I had a summer internship with Aron Packer back when his gallery was on Peoria and really loved…read moreworking with him. I hadn't been to his new space (having merged with Schopf on Lake) until tonight. It was the same great owner and artwork, but in a bigger, even more beautiful space. Aron is a really friendly, fun guy who is very knowledgeable about the work he carries. Some of my favorite pieces are photos by Toni Hafkensheid and the really fun "Shark Girl" work by Casey Riordan Millard. Packer Schopf is a great place too look at some contemporary artwork and have a glass of wine (in tonight's case, served in Spongebob Dixie cups).

I'm really lucky, because one of my closest friends, Victoria Fuller, is an artist - a sculptor and…read morepainter. Not just your average every day artist, but I mean a real one. Since I'm kind of on a staycation this week, we took our boys into the city for an art gallery experience... a private tour of *Auntie* Vicki's art show and tour of the rest of the exhibits. Aside from the fact that her show is incredible, especially seeing all the little tidbits of art she's been working on around her studio all come together in entirety, the gallery is small and really nice inside. You wouldn't know from the outside what to expect. It looks like any older building in the area, but walk in and you are greeted by a completely renovated space that feels like a designer showroom from the Mart. Well lit, with artwork nicely displayed. The sculpture exhibits are upstairs, and downstairs there is a unique basement space, with lots of head room and art on paper. Today we saw engraved laptops by Michael Dinges in his exploration of objects that go on living after they are dead, and a custom canoe made from siding. Vicki's exhibit explores nature and our environment around us, and Geoffry Smalley's works on paper jabs at the world of American sports. There were also scanned collage pieces by Karen Savage exploring the various emotions and angles of depression and anxiety. I met the owner of the gallery, Aron Packer, who is super nice and welcoming (and a banjo player). It was nice to be in a space that didn't feel stuffy and unwelcoming to my two inquisitive eight-year old boys. Parking is a bit of a challenge around there, but so worth the stop. The train on Lake makes a stop right outside the gallery if you are local. Also, lots of great restaurants in the area, like Little Goat and Grange Hall Burger Bar (our stop) for a true urban experience.

I always enjoy some time here. Hard to believe this was where the now defunct Defender South side…read morenewspaper was written/printed. This time the artist was out and about, answering questions. Paul Branton's 'Blck Hand Side' was in the final days of the exhibit. There were more snacks/drinks available too. The outdoor seating was not a factor, it was cool and rainy. This is a less 'warm' room, all white (duh) but a great space for art. The multiple stalls in the restrooms and benches help too! The space is available for rental too, FYI.

I often need to make disclaimers when reviewing since I am endeared to all the friends who run art…read morespaces around Chicago, but I've known the husband and wife couple who run this one the better part of ten years. I've seen them rebuild the house where they host their shows pretty much from scratch and then open it up to the world in an act that stands at the extremes of generosity, embodying an ideal of a society built around and founded on the power of ideas, with extraordinary tenacity and resilience. They enter into a rich tradition of artists who have flown the coop from the natty urbanity of the Chicago art scene's turmoil in order to set up shop with some modest degree of serenity for their creative pursuits in that halcyon known as Oak Park. It's true, a jaunt on the orange line or a ten-minute drive (off peak) presents an obstacle for the residents of this city of neighborhoods, but it's worth the trip. Many tried and true Chicago artists turn up here, and the salutary mood of the place is second to none, with easy offerings of food, drink, studio tours and introductions of even the most hapless of strangers into a circle of well-spoken and serious-minded friends. A welcome gem in the tradition of Oak Park stalwart The Suburban, it's assured that this big-hearted home art space will deliver great things in little packages with reliable consistency over the years.

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.

Been to quite a few of the open Second Fridays here, during which Logsdon 1909 and a bunch of the…read moreother galleries around the area are available to peruse. Each time I've been, there are different artists represented, though often some pieces are held over from one month to the next. And the little (ceramic?) drones, for example, are always available (and cool, at that). Some months featured papercraft and multimedia, others mostly paintings, etc. I've always found something to appreciate, though, and that says something for the taste and selectivity of the gallery.

Went to the Gallery Opening for "Jackson Pollock meets Bette Midler" by artist Dellamarie…read moreParrilli. Amazing artwork arranged very well by the gallery. Drinks were extra strong and the food offerings were good. A pleasant evening with visually stunning artwork. I would definitely visit this gallery again! This is a great space to display.

My daughter took a 3-5 age class here, and it was awesome! The teacher was nice, and my daughter…read morehad a blast! I'm glad to have found this place.

We had a small gathering here at the gallery for an event unrelated to the usual art happenings in…read morethe gallery. This is space that serves for community and creativity. The exhibitions are vibrant. The gallery staff and art itself engage the patrons at every event.

Visited over the weekend for Pigmented FINE Black Art Faire and the space was great. This space…read moreallowed the artist to spread out and viewers were able to admire the art up close and personal. There was so much space here it was a full house but we didn't feel like we were in a crowd. Lovely space can't wait to return.

On the Third Friday of each month, Zhou Art center hosts a free exhibition and open studio event…read morewhere locals can explore the main galleries and the resident artist's studios. This is a great opportunity for Chicagoans from all over and tourists to come and support the artists. This was my first time visiting Zhou Art Center and it was ok. The staff was just walking around and not engaging with frowns on their faces. Some of the art work displayed throughout the center was pretty nice. It was nice to come out and see some creative pieces. This is a very beautiful art center. You can book an event space, host a party and wedding. A hidden gem right down the street from Bridgeport Art Center. You can have the best of both worlds and visit both art centers.