Evanston, The North Shore, Northern, Western and Southern Suburbs

Suburbs

At Aaron Galleries, founded in 1980, experience a world where traditional meets modern and artists push boundaries and explore new mediums. Our 20th and 21st Century Contemporary artists express themselves in new and unexpected ways, experimenting with traditional materials and refining their vision to give the viewer an exciting, contemplative experience. The same is true of our gallery’s specialty: African American masters. Discover the rich heritage and vibrant creativity of their art on our curated platform. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just beginning your art adventure, you’ll find that we have something for everyone. At Aaron Galleries, experience the power of creativity and the magic of artistic expression. Image: Charles White,&nbsp;Sound of Silence II

Aaron Galleries

The premiere home for arts and culture on the North Shore. Exhibits, Wedding and Events Venue, Classes for All Ages and Skill Levels.&nbsp;Located in the boutique town of Highland Park, The Art Center Highland Park presents museum-quality galleries with ever-changing exhibitions of local, international, emerging, and established artists. Vibrant programming has everything from annual events to monthly artist talks and collaborations with other local cultural arts providers. Your home for creative exploration on the North Shore of Chicago. Check our website for Calls for Artists entry dates and details throughout the year.&nbsp; Image: 2022 Exhibit Fiber • Fashion • Feminism in the Center Gallery at the Art Center Highland Park

The Art Center Highland Park

Art Encounter is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating and connecting people of all ages and backgrounds through interactive engagement with visual art. All programming is built around the belief that meaningful encounters with original art can open a window to learning and help us better understand ourselves and the world around us. We have three areas of programming:• <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.artencounter.org/about-public-and-member-programs" target="_blank">PUBLIC AND MEMBER PROGRAMS</a>Interactive art tours and exclusive visits to local artists’ studios, galleries, private collections, and special exhibitions in the Chicago area, plus domestic and international <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.artencounter.org/art-encounter-travel" target="_blank">art travel</a>. Programs are open to the public, and members of Art Encounter receive discounts and special access, as well as other benefits throughout the year.&nbsp;• <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.artencounter.org/community-outreach" target="_blank">OUTREACH PROGRAMS</a>Hands-on educational programs and creative art workshops for public school students, residents of assisted living facilities, and adults with disabilities throughout the Chicago area with fewer resources or access to arts engagement.&nbsp;• <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.artencounter.org/about-murals" target="_blank">EVANSTON MURAL ARTS PROGRAM</a>Our local public art initiative, bringing world-class murals to the Evanston area and beyond.&nbsp;We welcome you to learn more about our upcoming programs for the public and more at <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.artencounter.org/" target="_blank">artencounter.org</a> The cohesive thread between all our programs is the art encounter: an engaging, inclusive approach to learning rooted in the power of bringing people together through art.&nbsp;Photo by Alyce Henson;&nbsp;artwork by Kelly Sinnapah Mary at the DePaul Art Museum

Art Encounter

Contemporary Shifts:&nbsp;Large, Sophisticated, Original&nbsp;This lovely, upscale gallery features one of the largest inventories of original art in the Chicagoland area.&nbsp; •&nbsp;&nbsp;Contemporary/Transitional/Traditional styles.•&nbsp;&nbsp;Represents 45+ full-time, professional artists.&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;Many large-scale paintings•&nbsp;&nbsp;Fine framing offered.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Specialties: •&nbsp;&nbsp;Large-scale paintings•&nbsp;&nbsp;Contemporary paintings•&nbsp;&nbsp;3-Dimensional art•&nbsp;&nbsp;Chicago scenes•&nbsp;&nbsp;Works on Paper&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1736201877/b4hmlvzv7he48ezndpvh.png">

Art Post Gallery

What’s inside the Block? It depends on how you look. The Block Museum of Art at Northwestern University is an engine that drives questioning, experimentation, and collaboration across fields of study, with visual arts at the center. We do this by activating art’s power as a form of insight, research, and knowledge creation that makes human experience visible and material. Fueled by diverse perspectives and ways of knowing, we create shared encounters with art and with one another to deepen understandings of the world and our place within it. Through exhibitions, classes, programs, screenings, and initiatives, The Block convenes bold conversations that explore the relevance of art to our lives and that deepen our thinking. We are as committed to exploring what art can do as we are to studying what art is. Jan 25–Jul 13, 2025: Woven Being: Art for Zhegagoynak/ChicagolandJan 25–Apr 6, 2025: It takes a long time to stay here: Paintings by Jordan Ann Craig Always free and open to all. Image: Block Museum&nbsp;Student Associates tour The Heart’s Knowledge: Science and Empathy in the Art of Dario Robleto, 2023

Block Museum of Art

Connect to the healing benefits of art and nature! Join Brushwood Center for exhibitions, programs, performances, markets, and art classes. Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods works collaboratively with community partners, artists, health care providers, and scientists to improve health equity and access to nature in Lake County, Illinois, and the Chicago region. Brushwood Center engages people with the outdoors through the arts, environmental education, and community action. Brushwood Center’s programs focus on youth, families, Military Veterans, and those facing racial and economic injustices. Brushwood Center’s art programs amplify artists, musicians, community members, and scientists who provide insight to the challenges facing our communities and creative approaches to solutions. Images: Brushwood Center surrounded by beautiful Ryerson Woods (Photo: Michael Kardas Photography). Young students do an art activity. (Photo: In Life Photography). Visitors view Cristina Mittermeier and Paul Nicklen’s photography exhibition, Evolve (Photo: Brushwood Staff).

Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods

The Cleve Carney Museum of Art’s goal is to encourage the growth and understanding of contemporary and modern art through exhibitions and educational programming that cultivates a variety of perspectives. The museum is named in honor of one of Glen Ellyn’s most revered philanthropists, the late Cleve Carney, a contemporary art collector and supporter of the arts. Located on the campus of the College of DuPage the CCMA is an intimate museum space that provides year round programming to the public.&nbsp; Image: Photo by Margo Hawk

The Cleve Carney Museum of Art  (CCMA)

The Christopher Art Gallery at Prairie State College features eight exhibitions a year, six of which are works by major artists primarily from the Midwest; two student exhibitions take place in spring and fall.&nbsp;&nbsp;Image:&nbsp;Julian Williams (artist)

Christopher Art Gallery at Prairie State College

THE COLLECTION: Where Art Meets Fashion is a multifaceted public art program located within Fashion Outlets of Chicago in Rosemont. Combined with the shopping center’s high-end amenities and 130+ designer outlet stores, THE COLLECTION provides visitors with the opportunity to access and enjoy contemporary works of art by both emerging and established artists.&nbsp; The program features 25 site-specific commissions by nationally renowned artists including Derrick Adams, Candida Alvarez, Cody Hudson, Carlos Rolón/Dzine, Anila Quayyum Agha, Jen Stark, Hebru Brantley and others. In addition to its commissions, THE COLLECTION also presents a rotating exhibition series showcasing works from a variety of artists throughout the year. For more information, visit <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://u56787.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=NrnrG0O-2BDJoeMfmwX6fgM9NVL11xfR2mzTlRxfiMpfrNrRODPE758OZCjEfr-2BXjmFldovJKhPTWcdjSThl2rgLIpC9hBT-2FvygG2MhG3mz6BguvqtOkuvV0Afc-2BoEpPDTJNNhhhu8NBifJNysR7YXvUHYGHAXphoKseVxDL2nFRs-3D3CiV_BYLPtpUivDHORxxkVXshLCRT3wjV7CgXbLJWP9J5MP-2BvAdgfICCFFHxnTjvEhUHLATit0Q8QLp1LC-2BEz94L007cIzaJ5X2O6z6fZNnnfytz4O2GEhL-2BoW19-2BOIjlTtwbGpi3oyzHiRn5ZMoVxQONGmQwgJ-2B4u5DYKuw-2BCdK3Y0LRXSmlYDaWMDkF5PDRyCVAJK4vicJhw05nTt6oEEMa13wNSz0qdU2YffTcxDRfNxlNT9pIrQ4c0R1pKLXfuJXB6fZZdvJBOUlGQFa6LG2-2FwYPMXUOUFyOIk4qvdhuCqOhbey-2FHCkRRVXxIDCMNhqZVvsvtkJjvK0oELyTwEpmCJGWGPUgqQnIYqzYs-2BNj9xC62yngaXXU06Vd-2Fr9DKaIRsMrYUGxgOlcL4LxglybF3itprHvcgHSz79ntcAOaVFs4h4fgqdRGMMneweWsG98oZGsBsQWPkQFL89MEeJEmGlK9j1JhEAbYY9jlL6Ms9RLI6-2BB3CGnkmemxHWVYjYJoYidqQ8CJmv8MYtGg1bjZZZXO7ZjnQf2RnL4L8fYjk135jOWf6VZOqrsMmpBVNxpdvillZiFXWuGxZA7IHU3UILYiTrY25QxGDbYXM7tAzpN8UtgA-2BAeNHVUOnRgbbj677gVr88v1i5CMVSIhU8aXARTYoEeSF6rg7TiLnPF71001ZVKCFY6pmJe-2BUBdLwFLHbe0YJ2MG0ahlZMxMQXhv-2FH8V1wMalfnxZuo9rY50wzLHSK0Ynfy5pqY5CxgvAvyxLbp5gYQd-2Fzl714o8P2CsQScL7BFrsiFGYnRZ7Vex51z81U6OiF3N3S0GPPgD3ng-2BFCNUb17UGl5gGAwIf-2FtdyfZzvR4ojURIVTx0dOtQdYURj6a1GgOQwnEJo2KU-2BmFqM9IFsChhovoepL-2FKKyAugN4cZGggYEQxBe85KtfRHLTQy7kZ69pA8YhIu3GxgWfKS" target="_blank">https://www.fashionoutletsofchicago.com/TheCollection</a>. Photo by Kyle Flubacker, courtesy of Fashion Outlets of Chicago

THE COLLECTION: Where Art Meets Fashion 

The Elmhurst Art Museum is an arts complex with three distinct focus areas. A balance of art, education, and architecture programming is central to our efforts to inspire and enrich our community and cultivate a creative space where art is for everyone. We hold public art events and educational hands-on activities related to rotating contemporary art exhibitions and the celebration of the McCormick house, a rare single-family home designed by Mies van der Rohe.&nbsp; The Elmhurst Art Museum is located in Elmhurst, 25 minutes from downtown Chicago by public transportation (Metra). Our website has information about exhibitions, events, classes, and other activities. Image: Elmhurst Art Museum with Sentrock’s Bird City Saint

Elmhurst Art Museum

The Evanston Art Center (EAC), founded over 90 years ago in 1929, is an integral part of community life, providing access and experiences in the arts to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Through community-based events, classes and exhibitions, EAC helps expand its mission to provide accessible arts education and arts enrichment experiences to the community and the surrounding areas. The Evanston Art Center’s galleries exhibit contemporary artwork by emerging and established artists, and are free and open to the public seven days a week. Exhibition programming includes publications, artist talks, interviews with curators, opening receptions, In Focus lectures and docent led tours for groups (please call to schedule a tour) at no charge to the public. The Evanston Art Center’s in-person and online art courses have something for everyone and every schedule. Subjects include: painting, drawing, sculpting, jewelry, bookbinding, and much more! Browse our online adult and youth course schedule at <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.evanstonartcenter.org" target="_blank">EvanstonArtCenter.org</a> Opening receptions typically held on first Sunday of exhibition 1–4pm.&nbsp; Installation view: Four Solo Shows exhibition, 2022. Photo by Cara Feeney

Evanston Art Center

Evanston Made

The focus of the Grove Gallery is on contemporary representational and surrealist paintings, drawings and prints by Midwestern Artists. The gallery also hosts monthly wine tastings with a variety&nbsp;of themes. To learn more, please visit our website:&nbsp;<a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.grovegallery.shop/" target="_blank">www.grovegallery.shop</a> 619 Grove Street, Evanston, IL&nbsp; Hours: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 2 to 6 PM Image: Eleanor Speiss-Ferris, "Stage Play," Gouache on paper, 22 inches square, 2019 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dfafo598z/image/upload/v1736276585/e5u2zoghqonhoeff9oin.jpg">

The Grove Gallery

The Kavanagh Gallery at Fine Line Creative Arts Center in St. Charles offers new and existing artists a place to show their work. Each year, the gallery displays six to seven shows featuring art from local and national artists and artmakers. These curated shows bring together both established and up-and-coming artists, using all forms of media, in a wide range of price points. The gallery team at the Kavanagh strives to bring innovative and exciting artists to the gallery. Admission to the Kavanagh Gallery is always free and open to all. We invite you to stop by to view our gallery and see for yourself the fantastic space at Fine Line. Fine Line Creative Arts Center is a thriving community where artists and art lovers have been experiencing, learning and sharing for over 40 years. The center offers year-round adult classes for all artists, from the complete beginner to more advanced. Class options include blacksmithing, glassblowing, weaving, basketry and ceramics. Please visit our <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.fineline.org" target="_blank">website</a> or view online CGN listings for the current exhibition and opening reception details.&nbsp; There is ample free onsite parking available. Image: Outside image of The Kavanagh Gallery at Fine Line Creative Arts Center. Image includes Sculpture "The Other Side of the Wall" by Dan Caldwell

Kavanagh Gallery at Fine Line Creative Arts Center

Founded in 2001, Anne Loucks Gallery specializes in contemporary American painting, photography and works on paper by emerging and mid-career artists in a range of styles and mediums.&nbsp;Celebrating our 24th year, the gallery curates twelve exhibitions annually and offers art advisory, framing and installation services. Represented artists include: Tracey Adams, Victoria Adams, March Avery, Liz Barber, Rodger Bechtold, Charlie Bluett, Pegan Brooke, Jamie Brunson, David Burdeny, Hannah Bureau, Brian Coleman, Madeline Denaro, Stephen Dinsmore, Lori Glavin, Lyle Gomes, Bernd Haussmann, Stephanie Henderson, Scott Ingram, Joshua Jensen-Nagle, Sherry Karver, Laurie Victor Kay, Richard Kooyman, Yaz Krehbiel, Sara MacCulloch, Cheryl Maeder, John McCormick, Maggie Meiners, Sally Michel, Eleanor Miller, Grace Munakata, Jenny Nelson, Marshall Noice, Mary Jo O’Gara, Sandy Ostrau, Melanie Parke, Lisa Ridgers, Maura Segal, Stephen Seinberg, Adam Siegel, Hunt Slonem, Rodney Smith and Leslie Wu. Image: Sally Michel, Interior with Plant, 1987, 40”x 50”

Anne Loucks Gallery

Here at theNate (Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park) you will find a collection of over 30 large-scale sculptures situated within 100 acres of prairie landscape. This “museum-in-the-prairie” is open for public viewing 365 days a year, from dawn to dusk, and is free of charge – even parking on the campus of Governors State University is free!&nbsp; GSU and theNate are connected to Chicago’s Millennium Park Metra Station by the Metra Electric Line; an 8-minute walk (or shuttle ride) from the University Park Metra Station to GSU’s campus and theNate will begin to reveal the beauty of the prairie and the outdoor sculpture collection. Apr 19, 2025: Saturday: Earth Day WalkJun 20, 2025: Friday: Juneteenth Summer Solstice Music Festival&nbsp;Sept 13, 2025: Saturday: Sculpture, Wine &amp; Dine with Mary Miss Download our FREE <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.otocast.com" target="_blank">Otocast app</a> for a self-guided tour, complete with recordings of artists talking about their work!&nbsp;Image: John Henry, Illinois Landscape, No. 5, 1975 during a Juneteenth Event

Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park

Perspective Group and Photography Gallery Limited is a not-for-profit, community-oriented cooperative of visual artists whose purpose is to promote fine art photography. Its monthly offerings include: exhibitions and artist talks by its member-artists; lectures by notable guest speakers; an international juried exhibition;&nbsp;a regional juried exhibition; an invitational show; and, a juried show for Chicago-area high school students. The member-artists of Perspective Group and Photography Gallery bring a rich blend of talent, experience and focus to the gallery. Their artistic styles, techniques and media include film, digital, alternative processes, mixed media, collage, and constructed images. In addition to being acquired by private and public collections, members’ work has been shown in prestigious art galleries, colleges, and libraries, as well as in local, national and international juried exhibitions. Opening receptions are generally the first Saturday evening of the month. Information about artist talks and other events may be found on <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="www.perspectivegallery.org" target="_blank">www.perspectivegallery.org</a> Image: Huddled Masses&nbsp;© Alexa Frangos

Perspective Photo Gallery

Gallery Seven, established in 2007, is a Fine Art Gallery located in The Historic Gaylord Building in Downtown Lockport.&nbsp; The gallery features work from members along with local, national and international artists. Works on display include Photography, Paintings, Sculpture, Pottery, Printmaking, Fiber Art ,Wood Work and Jewelry. Gallery Seven is a cooperative group of artists who host, exhibits and events.&nbsp; Our Board: D. Nevels, Chairman, J. Anderson, Secretary, M. Blanchard, Treasurer,&nbsp;J. Petric, Gallery Manager, R. Ainsworth, H. Erdmann, R. Morris, J. Voris Pictured: gallery view

Gallery Seven

Skokie Public Library

Space 900 Gallery

The gallery a+c architects

Vivid Art Gallery showcases fine art in the Hubbard Woods Design District of Winnetka. We feature primarily paintings, works on paper, photography and ceramics from emerging and established artists. Our focus is on local and Midwest artists. Vivid presents a new exhibit each month, with First Friday openings.&nbsp; We provide a warm, welcoming, non-intimidating atmosphere where both new and experienced collectors can feel comfortable asking questions, pricing is transparent, and browsing is encouraged.&nbsp; Vivid is a full-service gallery, offering art consultation as well as delivery, framing and installation. First Friday openings 5-7pm (Second Friday in July)&nbsp; Image by Mikey Mosher

Vivid Art Gallery

The Brent and Jean Wadsworth Family Gallery fosters opportunities for patrons to experience original works of visual art created by local, regional, national, and international artists, including members of the Lewis University community.&nbsp;Exhibitions and other programming will promote aesthetic understanding consistent with the mission of Lewis University. We welcome collaborative and interdisciplinary programming that will encourage patronage, and which will enhance our reputation. The primary mission of the gallery is to educate but will also provide additional initiatives in alignment with other well-respected university art galleries.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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