“A very cozy nice store. Grabbed some supplies with my boyfriend and a book. Saw this place online when I was planning my trip and decided to stop in. Lots of great perfumes and oils as well as supplies for whatever Craft you practice. Also loved the sign on the door (the ICE keep out sign) as well as the Santa Muerte in the window.”
“When I returned to Chicago for the first time in a long time, I found that Lincoln Avenue was abandoned, but Rotofugi was still alive and well.This store has character products, making it feel like you're in Harajuku.There are also Hello Kitty and Japanese products, but now the store mainly sells goods made by an Italian called Tokidoki with Japanese influences.The clothes are cute too.A while ago, there was an event by an artist in New York, and I bought a painting.I hope that someday it will be as valuable as Basquiat.”
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
3745 N Southport Ave, Chicago
Art Galleries
“Nice theater but one of the theater staff were kind of mean and rude...and took aong time to check in to get your tickets, overwhelmed and computer issues...ugh...but great show!”
“I’ve only been here a few times, but I’m genuinely impressed. Not only are vibes consistently immaculate in this little sun drenched corner of the city, VSG embodies a refreshing avant-guard take on the modern art gallery. As a young artist and art enthusiast, I really appreciated the atmospheric emphasis on appreciating Chicago’s local talent, rather than just making a retail transaction. VSG is somewhere where people can go to experience art - not just obtain it.”
“This shop is the coolest! They sell items all from local vendors. Jewelery, tons of great art, clothing, soaps, plants. Great spot to just wander and see cool stuff. The staff is always great, too.”
“Had a great experience here reframing some old paintings. I worked with Hope who did an excellent job through the whole process. Her creative input was helpful and she made sure my order was completed in a timely manner and that it was of the highest quality. I thought the price was fair. I would definitely do business here again.”
“There are a lot of cute shops in Lincoln Square, but this one is my faaaaavorite. It’s a little further south on Lincoln (near the Davis). I love all the local art.”
“I’ve never been to 345 art gallery… A good friend of mine Amanie had her Poetry And Paint sessions here!..when I say “THE ART OF IT ALL!!! The creativeness I saw in person! It was amazing & so were the people ?! You have to visit this establishment!!!!.. ???✨✨?️”
“So many excellent pieces! This was a fun little date stop to pop in and see the art. They have pieces for every price point, as well as sale items. Highly recommend even if you just want to walk around/window shop.”
“A humble yet extraordinary culturally robust community center. An absolute Chicago gem. Teresa and Pablo Are generous visionaries devoted to keeping Pilsen culturally authentic as their space consistently gives local artists, authors, creators an opportunity to expand their work. Places like Pach keep Pilsen’s heart pulse alive.
Took moment to drop in as there is no charge and you will see pics artist arts and crafts and some for purchase.
Hot tips: Take a walk around the neighborhood and enjoy all the murals! Looks for the mural Loteria doors that are all around.
Make sure to stop by Cafe Jumping or Urban Treez (next door) for a latte and or meal.
Take a walk to the historical Rudy Lozano Library.
Take a drive to the National Mexican Museum and have a picnic at the park adjacent to it.”
9:30AM - 4:30PM
2775 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago
Art Galleries
“Ordered a print through email from an artist I follow. It was a very small run of 10, and I bought two: one for myself + one for a family member. Very responsive + good service. Would order from again.”
“This is a really vibey art gallery, store, and community space. People who live on the Blue Line can and should come to their shows. Seeing the results of local artists' practice is ? Obviously, you can buy your favorites.
The wares in the store are really good gifts to yourself or to anyone who has an artistic soul. Last time I was there, there were eye-catching denim jackets with painted backs and dresses in really interesting prints. People should just hang out there.”
“My son loves Gamespace, and my husband and I enjoy it too. The special exhibits we have seen (Tron, Q'bert) have been robust for the small space. The classic games on the 2nd floor are always fun to revisit. Staff is friendly and informative. Follow up a visit with a stop by Challengers Comics on Western, walk on the 606, or ice cream at Margie's.”
“This is by far my favorite art gallery in the city. The staff is awesome, the talent on the walls is INCREDIBLE and the theme changes regularly. I hope to purchase a piece someday”
“We stumbled across this space while walking through the neighborhood. The curator was super friendly and informative and the artwork is definitely worth a look. Would absolutely visit again.”
“I had the most incredible experience getting five pieces custom framed and even snagged a sixth right from the showroom! Jill is absolutely amazing! She walked me through every step of the framing process, from picking the perfect frame style to choosing the ideal matting size and figuring out the best placement in my home. I never felt rushed; she was so patient and attentive, making the whole experience a blast! Honestly, I could have easily spent the entire afternoon with her—time flew by!
I couldn’t wait to return, and I brought back even more items, including a blanket (though I had to hit pause because of a vacation coming up). I’ve used Print Unlimitd in the past, and I'm back because I was just so thrilled with the quality! Plus, Jill gave me the pricing on the spot, and I truly felt like I scored a fantastic deal. You really do get what you pay for, so I can't wait to go back again and again!”
“If you want to learn more about printmaking, start here. If you want to begin collecting art, and you'd like to start with an affordable option, start here! The owner and director, Deborah, is an artistic force of nature. An aesthetic whirlwind. And pay special attention to their holiday sale. This is a fantastic place to get a special kind of present!”
“Went there for a quick Christmas shopping since the Art Institute students were seeking their prints. I found something for everyone on my "Nice" list and I was amazed by the talent and really, really hard work that went into each piece. Love the size of the venue, small, yet large enough”
“Just wanted to give a shout-out to a wonderful staff who more than fixed my mixed-up gift order from the holidays. They were attentive, responsive and generous. Thank you!”
“We are absolutely over the moon with the beautiful work Paul and Jude did to create a memorial frame for my mother to honor my dad, who recently passed. Exceptional customer care, too! Thank you both for your kindness and compassion, as I was a bit emotional when I dropped off the materials. My mom loves her gift. It was ready in just over two weeks. It came in under the price point I needed to stick to as I'm on a budget, so that was awesome. I will definitely return to Frame Warehouse with more frame projects. So grateful!”
“I taught at Terra for 20+ years. (I moved to northern Michigan in '21). My former students have kept me up to date about how the studio has improved since changing ownership. Really outstanding. This has always been a great place to take a pottery class, find community, and get outstanding instruction. You've always wanted to learn to throw on the wheel, right,? Take a class!”
“We had a small gathering here at the gallery for an event unrelated to the usual art happenings in the 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.”
“Perfect size museum with thoughtful and thought provoking exhibits. Stunning facility that lends itself flawlessly to enjoying whatever is exhibited. Go here whenever you are able, it never disappoints.”
“Great collection of art work. They also host showings and it's awesome to meet the artists and learn more about their works.Even has a used record store in the back area!”
“David is one of the most unique people I know. I first visited his gallery back in 2023 with my best friend--and he gave us a wonderful tour of his space (over 30 years on Paulina, by the way). I have a very specific taste in art, and I was immediately draw to a collection of Marc Hauser photographs--one specific one. David took it out, let me observe it in a different space, and allowed me to appreciate it. He let me know the price, gave me some purchasing options, but ultimately, I didn't buy it right then and there. David also didn't pressure me to buy it--I understand the humor behind David's intentions, and he always let me know if it was still there. After a year, I purchased it, and still love it and appreciate it every time I pass it in my hallway.”
“Checked out common language at the flat iron building for a silly rebound workout class! The architecture of this building is so historic and unique, it felt like you traveled back in time :)”
“One of my Favorite stores to purchase body oils/creams, artifacts, art, black soap, symbolic jewelry as well as materials to create your own meaningful jewelry. *Black owned”
“Heaven Gallery is a warm, inviting, multi-purpose space with great vibes. Love the vintage touches. I've been to several different kinds of events here and enjoyed them all.”
“From the front and back of the Zhou B Art Center you might not be impressed, but once inside it is very nice. Located in a nice area. There are four off-side rooms. The main room is a nice size just right for a medium sized, or intimate gathering. Lots of parking.”
“I have taken Sandy Dawson’s (Sam) art classes for adults for a few years and participated in several workshops.Sam is a wonderful teacher and has worked with all ages, from preschool through adult. She naturally cultivates a warm, supportive learning environment. The students who have specific interests build upon their skills and learn new techniques as they improve. Other students experiment with different media. They begin to develop their strengths and preferences. No one is ever discouraged from trying something “new.”Sam’s comments are never criticisms. They are suggestions, instructional tools and explorations of strategies meant to inspire.”