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[title]Alogon Gallery
Alogon champions emerging artists and isn’t afraid to push viewers’ buttons: One recent exhibition presented feminist art under the moniker “Women Get Fucked.” 1049 N Paulina St, third floor, at Cortez St (alogongallery.com). El: Blue to Division. Bus: 9 Ashland (24hrs). Sun 1–4pm.
Around the Coyote
The nonprofit Around the Coyote began organizing art festivals in Wicker Park 20 years ago. It was a blow to the community when ATC moved its spring and fall events elsewhere in 2008, blaming a lack of affordable venues. Gentrification hasn’t stopped ATC from curating shows in its own gallery, however. The 2,400-square-foot space also hosts readings and plays. 1815–25 W Division St at Honroe St (773-342-6777, aroundthecoyote.org). El: Blue to Division. Bus: 9 (24hrs), 50, 70. Hours vary.
Corbett vs. Dempsey
Specializing in 20th-century artists with a Chicago connection, friendly cofounders John Corbett (the respected local musician and producer, not Chris in the Morning) and Jim Dempsey (house manager at the Gene Siskel Film Center) put together shows that are scholarly but never stuffy. 1120 N Ashland Ave, third floor, between Haddon Ave and Thomas St (312-278-1664, corbettvsdempsey.com). El: Blue to Division. Bus: 9 Ashland (24hrs), 70 Division. Thu–Sat 11am–4pm.
Flatiron Arts Building
The local landmark contains a smattering of artists’ studios open to the public Saturdays and Sundays from 1–6pm and the first Friday night of each month from 6–10pm. Resident artists’ work can be seen in the Bank of America branch on the ground floor, which still hopes to be forgiven for replacing the beloved coffee shop Filter. 1579 N Milwaukee Ave at Damen and North Aves (312-335-3000, theflatironproject.com). El: Blue to Damen. Bus: 50, 56, 72. Hours vary.
The Green Lantern
Wicker Park’s old indie spirit survives—for now—at this nonprofit gallery, where you can admire the art with founder Caroline Picard’s cat; attend the Parlor, a stellar monthly reading series run by Chicago art podcasters Bad at Sports; or peruse experimental books from the in-house small press. Unfortunately, trouble with the city’s antiquated zoning laws recently forced the Green Lantern to give up its regular hours. Check the website for its evolving schedule. 1511 N Milwaukee Ave, second floor, at Honore St (773-235-0936, thegreenlantern.org). El: Blue to Damen. Bus: 50 Damen, 56 Milwaukee. Hours vary.
Heaven Gallery
The nonprofit offers free and fun exhibitions of up-and-coming artists from Chicago and beyond, as well as the Protest Heaven concert series, which highlights jazz and improvisational music for a $10 suggested donation. 1550 N Milwaukee Ave, second floor, between Damen Ave and Honore St (773-342-4597, heavengallery.com). El: Blue to Damen. Bus: 50, 56, 72. Sat 1–5pm.
Lloyd Dobler Gallery
Named after John Cusack’s endearing character in Say Anything, this “gallery” is really the spare room of an apartment. But its young founders arrange professional-caliber shows thanks to some impressive art-school and industry connections. 1545 W Division St, second floor, at Milwaukee Ave (312-961-8706, lloyddoblergallery.com). El: Blue to Division. Bus: 9 (24hrs), 56, 70. Thu 6–9pm, Sat noon–5pm.
Roots & Culture Contemporary Art Center
Most of the edgy, intellectual exhibitions at this live/work space are curated by local artists who compete for the privilege. 1034 N Milwaukee Ave between Cortez and Noble Sts (773-235-8874, rootsandculturecac.org). El: Blue to Division. Bus: 56 Milwaukee. Thu, Fri 4–7pm; Sat noon–6pm.
Scott Projects
Brad Troemel, a young Chicago artist, founded this gallery last year. Its shows open with rowdy receptions; you can see the exhibitions by appointment thereafter. 1542 N Milwaukee Ave, No. 3, between Damen Ave and Honore St (scottprojects.com). El: Blue to Damen. Bus: 50, 56, 72. Hours vary.
Events
FREE Atomic Sketch Evil Olive, 1551 W Division St between Ashland and Milwaukee Aves (atomicsketch.blogspot.com). El: Blue to Division. Bus: 9 (24hrs), 56, 70. The last Thursday of every month, from 6–10pm, a rotating group of street artists assembles at this Wicker Park bar to create new works on the spot, selling them for less than $50. Other artists may join them if space permits.