Beautiful art work from all over the African diaspora. It is small and quaint, but has two floors…read morewith original paintings, sculptures, masks, etc. Spoke to the owner and she said they also have framing services. Will return here for framing.

There's real life African Art here!…read more Skip the shops full of hackneyed kente cloths. This place is the real deal and right in the cut between Bronzeville and Hyde Park; the black hipster capitals of Chicago. I gotta say the service was outstanding. I wish it was a bit larger inside for more space and curation but what're you gonna do. Overall, if you want the ultimate one stop shop for authentic African Art with the receipts to match, come here. I grabbed a design by an artist recommended at another gallery. The pieces are timeless and work with nearly every aesthetic. Find your perfect coffee table piece or decorate an entire room with a large canvas.

Are you looking for something to give your house or apartment a unique touch? Are you looking for…read morean unexpected housewarming, birthday, anniversary, or wedding gift? Why not consider buying a piece of art? And I am not talking about going to Target or Walmart and buying one of those generic, made a million of 'em, mass-produced posters or "printed" paintings. I am talking about going to Project Onward, on the fourth floor at the Bridgeport Art Center, and selecting from thousands of one-of-a-kind paintings, ceramic sculptures, and drawings. Project Onward is an amazing studio and gallery where they give artists with mental and developmental disabilities a "visual voice" to tell their stories and change the perceptions of the world. Their non-profit studio is inclusive, and they embrace artists with a wide range of life experiences. Some are self-taught artists who have Autism, while some are formally trained artists who have bipolar disorder. There are other artists with challenges that are equally complex. However, all of them willingly explore the innermost recesses of their minds to create powerful works of art. Most of the Project Onward artists live on low incomes and cannot afford to pay for studio space, or purchase supplies. So there is no cost for them to be a part of Project Onward. Many of their artists have received accolades for artistic excellence. Artwork created in their Chicago studio has been widely exhibited, and can be found in private, and corporate collections throughout the world. Project Onward's studio and gallery is a beehive of creative activity. The artists are friendly and delighted to see visitors interested in their creations. Volunteer guides are at hand to show you the artwork available for purchase, or you can just flip through the art bins at your leisure. There is so much incredible artwork to choose from--and most of it is affordably-priced. My husband and I recently spent a fun and engaging afternoon there, chatting with the artists and volunteers--and we found the perfect housewarming gift of art for a friend. When you purchase a piece of art from Project Onward, you're helping support a good cause, and you get something unique and beautiful to have or to give. I highly recommend supporting Project Onward, and treating yourself or a loved one to the gift of art!!

I ended up at the Cultural Center today and stumbled upon the Project Onward studio + gallery on my…read moreway out. WOW, what an amazing place! The artwork is unique to each artist - many focus on a certain theme or style. I was admiring an awesome Jimi Hendrix piece on the wall (sadly, far out of my price range) when the artist greeted me and told me more about his work and how he got started. His focus is memorial portraits, which he began 7 years ago after experiencing a loss of a family member who was close to him. I felt touched that he shared his story and passion with me. There is definitely something in everyone's price range - many $10, $20, and $35 pieces (many on corrugated cardboard - interesting!). Others were in the hundreds, like the Hendrix piece I was admiring. I ended up going back and picking up a $20 Chicago-themed piece for my new apartment. 70% of sales go back to the artist. As another reviewer said, you also see some artists at work. Their stations are seemingly as unique as the artwork. The artist who uses glitter...wow! Loved that station! I spoke with one of the managers on my return trip today, and he said they have around 40 artists. I'm looking forward to telling some of my students about Project Onward as well. Overall a very positive place focused on community and art appreciation.

OK, I need to find out my skinny BFF's tee-shirt size before Christmas, because he (in my view)…read more needs to wear the cat-serpent graphic, and I look silly in graphic tees. I covet the mandrake lithograph, which is something else entirely. I like the space a lot, including the repurposed prayer card tree with flyers in it. There are Italian restaurants on this quiet block to repair to and contemplate what you bought. (La Fontanella, across the street, is pure old-school peace in the afternoon.) The staff at the gallery are cool; they politely ignore you unless you ask them about something. I like that; I can't stand people asking me if I "have any questions," which tends to send me either out the door of scurrying for the wine offering, depending.

Hoofprint Workshop is a delightful new small gallery located inside an old funeral home in the west…read morePilsen neighborhood. The opening I went to had complimentary drinks, artwork from a dozen local artists ranging from printmaking to sculpture and woodwork, as well as live musicians. A really cool new addition to the Chicago arts community.

It's not a 9-5 gallery. Open only during special events, which you can find on their Facebook page…read moreor dnainfo. Love the shows which feature local artists, local foods, and local drinks. There are political statements in more contemporary mediums as well as pieces in classical fine art styles and techniques. Very well curated and the music is great.

Co-Pro is the artist space owned by Ed Marszewski, who also owns Maria's down the street. I went…read morethere for Over the Influence, which was a beer-art show. I honestly had a great time there and I think the space really gave an opportunity for all the art to be displayed, especially the sketches for local beer labels. There was even a weird, alien beer bong which attracted a lot of attention and a keg bottle opener thingy. The space seemed small with a lot of the tables next to each other but it was easy to try everything and talk to the brewers to. The only downside was the line for the bathrooms-which was probably the longest line there.

Beautiful gift store. Margot, the owner is so nice and helpful. I came in looking for a gift for my…read more89 year old mother and Margot suggested the perfect item. My mom loved it and it was also practical.

I wanted so much to purchase something here because the lady inside was so nice. She has beautiful…read morethings but nothing that we needed or that grabbed me. Had she had anything with a Corgi on it it would have been sold. Go shop!!

Had a good time at this art museum and gallery. It certainly is a way to know about a local artist…read morewho had a big impact. The Ed Paschke Art Center is the biggest collection of his work. Also it's free. There's a lot of permanent collections, and you can find exhibits by other local artists who come here for training. A few things about him. In 1939 he was born on the North Side. There was early influence by his father who made Disney animation and sketches among other things. After graduating from The School Of The Art Institute Of Chicago, he got a travel scholarship to Mexico. There he was influenced by the art colors and patterns. He was in the army, making drawings for weapons manuals. Then he started making collages using images from newspapers. He would enlarge and reproduce these using oil on canvas. Then getting his MFA at SAIC, he was influenced by the first museum exhibition held by Andy Warhol. He was getting popular as an artist. Then he also began teaching classes at several universities. Often he would invite students over to his studio, and tell them to grab a brush and start painting on a canvas. The Art Institute Of Chicago had a traveling career retrospective in 1989 that was one of his career highlights. In 2004 he passed away. The city honored him by naming a street after him. A few years later this art center was created by his children and the Rabb Family Foundation. This opened in 2014 and increased the awareness of his work and life. Admission is free. This is because of their commitment to accessibility to the public. In the permanent collection is the Howard Street Studio installation. This reimagines his art studio with unfinished art works, source material, and souvenirs. Basically it's like giving you an idea of how he made art. One can get a sense of his painting techniques, like how he used sponges to get the color and volume. A lot of other stuff in the permanent collection. Vaca Victoria was a part of the 1999 public art project "Cows On Parade." It was one of hundreds of fiberglass cows created by Chicago artists. This used to be on Superior in River North. It was only there a few days. There was controversy about some local gang symbols. It has a head painted like the Bulls logo. The six stars represent the NBA Championship wins. Also there's stuff by other local artists. This has a residency program where they can learn. Getting here is pretty easy without a car. It's located on Higgins by Milwaukee Avenue and the Jefferson Park Metra station. This is easy to get to with public transportation.

I'd love to see more of his exhibits or his artworks. I was awestruck when I come across his art…read moreexhibits at art institute I begged my dad to take me there when I was in high school. There I met Ed Paschke after I grabbed bought art book about him, got his autograph. I treasure this art book with his signature when I greeted him politely and told him my name. ( I wrote it down on note because I'm deaf and too shy to talk. Thank you Ed Paschke. May your colorful spirit in arts live on! I hope or wish to have one of your masterpieces. They are so beautiful and vibrant! I'll post pic once I find my art book.

The Northbrook Artisan Shop is located within the Northbrook Historical Society which is a…read moreworthwhile stop when in town, particularly if you have any fondness for Northbrook. I am so delighted that they have chosen to add the shop offering artisan gifts made by local artists. This includes paintings, jewelry, quilts, scarves, knits, serving pieces, and lots of other unique gifts. The prices range from about $5- $350, priced within reason. Part of the profits go back to the historical society..

I visited for the SANDRO MILLER 1-day preview of John Malkovich Homage series, and book signing. A…read moreproud moment for Chicago! My first gallery featuring a Pet Series. Cute! Reasonable prices with excellent quality and originality.

This veteran gallery emphasizes photography, and also displays mixed media art that includes…read morephotographs. It has recently expanded its gallery space.