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.

Great place to stop in to check out and support work from local artists. Owners and staff are very…read morefriendly. Prices are very reasonable.

Most favorite local art spot to shop at, I've found so many gifts here already just living down the…read morestreet. Everything is reasonably priced and honestly SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTIST DUH! They have pop ups every now and then to display different vendors and artists as well.

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.

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.

Ben and Kathy are amazing. Wonderful art, cozy place, great service. Recommended.read more

I am honored and blessed to work at Studio 71 Art Gallery. Kathy & Ben are always motivating me as…read morean artist. The gallery is one of South Shore's treasure that I hope many will appreciate its value. The website's face lift is very colorful, engaging and a true sense of the gallery's atmosphere and art. Do visit the website and the gallery - you will not regret it ! Patricia Travis

Wow, a lot I didn't know about printing! Attended a free holiday public gathering with reasonable…read moresales of many artists, using various methods to achieve unusual results! Selection was all over the place, but traveling makes it difficult to get in suitcase. Very interesting!

So amazing!!! The people, the art, the mission all add up to a wonderful place to explore and…read moresupport...

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.

If you love art, then you'll love this gallery! I've been to multiple shows here and am very…read moreimpressed with the quality and range of the art they exhibit. Some of their shows are also accompanied by poetry readings. It is run by a wonderfully warm woman who has a real flair for running a gallery that makes everyone feel welcome. I Love this place!!

As an eco-feminist artist, I'm very grateful to be an Enhanced Member of and be represented by this…read moreamazing, award-winning non-profit, which has empowered, encouraged and provided incredible opportunities to women artists, including non-binary and transfemme, for over 30 years. I applaud Woman Made Gallery's continued mission of Peace, Justice, Diversity, Equality, Non-violence, Dignity, Rights and Inclusion for all -- especially critical in these times when our very democracy is being continually threatened. I particularly want to acknowledge Co-Founder & Director Beate Minkovski for her many years of hard work and dedication to help ensuring women artist have equal placement in the art world. Since 1992, WMG has shown the work of 10,000 artists from around the world in 475 exhibits! When I rejoined last year, I was pleased to find Woman Made Gallery was going stronger and better than ever, supporting artists to "use their voices to challenge injustice and envision a more just and peaceful future." My WMG artist membership has helped me become joyfully prolific and to do my very best, daring work to date -- my dynamic, colorful acrylic paintings are now proudly posted on my WMG Member Page. Because of WMG, I have the power to use art to address the environmental crises and environmental justice, particularly as it impacts women and girls around the world. WMG can handle my art sales, so I am freed to have more time to create meaningful work and evolve my unique brushwork and perspective techniques. -- Letitia L. Star, Eco-Feminist Artist and Eco-Health Journalist LStarart@gmail.com