5 NEW CHICAGO ART GALLERIES TO SEE WORK FROM LOCAL ARTISTS

Photo provided by VSG Contemporary

Spanning the past three years a shift has occurred within the Chicago art gallery scene. A few long standing locations have shut their doors, while others have downsized, taking on a new direction. Amidst these transitions a group of eager young art dealers have emerged, curating thought provoking exhibitions from spaces located throughout Chicago.

These entities have helped propel the awareness of local creatives, while also giving art lovers the ability to enjoy internationally recognized talent. Pay close attention to these new tastemakers because they could very well shape the artistic landscape of the city in the coming years. 

ARTIST REPLETE

After finding success as an online gallery, Artist Replete opened its first brick and mortar location at the start of 2023. Located off Michigan Avenue on level 2 of the Water Tower Place, the space showcases an array of local Chicago artists, such as JC Rivera, Roger J. Carter and others. More recently the gallery has curated work from mid-career internationally recognized talent. 

Artist Replete is particularly known for its convenient accessibility to buy artwork both in-store and seamlessly from their website. For fans of sculpture art, the space regularly features work from renowned artist Federico Uribe, Chris Hynes and others.

HOURS: Thursday-Sunday from 1-6pm

ADDRESS: 835 Michigan Ave, Level 2, Chicago, IL

WEBSITE: ARTISTREPLETE.COM

VSG CONTEMPORARY

VSG (Very Serious Gallery) specializes in showcasing emerging and mid-career artists through solo presentations and group shows. The gallery has curated solo exhibitions for local talent like Oscar Joyo, offering a powerful platform for up and coming artists to grow their market.

Located in Chicago's West Town Art District, VSG is dedicated to fostering a vibrant community of creators, art enthusiasts and the patrons of tomorrow. Since opening in 2022, the gallery has garnered attention from prestigious publications, including The New York Times and The Economist, for its unique blend of humor and serious art presentations.

HOURS: Thursday-Saturday from 12-5pm

ADDRESS: 673 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL

WEBSITE: VSGCONTEMPORARY.COM

POVOS

After a run of successful pop-up projects, Povos moved to its first physical space on Milwaukee Avenue in late 2021, and in 2023 to a larger gallery (its current location) in Chicago's West Town Gallery district. Since its founding, Povos has produced 36 exhibitions featuring more than 160 unique artists.

The gallery amplifies the voices of emerging and early-career artists, focusing on unique, surreal, and politically engaged narratives. Povos now aims to build its international platform, supporting artists committed to exploring deep and timeless truths. 

HOURS: Wednesday-Saturday, 11am-6pm

ADDRESS: 1541 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL

WEBSITE: POVOSCHICAGO.COM

TALA

Tala Chicago is a female owned contemporary art gallery in Chicago's West Town neighborhood. Inspired by Philippine mythology, the space is comprised of three rooms: a marketplace for smaller locally made items; a main gallery; and, a library. Focusing on being more than just a traditional art gallery, the location entices patrons to see art, shop, read or just hang out. Since opening in April of 2024, Tala has exhibited local Chicago based artists and also creatives from Paris, Berlin, and more.

HOURS: Thursday-Saturday from 1-7pm

ADDRESS: 644 W Chicago Ave #1, Chicago, IL

WEBSITE: TALACHICAGO.COM

OLD FRIENDS GALLERY

Old Friends is an artist-run contemporary gallery that aims to elevate the importance of ceramics and unique material applications within the local art scene. Founded 2024 in Chicago’s Roscoe Village, the gallery stages thoughtful intersections between emerging and established artists. Old Friends supports critical conversation through archival and communal programming.

HOURS: Thursday-Saturday from 12-6pm

ADDRESS: 3405 N Paulina St, Chicago, IL

WEBSITE: OLDFRIENDSGALLERY.COM