Every street in Lakeview offers something different - from Wrigleyville to Boystown the possibilities are endless. This sprawling Northside community encompasses a vast landscape of restaurants, shops, and entertainment, so it only makes sense that a neighborhood characterized by its cultural diversity is the home to many distinct galleries. A day trip to the galleries of one of Chicago’s largest neighborhoods is worthwhile, that is, if you’re willing to risk the strong possibility of running into a Cubs fan.
Right in the heart of Lakeview, The Leigh Gallery represents over eighty artists in almost every medium, a majority of whom are local Chicago artists. The gallery showcases mostly paintings, but also features drawing, sculpture, prints, photography, jewelry, and glass. Known for its warm and homey atmosphere, this gallery has the power to attract even the most timid gallery-goer. Keep up with The Leigh Gallery on Facebook, follow them at @TheLeighGallery, or visit them Wednesday through Monday at 3306 N. Halsted.
Jean Leigh: Nest, pen and ink, L/E print, on view at The Leigh Gallery
Heading south, take a left on Belmont, then a right on Sheridan. Here you’ll find Galleries Maurice Sternberg, home to both Sternberg Traditional and Sternberg Contemporary. Sternberg Traditional offers 19th to early 20th century American and European paintings, while its contemporary sister features postwar and living artists from all over the world. Noteworthy artists such as Warhol, Indiana, and Miro mingle among young up-and-comers in one fascinating space. Like Galleries Maurice Sternberg on Facebook, or schedule an appointment to visit Monday through Friday at 3000 N. Sheridan.
Jerome Carlin: Caribbean Launch #3, oil on canvas, on view at Galleries Maurice Sternberg
Continue south on Sheridan then take a right onto Diversey to visit Platt Fine Art. Specializing in artists’ estates, the gallery handles a large inventory of mostly 20th century printmakers and painters. Their representation of contemporary artists continues to grow with a recent additions of a handful of emerging printmakers. An avid traveler to art fairs far and wide, Platt Fine Art will be taking a trip to Kent, CT this month to showcase work in the upcoming Litchfield County Antiques and Mid-Century Show, Friday, June 22 and Saturday, June 24. Browse their extensive inventory online, or visit Platt Fine Art Tuesday through Saturday, at 561 W. Diversey, Ste. 213.
Bernard Kohn: Sunlight & Decanter, screenprint, on view at Platt Fine Art
From Diversey, head north on Clark Street to discover Art de Triumph + Artful Framer Studios. Doubling as a framer and gallery since 2003, Art de Triumph showcases original paintings, Giclée prints, pastels, and fine art cards with a representational style. Boasting thirty-three years of custom framing experience, you might as well frame your purchase while you’re there. Like the owner’s page, Nancie Kind Mertz, on Facebook to learn more or drop by the studio at 2938 N. Clark, open seven days a week.
Nancie King Mertz: Under the Bridge, pastel, on view at Art de Triumph
The last stop on our tour is sure to pack a punch, featuring modern pop, illustration art, and character design. Follow Diversey westward to visit Rotofugi Gallery, just on the border of Lincoln Park and Lakeview neighborhoods. Two shows are on exhibit this month at Rotofugi: Fungus Amungus: New Works by Josh Herbolsheimer, and Malformations and Maleficarum: Paintings Drawings and Prints by Martin Ontiveros. Both exhibits are open through June 24. Be sure to stop by the Rotofugi Designer Toy Store adjacent to the gallery to check out toys almost too beautiful to play with. Like Rotofugi on Facebook, follow the gallery at @rotofugi, or visit seven days a week at 2780 N. Lincoln.
Joshua Herbolsheimer: Nature Spaced, cel vinyl on wood, on view at Rotofugi Gallery
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