Best Art Walks In Chicago
Feeling artistic and looking to be inspired? Creativity abounds in Chicago and checking out the art scene can be best accomplished by walking through the great city of Chicago. There are guided and non-guided art walking tours and every type of art can be viewed depending on the art walk that is being taken. Some art walks charge a fee and others are free. All of the art walks listed below will not disappoint and will be sure to get those creative juices flowing.
2nd Fridays Gallery Night
Chicago Art District
South Halsted and 18th Street
Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 738-8000 Ext 108
www.chicagoartsdistrict.org
These monthly opening receptions located at the galleries and studio spaces can be toured from 6 to 10 p.m. There are more than 30 creative areas where artists and art lovers join together to experience an exciting display of art. Art can be purchased at a wide range of prices from very economical art to very high priced art. This art walk allows the community to experience the vibrant artists and their work and the walk is also free of charge.
Chicago Loop/Architecture Tour
MetrowalkZ
www.metrowalkz.com
This self-guided tour is perfect for those who would like to take a tour at their own pace. The Loop Architecture Tour offers an excellent overview and feel of Chicago and its architecturally significant buildings. The tour can be downloaded from the website and gives great information about the city, along with photos and an easy-to-follow map for the architecture tour. The walking tour is approximately 1.75 miles and there are numerous restaurants and bars along the route.
Wicker Park/Bucktown
Heaven Gallery
1550 N. Milwaukee Ave., 2nd floor
Chicago, IL 60622
www.heavengallery.com
Some of the best and emerging new artists can be found in the Wicker Park/Bucktown area. The art scene is strong in this area that includes many apartment galleries. A good starting point is the Heaven Gallery. It is a non-profit gallery and it mentors and encourages new and emerging artists, musicians and filmmakers. All of its programs are open to the public. After visiting Heaven Gallery, take a walk around the area to experience the energetic art scene and all of the creativity that is embedded in the neighborhood.
Related: Best Art Exhibits For Kids In Chicago
Chicago Architecture Foundation
224 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 922-3432
www.architecture.org
The Chicago Architecture Foundation has a large selection of walking tours and a must-take walking tour is the Hidden (Mostly Indoor) Art. The walk takes place in the Loop area and the beautiful art hidden inside the lobbies of the buildings are looked at and discussed. Part of the discussion that occurs is why the art was placed where it is and the whether or not the art works within the building and lobby. The tour starts at 222 North LaSalle Building, just outside the lobby on the LaSalle sidewalk.
Ravenswood ArtWalk
1802 W. Berteau Ave. Suite #201
Chicago, IL 60625
www.ravenswoodartwalk.org
This yearly art walk takes place to help raise awareness of the creative practices that prominently exist in the community of Ravenswood. The artistic, industrial and historic importance of the area is substantial and the art walk is held to help the community and visitors become even more deeply invested in what Ravenswood has to offer. The Ravenswood ArtWalk website lists the yearly schedule, reception and arts tour map.
Related: Best Winter 2014-15 Art Events In Chicago
Michelle Guilbeau is a writer, teacher and business owner living in Chicago, Illinois. She also has experience in school administration, literacy coaching and is proud founder of CraftKitsForKids.com. Michelle enjoys sharing her knowledge of Chicago, kids crafts, education and parenting issues with her readers. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
