the second floor of LiftUPLift (women maker marketplace) and Katmandu Yogi (beautiful yoga inspired items from Nepal). Both run by women to support women worldwide. Interesting items available for purchase read more

First Friday of the month! I went there Oct. 2013 and it was so interesting and fun! I'm not a huge art person, but I still had a wonderful time talking to all the interesting artists and viewing their work. There's everything imaginable inside and some things unimaginable! It's definately worth the trip. The building itself is a piece of art - very old and strangely shaped. I didn't even make it around to everything on the 3rd floor, so I have to go back. I'm thinking it would even make an interesting first date, if they hadn't been there before. There's just sooo much to take in! Describing it does not do it justice. GO!! read more