Every time I leave Kavi Gupta I always have one of three emotions (and in decreasing order):…read moreantipathy, shock or resplendence. Just when I believe I've found a contemporary art gallery that is interesting and consistent in their exhibition quality, I look at an exhibition price list and all of my negative feelings for the contemporary art world come out. Seldom is highly conceptual contemporary art affordable or approachable, nor does it nourish my soul. I remember visiting this gallery back when it was Vedanta Gallery, and their approach to selecting interesting, yet ultimately inane, contemporary art remains key to their success. I have enjoyed some of their exhibitions, and a perusal of their website (which is quite good) shows balance between the absurd and the august.

Had some real captivating traveling exhibitions, staff was very nice and informative, would…read moredefinitely visit again

Free (f)art gallery housed in the first-and-a-half floor of the University of Illinois at Chicago's…read moreArt and Design Hall. For a school that attempts so hard to be cutting edge and up to date, they sure hate the idea of accessibility and simplicity. First, to park, you have to battle condo and greektown street parking (not to mention student parking) or fall into the trap known as UIC lot parking. Word to the wise, take the train or bus (bike/walk) to get here, if you seriously need to take a car come early and hunt down a street spot because you'll be trapped in lots or be towed if you don't. Second, it is pretty hard to find. Its in the nondescript building marked by a bland painted steel sign, walk through the door with the glass facade and follow the hall to the left and up some stairs. If you do not do stairs, you have to take the elevator the ever-annoying 1/2 flight of stairs, delineated in the elevator as "1F" rather than "1." Perhaps the F is for "fuck, what moron built an art gallery 1.5 floors up?" Third, the reason its free is due to the fact that they happen to think the graduate work that is rotated in is.. get this, worth viewing. The redeeming quality about this place is its free. You can't vote someplace that is free with one star unless you get suckerpunched, in my opinion. I haven't been hit visiting the gallery yet. Currently there are some fantastic graduate works (MFA show) for the next few weeks, but it can be hit or miss. C. Britt and M. Jinks are showing work until April, when E. Fleischauer and D. Carter (amongst others) are showing work, shouldn't be missed. Hey, at least its not SAIC..

Solid gallery with amazing history. If you're looking for a place that has been around for a long…read moretime, worked with a slew of Chicago artists, with the funkiest/weirdest floors you'll ever see, this is the place. UIC connected, in the arts building, fitting...and great staff!

This was the highlight of our trip to Chicago. Had a full blown museum tour of the shop's history…read moreand collection. It was beautiful and very educational. We had a very amazing time. The atmosphere was very welcoming. Glen was amazing storyteller. He was not snobbish and very passionate of his work. We love listerning to those type of stories. My sister who loves art history said she had a blast. Came out with 2 beautiful jewelry for me and my sister. I love anything one of a kind. I buy a lot of antique and vintage jewelry, I believed was pretty reasonable price. Will come back again.

I share the ethical concerns many others have raised. Dishonest and poor business practices.read more

Great place. Everyone I have met there is amazingly and genuinely friendly. Tom can really tell a…read morestory. The gallery concentrates mainly on modern art and abstract works, but they do have other stuff. It's kind of hard to be too restrictive when you specialize in artists as varied in style as Jan Matulka. So all in all, a great place. Stop by and see some art.

T at the store was helpful and inviting. Great conversation all around and helped me with a pair of…read moreshoes. Super welcoming staff. Cool store. Must visit in Chicago

Notre is hands down my favorite designer boutique in Chicago. I've been here multiple times over…read morethe years, and the clothing options are always absolutely stunning. The interior design is amazing, and I love how they've updated the store layout over time while keeping everything chic and stylish. The staff are incredibly friendly, and even the changing room is cute with a fake grass floor, which I'm obsessed with lol.

Carrie Secrist Gallery focuses mainly on established contemporary artists. The gallery represents…read moreall media and tends often to feature the strongest exhibitions in the West Loop. ("The Last Seduction," 2007, was a particular hit, with a catalog of contemporary heavy weights hard to match anywhere else at any given point.) CS's space is cold, but not without its charms. Unlike many Chicago galleries, the space (very large overall) is broken down into several viewing rooms, some outfitted with comfortable furniture and precisely dimmed lights. CS might as well be Chicago's uncanny little piece of Chelsea, for better or worse. The scene is a bit familiar, albeit a risk-free way to spend a Friday evening milling about an opening, or a midday pop-in. Overall, the curation is smart and deliberate, if rather inevitable.

Based on what I have seen in this gallery and on the website, I think that Andrew Rafacz has a…read morereally developed aesthetic judgment. I have a degree in art history (worthless) and really dislike a lot of art done after the reign of the Salon at L'Academie ended. Those damned impressionists ruined everything. I digress, but this history is a way of showing how remarkable it is that I find contemporary pieces here that I like. The gallery space is very attractive. I was at a party there last night and It is a wonderful spot for entertaining. If I were a bit richer, I would add this gallery to the list of places that I would patronize. Even if the Impressionists did ruin the Salon and help end the needed classical training all artists once had, there would not be interesting galleries like Andrew Rafacz without them.

From the owner: Andrew Rafacz is a leading contemporary art gallery based in Chicago. Founded in 2002, the gallery…read morehas presented - often for the first time in Chicago - prescient exhibitions by an international roster of artists for more than twenty years. The gallery represents artists from a wide spectrum of backgrounds and identities working in many mediums, connected by their respective dedication to a thoughtful, defining practice.

G.R. N'Namdi Gallery this is a wonderful gallery with a pleasant staff and an owner who tends to…read morework late, but always happy to show work. I believe this is family owned gallery and you get the sense. They showcase a lot of african- american artist national and international. They have a mixed media collection that is ever changing.