by Carly
2. July 2012 10:33
And we’re back with another edition of “Art in the Neighborhood”. Today, we’re featuring the energetic and funky neighborhood of Wicker Park / Bucktown. History shows that Wicker Park has been a long-time advocate for arts and culture. Veteran arts organizations such as the Chopin Theater, the Near Northwest Art Council, and the Flat Iron Arts Association were born here and continue to offer their services decades later (and for the Chopin Theater, over ninety years later). Some of the more recent additions to the culturally rich Wicker Park legacy include Park Schreck Gallery, Jackson Junge Gallery, and Pagoda Red.
Park Schreck Gallery
Located right off the lakeshore, Park Schreck Gallery celebrated their first anniversary in June with a show featuring a diverse group of emerging talent, 80% of whom are Chicagoans. Founded upon the belief that in-person viewing is the best way to enjoy art, this gallery is dedicated to finding and showcasing contemporary artists eager to connect with buyers. If you’re in town, make sure to catch Into the Void, a solo exhibition featuring Steve Amos. His bold and fractural abstract paintings will be on display until July 30th. Like Park Schreck on Facebook follow them on Twitter or stop by any day of the week except Tuesday, between the hours of 11am and 6pm.
Jackson Junge Gallery
Just a five-minute walk away, Jackson Junge Gallery is located directly south of Park Schreck, on Milwaukee. Also a newbie to the Wicker Park arts scene, this three-year-old gallery is co-owned by Chicago artist Laura Lee Junge and partner Chris Jackson. Jackson Junge spotlights Junge’s personal work, but also shows other contemporary “guest” artists throughout the year. As an added bonus, co-owner Jackson offers custom framing services on site. Currently showing at Jackson Junge is an exhibition of Kavan Geary’s glowing and ethereal photography, entitled Illumination, closing on July 1st. Keep up with the Jackson-Junge duo on Facebook and Twitter. Visit the gallery any day of the week between 11am and 8pm, or 12am – 5pm on Sundays.
Pagoda Red
Walk only a couple blocks north to the northernmost corner of Wicker Park for an escape to the Far East. A connoisseur of Chinese furniture and decorative arts for nearly fifteen years, Pagoda Red provides an authentic taste of both contemporary and traditional Asian style. The showroom opened in 1997, making this gallery the most mature of the Wicker Park group. Most of their inventory, from seating and lighting to original paintings and scrolls, can be viewed both online and in store. While scrolling through their extensive online collection, make sure to “clip your favorites” to create a personal wishlist. Like Pagoda Red on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, or stop by the gallery Monday through Saturday from 10am – 6pm. (And don’t forget about Pagoda Red’s sister storefront in Winnetka, located at 902 Green Bay Road.)
For more information on North Side galleries and art spaces, consult CGN's North Side district listings.
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