Space for Lease becomes Space for Art

Everywhere you turn there are "Space For Lease" signs. They're in every neighborhood in Chicago, but now one neighborhood is turning those empty, dust-gathering spaces into a cultural experience.

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Pop-up Art Loop utilizes empty storefronts for temporary galleries, exhibits and studios, bringing art and life to the downtown vacancies. This new initiative by the Chicago Loop Alliance is free to the public, free to the artists, and free to the landlords. 

There are currently three exhibits. Each is open from 11am to 7pm Tuesdays - Sundays through December 31:

• “Wabash Gallery,” 220 S. Wabash: Chicago-based performance and installation artist Sara Schnadt presents Network. Inspired by the idea that we simultaneously live in a real and virtual world, and that the virtual is infinitely expansive, Network uses large quantities of electric yellow twine and mirror to suggest a virtual network landscape cutting through an otherwise ordinary space.

• “CUFF – Inside Out,” Sullivan Center, E. Monroe St. between State and Wabash: Visitors will have the chance to glimpse greatness from 15 years of The Chicago Underground Film Festival (CUFF). The exhibit features the most compelling short films as well as eye-popping scenes from CUFF’s best feature length films. CUFF is an annual event showcasing independent, experimental and documentary films from around the world.

• “Chicago Photography Collective,” 29 E. Madison: What started as a group of four photographers having lunch once a month has turned into the “Chicago Photography Collective:” A group of twenty-five Chicago-based professional photojournalists and fine artists who have come together to build a sense of community among photographers. The group’s exhibition includes compelling portraits, abstracts, nature, black and white and color photography.

If you're an artist, gallery or exhibitor and would like to participate, or if you're a downtown property owner and would like to provide space, call 312-782-9160 for more information.