2025
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Welcome to the 15th Annual Hey there, art lovers! Welcome to the 15th Annual West Town Art Walk! The West Town Chicago Chamber of Commerce and the West Town Special Service Area are thrilled to celebrate 15 incredible years of the West Town Art Walk with you! What began as a grassroots initiative between local business owners Julie Ghatan, owner of Dovetail, and Chris Hunt of Seek Vintage back in 2011 has grown into a beloved neighborhood tradition as West Town’s signature showcase of art, culture, and community. Our theme, "Art Through Every Door" invites you to discover art in all forms throughout the community area—even in places you might not expect! From paintings and sculptures to photography and mixed media, there's something for everyone, so get ready to enjoy all that our local businesses and artists have in store for you this year! As you navigate our map, you’ll find artistic inspiration not only in the featured artists’ work hosted by our small businesses, but also in the artistic inspiration that transforms those basic concepts of commerce into unique cafes, shops, restaurants, and galleries that you’ll only find in West Town. So strike up a conversation with our featured artists and local business owners, you’ll discover what makes West Town unique and maybe even leave with a new favorite spot, and of course art!
We encourage you to bring your friends, your family, and your neighbors on your exploration and hope that you’ll keep coming back to enjoy the incredible art, culture, food, shopping, and services that West Town has to offer year round. Finally, we want to thank everyone who makes this celebration possible: the artists, business owners, our founders, Julie and Chris, and most importantly you—the vibrant community that keeps West Town’s creativity thriving! Thanks for joining us at the 15th Annual West Town Art Walk! We are so delighted you are here!
See you out there,
The West Town Chamber of Commerce
As we celebrate the 15th year of the West Town Art Walk, I find myself keenly aware of the longevity of this event at this moment in time when the arts are under attack, not just by administrative cuts but also by modern life. The rising costs of living have made it harder than ever for artists to sustain both an art practice and a living, which is why, now more than ever, it’s crucial we support our local artists. In 2008 when I opened my store, I chose the name Dovetail in reference to my business model at the time, which was to dovetail vintage and handmade goods in one store. This was easy to do, as I was part of a strong community of artists which provided a never-ending supply of art openings. Back then, most of the community lived rather effortlessly in Wicker Park; rents were reasonable, groceries were cheap, and life in general was affordable. This affordability created space for artistic exploration; one could work a low-paying part-time job and spend the rest of the week making art. This is all but impossible now in this age where grocery costs are higher than ever, rents cost more than mortgages, and most people with full-time jobs still can’t afford to live alone. Who has time to make art when we can barely work enough to pay our bills?! This year, for the first time in 15 years, I struggled to find artists to host at Dovetail during the Art Walk. Artists I’ve worked with in the past have stopped making art and had to pursue traditional work. Shops that support these artists are closing, as business and living costs continue to rise. The creative ecosystem is collapsing and yet, this Art Walk is celebrating its 15th year.
This letter is a call to action to those of you who value any aspect of art—whether it’s the community, the products, or the craft. Art openings that provide you with the opportunity to see something new while meeting and mingling with interesting strangers don’t exist without artists. Intriguing paintings with dopamine-producing color combinations, exciting brush strokes, and thought-provoking imagery don’t exist without artists. Unique, long-lasting, and small-batch handmade clothing and jewelry don’t exist without artists. Heirloom-quality furniture that you buy once and keep forever doesn’t exist without artists. A world without artists is a world dictated by fleeting trends and algorithms, a world filled with yesterday’s trash as today’s hype becomes tomorrow’s landfill fodder. That’s not a world in which I want to live, and I have a feeling you don’t either, which is why you’re holding this guide. Thank you for caring about and supporting this micro-community of hyper-local artists. This event and the art showcased here wouldn’t be possible without your continued support. The longevity of this event is a testament to Chicago’s appetite for unique experiences, artistic expression, and genuine love for all that is weird, cool, and one-of-a-kind.
Julie Ghatan
West Town Art Walk Founder
Table of Contents Sponsor West Town First Fridays Participant Directory •Galleries •Retail & Design •Drinking & Dining •Other Event Map Friday Highlights Saturday Highlights Sunday Highlights Promotions Additional Events Public Art Program Walking Tour Public Art Program
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Thank you
to our Art Walk Sponsor
Brasero brings bold, wood-fired Latin cooking to West Town's bustling restaurant row. The concept was born of Chef John Manion's love for the live-fire cooking of Brazil that captured his imagination as an eight-year-old living in San Paolo. The menu blends South American culinary traditions with a Midwestern sensibility.
WTFF is an initiative by the West Town Chamber of Commerce designed to highlight our Member galleries' programming. We create a monthly guide to help visitors explore the neighborhood's art scene on the first Friday of each month. You can learn more about the program on our website.
Directory
The official 2025 West Town Art Walk hours are: Friday October 3rd 5-8pm Saturday October 4th 10am-6pm Sunday October 5th 10am-6pm Participating location days and hours may vary, please refer to the directory listing that follows. If no days or hours are listed, the location will be open for the entirety of the Art Walk's official hours. In addition to hosting artist Duncan Robert Anderson during official Art Walk hours, the West Town Chicago Chamber of Commerce will also be staffed to answer attendees' questions and provide recommendations!
Grab an official West Town Art Walk button at any participating businesses to get some special deals!
Galleries ARC Gallery 1463 W Chicago Ave Group Exhibition: The Aesthetics of Power
Chicago Fine Art Salon 2623 W Chicago Ave Saturation: A bold color inspired group art show Chicago Truborn Gallery 1741 W Chicago Ave Beyond The Fold: A Journey Through the Realms of Jason Brammer Hours: Fri 5 - 8pm, Sat & Sun 12- 6pm
DOCUMENT 1709 W Chicago Ave 2nd Floor Exhibiting Artists: Kiah Celeste and Gordon Hall Hours: Fri 10am–8pm, Sat 10am– 6pm
Filter Photo 1821 W Hubbard St Unit 207 A layin’ on of hands... by Alayna N. Pernell & On the Shelf 2025, juried by Tim Carpenter Hours: Fri 12- 8pm, Sat & Sun 10am- 6pm
Gallery 1022 1022 N Ashland Exhibiting Artists: Daniel Guidara and David Hauptschein Ken Saunders Gallery 2041 W Carroll Ave Unit C-320 Exhibiting Artist: Carmen Lozar Hours: Fri 5 – 8pm, Sat 10am– 6pm
Mariane Ibrahim 437 N Paulina St Flaming Memory by Yukimasa Ida Hours: Fri 11am–8pm, Sat 11am– 6pm
McCormick Gallery 2251 W Grand Ave New Works by Vidvuds Zviedris Hours: Fri 10am–6pm Sat 11am-5pm
Roots & Culture 1034 N Milwaukee Ave Pleasure Cruise: A Two-Person Exhibition by Ále Campos & Kitty Rauth Hours: Fri 10am–6pm Sat 11am-5pm
Space Time Love 2222 W Chicago Ave Mystical & unusual - The Art and Artifacts of the Space Time Love Crew Hours: Fri 5– 8pm Sat & Sun 1-6pm
Volume Gallery 1709 W Chicago Ave 2nd Floor Exhibiting Artist: Porfirio Gutiérrez West Town Chamber of Commerce 1819 W Chicago Ave At the Hour Between Dog and Wolf by Duncan Robert Anderson and Roshini Collective, Saadia Pervaiz, Lali Khalid Western Exhibitions 1709 W Chicago Ave #5009 The Gloaming by Journie Cirdain & Carpeting In the Kitchen Incorporated by Simone Mantellassi Hours: Fri 11am- 8pm, Sat 11am-6pm
Retail & Design Altar Home 1858 W Chicago Ave Jo Ceramics and Athenaeum Studios
Lost Girls Vintage 1935 W Division St Exhibiting Artist: Katie Meuser
Arc Academy 2225 W Chicago Ave Cocktail Monsters by Karen Schmidt
Paperish Mess 1945 W Chicago Ave Exhibiting Artists: Molly Anne Bishop & More
Hours: Fri 10am-9pm, Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 10am-5pm
Chicago Estate Advisors 2021 W Division St Exhibiting Artist: Karl Geckler Dovetail 1452 W Chicago Ave Exhibiting Artists: Luciana Domenica Pacilli, Metal Petal Jewelry, Dara Schuman Ceramics
Hours: Fri 11am-8pm, Sat & Sun 11am-6pm
Hours: Fri 12-8pm, Sat & Sun 11-6pm
Penelope’s 1913 W Division St Exhibiting Artist: Anabelle Lombard Hours: Fri & Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm
Hours: Fri 5-10pm, Sat 12-6pm, Sun 12am-6pm
Tarnish 1948 W Chicago Ave Exhibiting Artist: Bryn Gleason
Epic Spices 1725 W Chicago Ave Exhibiting Artist: Lovelee Being
The CoCo Shop 1947 W Chicago Ave Exhibiting Artist: Raspy Rivera
Hours: Fri & Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm
Hours: Fri 12-10pm Sat & Sun 10am-6pm
In Good Spirits 858 N Ashland Ave The Lizzie McGuire Movie Experience curated by Dinner Cut
The Golden Triangle 2035 W Grand Ave The Future Past: Indian Art Deco, 1925–1950
Hours: Fri 12-8pm, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-6pm
Kizmah CBD 2044 W Chicago Ave Exhibiting Artist: Lymelite Studio Hours: Fri, Sat & Sun 12-8pm
Hours: Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-6pm
Drinking &Dining Chills Italian Ice 2029 W Division St #1 Mural by Vanessa Garza
Hours: Fri 4 - 8pm, Sat & Sun 12- 8pm
Engine Coffee 1109 N Ashland Ave Exhibiting Artist: Kaden Morris
Hours: Fri 7am-8pm Sat & Sun 7am-3pm
Goose Island Fulton St Taproom 1800 W Fulton St "Pints & Prints" - Take a Gander at photographic art from Michele Marie Photography Hours: Fri & Sat 12-10pm, Sun 12-8pm
HIRO Bar + Izakaya 1600 W Chicago Ave HIRO x PATRON Gallery
Hours: Fri & Sat 5-11:30pm, Sun 5-8:30pm
Pour Souls 1740 W Division St Incidental Intimist by Catherine Maize Hours: Fri 4-7pm, Sat 12-5pm
Standing Passengers 1458 W Chicago Ave Exhibiting Artist: Zor Zor Zor
Hours: Fri & Sat 7am-7pm, Sun 8am-7pm
Other
Big Shoulders Yoga 1645 W Chicago Ave Exhibiting Artist: Margaret Pun Hours: Sat & Sun 12 - 6pm
Intuit Art Museum 756 N Milwaukee Ave Catalyst: Im/migration and Self-taught Art in Chicago Fri, Sat & Sun 11am-6pm
Monsoon Pottery 2154 W Hubbard St Exhibiting Artist: Danielle Chutinthranond & Open Studio Hours: Fri 5 - 8pm, Sat & Sun 11am- 4pm
Passages Wine and Books 1911 W Chicago Ave Poetry of Catarine Hancock Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art 2320 W Chicago Ave Black Woman and Clay Hours: Fri 12- 4pm, Sat & Sun 11am- 4pm
wear|haus chi 1026 N Milwaukee Ave Exhibiting Artist: Liz Flores Callahan Hours: Fri 1- 6pm, Sat & Sun 1-5pm
West Town Branch - Chicago Public Library 1625 W Chicago Ave Scaffolding Panels featuring Art by Sick Fisher on display in the entry lobby Hours: Fri & Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 1-5pm
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Chills Italian Ice Engine Coffee Goose Island Fulton St Taproom HIRO Bar + Izakaya Pour Souls Standing Passengers
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Altar Home Arc Academy Chicago Estate Advisors Dovetail Epic Spices In Good Spirits Kizmah CBD Lost Girls Vintage Paperish Mess Penelope's Tarnish The CoCo Shop The Golden Triangle
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ARC Gallery Chicago Fine Art Salon Chicago Truborn Gallery DOCUMENT Filter Photo Gallery 1022 Ken Saunders Gallery Mariane Ibrahim McCormick Gallery Roots & Culture Space Time Love Volume Gallery West Town Chamber of Commerce 14 Western Exhibitions
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Friday Highlights ARC Gallery Group Exhibition: The Aesthetics of Power Opening Reception 5 - 8pm As tools of harm grow more remote, outsourced, and hidden, their impacts continue to rapidly shape our lives. While the mechanisms may be out of sight, their impact remains immediate, shaping the human experience, memories, and the cultural archive. Work in this exhibition responds to this contradiction: a world where power hides in plain sight, but leaves its unmistakable marks.
Dovetail Luciana Domenica Pacilli Trunk Show 5 -10pm Luciana Domenica Pacilli, a Chicago-based multidisciplinary visual artist and musician, successfully launched (and sold out) her first clothing line at Dovetail in 2023 at the age of 12. Now 15, Luciana Domenica returns to Dovetail with a new boutique line of upcycled clothing and accessories, highlighting the punk and new age era, with a focus on individuality, free thought, and intention.
Lost Girls Vintage Meet the Artist Katie Meuser 5 - 8pm Lost Girls is hosting artist Katie Meuser (@klmeuser) for a Meet the Artist event. Nebraska born, now a Chicagoan. Katie’s work has a contemporary style of nonobjective and expressionist abstract w/ an emphasis on figures, color fields, and moving hues. Complimentary drinks will be served and Katie will be on-site to discuss her art.
The Coco Shop Official Opening 5 -10pm Step inside our surrealist-inspired pop-up for an evening of art, music, and flowers. Local DJ “Your Beats” will be spinning vinyl while an aura reader offers illuminating mini sessions, with light bites and complimentary wine flowing. Create your own bouquet or flower crown at our floral bar, then explore a curated selection of designforward home goods and one-of-a-kind artworks—pieces you’ll only find at The CoCo Shop.
Chicago Truborn Gallery Beyond The Fold : A Journey Through the Realms of Jason Brammer Artist Reception 5-8pm Jason Brammer is a visual artist known for his prolific murals, distinctive paintings, and mixed-media assemblages. Over the last 20+ years as a professional working artist, he has been commissioned by countless prominent clients, and his art has been exhibited in numerous prestigious venues worldwide. His debut solo show at Chicago Truborn features 30+ original works alongside two site-specific installations, live painting, and an ongoing Q&A throughout the weekend.
Saturday Highlights Dovetail Metal Petal Jewlery Trunk Show 12 -6pm Join us Saturday as we welcome Chicago-based jewelry artist and metalsmith Naomi Johnson as they showcase their line of small-batch, handcrafted jewelry, Metal Petal Jewelry. Influenced by West African design and rooted in Black and queer futurity, Johnson reimagines adornment through symbols that honor ancestry, kinship, and transformation while exploring identity, belonging, and joy. Passages Wine and Books Live Poetry Reading by Catarine Hancock 1pm Passages Wine and Books is hosting a poetry exhibit featuring the work of Catarine Hancock, best-selling poet, author, and classically trained opera singer based in Chicago.
Ken Saunders Gallery Artist Talk with Carmen Lozar 12pm For her exhibition at the gallery, Carmen Lozar has created a body of figurative artwork full of references to domestic responsibility, the notion of shared familial duties, the self-sacrifice of motherhood and the challenges of aging. Humorous and selfdeprecating works in glass are masterfully wrought miniatures. The artist will speak on Saturday at noon. Refreshments will be served. Exhibition continues through October 25th at Ken Saunders Gallery, LTD.
Sunday Highlights Chicago Fine Art Salon Saturation Artists’ Talk 1pm Join us for an artists’ talk about their work in the Saturation Group Art Show. Meet the artists and learn about their unique perspectives.
Intuit Art Museum Sunday Sale 11am-6pm We hope you discover the unexpected in the IAM Store. From one-of-a-kind artworks and exclusive Museum merch to rare art books, zines, exhibition catalogs, jewelry, and delightfully odd treasures you won’t find anywhere but in our cabinet of curiosities. To celebrate the West Town Art Walk, we’re offering 10% in the store and on memberships (individual & household), today only.
Dovetail Dara Schuman Ceramics Trunk Show 12 - 6pm Dovetail welcomes Chicago ceramicist Dara Schuman and her eponymous collection of playful, form-driven pieces that blur the line between functional and sculptural. She works mostly on the wheel, creating bold vases, mugs, and lights that lean into retro-futuristic, mid-century motifs. Her process explores experimentation on the wheel. By folding, stacking, and trimming clay, she finds unexpected ways to innovate the craft.
Promotions All Together Now 2119 W Chicago Ave $6 Glasses of Wine and Beer Barcocina West Town 1814 W Chicago Ave $10 Margaritas Brasero 1709 W Chicago Ave $15 Buckets of Brazillian Fried Chicken, $9 Caipirinhas Chicago Estate Advisors 2021 W Division St 75% Off Sale Chicago Truborn 1741 W Chicago Ave The first 25 people to spend $250+ receive a free art gift! (Print/Sticker Packs/Pins) Chills Italian Ice 2029 W Division St #1 $1 off any size Italian Ice/Refresher Dovetail 1452 W Chicago Ave 20% Off Regularly Priced Vintage all weekend long! Freinds of Friends 2001 W Grand Ave Half Off Schlitz ($3) Intuit Art Museum 756 N Milwaukee Ave $5 Off Museum Admission
Kizmah CBD 2044 W Chicago Ave $10 off any Purchase over $50 or Free Drink with Purchase over $50 Lost Girls Vintage 1935 W Division St 10% Off (Excluding Art Pieces) Orangetheory Fitness Chicago River West 731 N Milwaukee Ave Free class at any class time during the Art Walk Paperish Mess 1945 W Chicago Ave 10% Off during opening night on Friday 5-8pm Passages Wine and Books 1911 W Chicago Ave Free Glass of House Wine with Book Purchase and Complimentary Wine Tastings throughout the weekend Petals and Jackets 1105 N Ashland Ave For every $100 spent, get $20 in P&J cash toward your next in-store purchase. The Golden Triangle 2035 W Grand Ave 15% Off for Art Walk Attendees Urban Source 1429 W Chicago Ave 10% off all wallpaper sales during Art Walk! Verdant Place 2048 W Grand Ave Decorate a white pumpkin in preserved flowers at the Grand Garden at a discounted rate of $15 (normally $20). Use code ARTWALK at sign up via www.verdantplace.co/book-online
Additional Events
Friday Oct. 3
Arc Academy 5pm Complimentary drinks and tour of the shop Chicago Truborn Gallery 5 - 8pm Opening Artist Reception with Jason Brammer Dovetail 8pm After Party on Friday until 10pm in conjunction with the Crying Tiger Streetwear Trunk Show. Ken Saunders 6pm Gallery Tour from Carmen Lozar Monsoon Pottery 5- 8pm Complimentary sake pours Penelope’s 5 - 8pm Artist Reception Tarnish 5 - 8pm Artist Reception
Saturday Oct. 4
Big Shoulders Yoga 12 - 6pm Artist Margaret Pun will be present during open hours on Saturday, 12–6, to share insights about her process. Refreshments will be available for patrons to enjoy while viewing her works. Chicago Truborn Gallery 12 - 6pm Live Art by Jason alongside realtime Q&A Ken Saunders 12pm Artist Carmen Lozar will be interviewed by Ken Saunders. Refreshments will be served. Monsoon Pottery 11am- 6pm Pop up from Tsay Tea
Sunday Oct. 5
West Town Chamber of Commerce 11:30am- 3:30pm Roshini Collective will hold its launch party, where you can learn more about its mission and upcoming programming, which centers around community collaboration and visibility. Chicago Artists Coallition 4 -7pm Studio Warming Party - Join for a night of laughter and reminiscing. On what? Exactly. CAC residents will lead tours and share a little bit about their practices. BYOB and light bites provided. Chicago Truborn Gallery 12 -6pm Live Art by Jason alongside realtime Q&A Monsoon Pottery 11- 4pm Pop up from Sugoi Sweets
West Town Public Art Walking Tour
Saturday and Sunday 12-1:30pm Eckhart Park, 1330 W Chicago Ave This year for the 15th annual Art Walk, the West Town Chamber of Commerce will be presenting a guided tour of the public art in the neighborhood. This tour will be around 1.5 hours, and led by WTCC’s Partnerships Manager, Gracie Holmes. This walk begins at Eckhart Park and winds west along Chicago Avenue, weaving through side streets and hidden pockets of creativity. Along the way, we’ll celebrate the neighborhood’s vibrant public art—think striking murals, playful installations, and unexpected bursts of color that showcase West Town’s ever-evolving artistic spirit. The tour is free and open to all. Can’t make it in person? Take yourself on a self-guided version anytime using our eAtlas scavenger hunt.
Scan here for the Self Guided Scavenger Hunt!
Public Art Program West Town’s Public Art Program aims to make art fully accessible by bringing it out of conventional spaces and into the public sphere. Our mission is to culturally invigorate our vibrant community and local economy while high- lighting local, emerging, and established artists. Public Art Grants of up to 100% are available through West Town’s SSA29-2014, a local economic development tool that funds these projects through property taxes within the SSA boundaries. We offer various ways to participate in the program, tailored to your specific role and project.
Are you a property owner interested in installing a mural, or an artist seeking new opportunities? Each summer, we issue a “Call for Walls,” inviting property owners to submit their interest in our mural program. If your wall is selected, we will then facilitate a “Call for Artists” in the fall, where artists can submit their portfolios for consideration. Property owners will then select an artist, and together they will collaborate on a design to be installed the following spring or summer. This program is a wonderful opportunity for property owners who may not have an existing relationship with an artist.
Are you a property owner or artist who has been working on a mural or design and is looking for funding? If you are already collaborating with an artist, you can jointly complete the Public Art Grant application. If all program requirements are met and funding is still available for the year, you may be eligible to receive a grant covering 100% of the project costs. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Are projects other than murals eligible? Yes! Please share your ideas with us. Eligible projects include window art, sculptures, stained glass, mosaics, natural and living works, installations, temporary architectural constructions, and performances.
Interested in designing next year’s poster? Join our WHWT email list to stay in the loop.
2025 Art Walk Guide Layout and Map design by Fine Arts Dept. LLC @finearts.dept
The 2025 West Town Art Walk poster was designed by Abbey Furlow, a designer who works at the intersection of brand and environment, creating visual experiences shaped by curiosity and storytelling. She often draws inspiration from the textures of the city and the objects she collects, weaving play and thoughtfulness into her process. Abbey is excited to share her work as part of this neighborhood art walk.