4Art Inc. galleries and other suggestions in the Chicago Arts District

Flurries of snow hurtled at us head on like an oncoming train as my friend Keith and I roamed up and down South Halsted between 17th and Cullerton for an open art gallery last Friday. This area, known as the Chicago Arts District, has a reputation of being the place for emerging artists. However, since most of the galleries are artist-owned, they were only open on Saturdays or by appointment.

One of the few open galleries was 4Art Inc. After being buzzed in, we entered the door immediately to our right and came upon a large, open gallery and were greeted by a “hello” whose origin I could not distinguish.

There’ more art up here. “Just ask if you have any questions,” said the woman.

It was then our eyes averted to the loft and I saw a small woman with a bob of brown hair wave at us and then return to her conversation with another customer.

Keith and I toured the room. On the entrance wall hung three ink drawings whose sketches reminded me of ghosts. To the right was a large sculpture of a sun and moon piece using bronze, glass and other mixed media. In front of us on a partition wall hung a large painting of a face made of bricks and an army tank with a Jesus fish logo sitting on top of it. Around the room hung various styles of paintings, photography, digital photography, mixed media pieces and even a few decorative tables made of bronze and walnut wood.

Upstairs, I talked with Robin Monique Rios, curator of 4Art Inc, about the eclectic nature of her gallery. For Rios, the artists have to have a vision and a concept while also maintaining masterful rendering, whether it be in painting, digital photography, sculpture, etc. We sell fine art, in any medium, she said. Everyone has their own style, but somehow it ends up cohesive when I put up a new exhibit It’s as if some higher power told them all to work in reds this month.

Rios has a different philosophy from most gallery owners; she chooses 12-14 artists to produce and show work on a monthly basis for a six-month contract. As a working artist, Rios understands how difficult it can be to find the time to create, hold down a job that pays the bills, and to research and submit to different galleries.

I try to give the artists a home, at least for a little while. One month or two month showings aren’t enough time for people to get a chance to know them, said Rios.

First, she opens up the opportunity to artists from the previous six months showing and then to submission. Usually about half of the artists choose to stay. I’ve had some artists who have been with me from the beginning, said Rios.
Rios opened 4Art Inc. four years ago when there were only a few other galleries. Now there are about twelve in the area. Rios was also one of the first collaborators on the 2nd Fridays Gallery openings sponsored by the Chicago Arts District, which is free and open to the public. Second Fridays occurs the second Friday of every month from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m.

4Art Inc. also offers art classes and custom framing. In the past Rios has also taken on interns to teach them about the gallery business and helped two of her past interns start up galleries of their own. “You have to wake up every day and love what you do. I’m the poorest I’ve ever been, but I’m also the happiest” Rios said with her dark eyes shining and a smile on her face.

Robin Rios passion for her art also carries over to her love of her business, which is open from 10am to 6pm Tuesdays through Saturdays.

To get to the Chicago Arts District:

Bus: #62 Archer/Harlem bus south to the Halsted Orange Line stop. Transfer to the #8 Halsted bus heading north towards 18th Street.

Train: Orange line to the Halsted. Transfer to the #8 Halsted bus.

18TH STREET GALLERIES

Exp Gallery
726 W. 18th Street
847-217-7520
www.expgallery.com

SOUTH HALSTED STREET GALLERIES

The Listenbee Collection
1745 S. Halsted
312-421-1238

Chicago Art Department
1837 S Halsted
312-226-8601
www.chicagoartdepartment.org

Larry Roberts Studio
1838 S Halsted
312-243-3052
www.larryrobertsstudio.com

Get Knifed Gallery
1932 S Halsted #201
312-217-5747
www.getknifed.com

And don”t forget to check out The Picante Grill at 1626 S. Halsted to satisfy your food cravings on your gallery-filled day.