Chicago Manual Style

Chicago Manual Style

1927 W. Superior St., West Town

Photos: Courtesy of the galleries

Where:A detached two-car garage at Expo Chicago artistic director Stephanie Cristello’s apartment

What:Group shows in a pristine white cube

Why:Cristello knows more artists than she can squeeze into the city’s big annual show. No other independent space in Chicago can boast such an international roster.

When:By appointment; contact info@chicagomanual.style.

 

4th Ward Project Space

4th Ward Project Space

5338 S. Kimbark Ave., Hyde Park

Where:The basement of artist James Kao’s apartment building

What:Solo shows. Opening April 14: Huong Ngo’s video installation about 1970s Vietnamese cosmonauts.

Why:Kao’s landlord offered him and two fellow School of the Art Institute grads a cheap lease for a space where they could show work by artists underrepresented in commercial galleries.

When:Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m.

 

The Franklin

The Franklin

3522 W. Franklin Blvd., East Garfield Park

Where:Artists Edra Soto and Dan Sullivan’s gazebo

What:Rotating exhibitions and performances in an open-air structure, even in winter

Why:Soto and Sullivan consider the art in their home a semipublic collection, so think of this as an extension — one that doubles as a backyard party (drop-ins welcome).

When:Saturdays from 2 to 5 p.m.

 

Loo

Loo

2153 W. 21st St., Heart of Chicago

Where:A single-user (and still functional!) bathroom within the gallery Slow

What:Solo and group exhibitions whose titles are variations on a certain theme: Duty, Relief, Squat, and We. (Get it?)

Why:Slow codirectors Paul Hopkin and Jeffrey Grauel wanted an unstuffy space for wilder, more whimsical art.

When:Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m.

 

Unpacked

Unpacked

Mobile

Where:The interior of a 16-foot rental moving truck, parked near partnering cultural spaces, like, this fall, the BDSM fun house Leather Archives & Museum in Rogers Park

What:Group shows highlighting emerging talent

Why:The trio of artists in charge wanted to attract passersby who don’t typically gallery-hop.

When:Follow on Instagram (@unpacked.artist.space) for details.