No one doubts the benefits of buying artwork at a traditional gallery—the connoisseurship and professionalism offered by a serious dealer are hard to beat. But if you’re looking for works by under-the-radar artists at an accessible price, take a look at some alternative venues. We found original artwork by local talents everywhere from restaurants and cafés to a bank and a spa. For the artists, these venues are a good way to get additional exposure, even if they are represented by a gallery; for the customer, it’s an easy way to shop for art casually—in many cases, while waiting for a meal to arrive.
Lula Café
“Armada,” Ben Brandt, oil and acrylic on canvas and panel, $3,200; benbrandt.net
It’s fitting that this Logan Square favorite always has interesting art hanging on its walls—from the experimental comfort food served here to the bohemian ambiance, it’s simply an arty sort of place. The exhibits, which rotate every three months or so, are curated by Anders Nilsen and Marianne Fairbanks (shown here), a former cook and waitress, respectively, and artists themselves. 2537 N. Kedzie Blvd., 773-489-9554
Chicago Diner
From the "Five Versus Five" series, David Schalliol, limited edition photographic digital print on fine art paper, 13 by 20 inches, $275; davidschalliol.com
This Lake View veggie standby has been showing local artwork for years. The process is informal: Artists tell manager Del Nakamura that they’re interested in displaying their work, and he makes the call. "We generally accept human interest topics, nature, and animal themes—nothing too busy or controversial," he says. Work stays up from one to three months and ranges from $100 to $500. 3411 N. Halsted St., 773-935-6696.
Jane’s Restaurant
"Study for the Easter Bunny," Jeff Zimmermann, acrylic on canvas, 24 by 18 inches, $2,000; jazim.com
This recently expanded Bucktown favorite displays pieces from local artists that range from $50 to $5,000. "We started doing it to change the look for the room from time to time," co-owner Julie Greenwalt says. "It kind of gives us a new atmosphere every three months." 1655 W. Cortland St., 773-862-5263; janesrestaurant.com
Jane’s Restaurant
"Palms in the Sky," Matthew Lew, mixed media (paint and photography), $1,700 for two 36-by-24-inch canvases ($1,000 for one); matthewlew.com
This salon and spa is in its second year of showcasing work by local artists on its walls. It hosts opening parties for its featured artists and keeps art up for about six months. 2706 N. Halsted St., 773-244-6500.
Seagrass
From the series "Apples (Fish Creek, Wisconsin)," Leslie Schwartz, photographic prints, from $345; leslieschwartzphotography.com
This beach-house-style furniture and accessories shop is inspired by Nantucket (owner Maria Smith’s childhood vacation spot) and Shoreline Hills, Indiana (where she and her family have a second home now). Smith doesn’t change her artistic offerings too frequently, but she always has a great selection of images of seashores, boats, cows, apple trees, and Adirondack chairs—all by local artists. 895 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka, 847-446-8444.
Intelligentsia
"Taos Return," Damien Fosse, framed limited-edition photographic print, 16 by 20 inches, $225.
This popular local coffeehouse displayed employees’ art before deciding to open its doors to other local talent. Until recently, there was no systematic approach to finding the pieces (most of the work was by artists who simply walked in and asked the manager for some exposure). Now Intelligentsia has a Myspace page (myspace.com/intelligentsiacafeartists) where artists can submit work for consideration. 3123 N. Broadway, 773-348-8058; 53 W. Jackson Blvd., 312-253-0594; 53 E. Randolph St., 312-920-9332; intelligentsiacoffee.com.
Zella Brown
"Ice Cream Sandwiches," Pamela Johnson, oil on canvas, 60 by 64 inches, $5,000; pamelamichellejohnson.com
From the time she opened her doors, owner Trisha London has been committed to selling mostly original artwork, mostly by Chicago artists, at her home-goods store. She doesn’t so much have rotating exhibits as a consistent inventory of local talent—and she’s usually looking to add to the mix. Local artists who can always be found here include Gabriel Mejia, Loren Morris, and Kimberly Creswell. 1444 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-276-1746.
HotChocolate
"Untitled" (above) and "Self Porttrait" (below), Fred Teifeld, black-and-white photographic prints, 11 by 14 inches, $109 each; fredteifeld.com
HotChocolate has displayed work from up-and-coming local artists since the restaurant opened in 2005. Owner/pastry chef Mindy Segal prefers to hang interesting and risqué pieces because "the edgy stuff goes along the lines of the food we serve." Segal has put up pieces worth several thousand dollars in the past, but prefers to showcase less spendy work. "I tell artists to price to sell," she says. 1747 N. Damen Ave., 773-489-1747; hotchocolatechicago.com.
Scout
“Cakes at Roeser’s,” Amanda Clower, oil on canvas, 28 by 22 inches, $975.
Scout’s owner Larry Vodak complements his shop’s warm urban cottage aesthetic with artwork that fits the bill. He has promoted such local artists and photographers as Michael McGuire, Meriellen Johnson, Amanda Clower, and Scott Gruss, among others, periodically hosting receptions for them at the store. 5221 N. Clark St., 773-275-5700.
Uncommon Ground
“Two Glazed Donuts,” Byron Gin, oil on canvas, 24 by 20 inches, $1,500; byrongin.com
“Hey Muffin,” Chris Thiel, mixed media, 28 by 22 inches, $850; achillesthiel.com
Scout’s owner Larry Vodak complements his shop’s warm urban cottage aesthetic with artwork that fits the bill. He has promoted such local artists and photographers as Michael McGuire, Meriellen Johnson, Amanda Clower, and Scott Gruss, among others, periodically hosting receptions for them at the store. 5221 N. Clark St., 773-275-5700.
Uncommon Ground
“Two Feet Under,” Gregory Scott, archival digital pigment print, 18 by 24 inches, $1,200; gregoryscottimages.com; edelmangallery.com
“White Noise: Rip Currents” (A of A/B diptych), Sarah Krepp, oil and acrylic on linen, 63 ½ by 75 ½ inches, $14,000 ($26,000 for complete diptych); sarahkrepp.com; royboydgallery.com
Scout’s owner Larry Vodak complements his shop’s warm urban cottage aesthetic with artwork that fits the bill. He has promoted such local artists and photographers as Michael McGuire, Meriellen Johnson, Amanda Clower, and Scott Gruss, among others, periodically hosting receptions for them at the store. 5221 N. Clark St., 773-275-5700.