Discovering Art in WPB

Take an inspiring stroll through Wicker Park/Bucktown and see why this neighborhood is known as one of the most creative and inspiring in Chicago. Begin your day mid-morning to explore the fine arts and crafts of local artists at these stores, galleries and cafes. Itinerary includes a few cafes to inspire your palette; AND you'll be finished in time for dinner at one of our many delicious restaurants.

 

1.  The Boring Store/826CHI
     1331 N Milwaukee
     P: (773) 395-1818
     www.notasecretagentstore.com

Stop into Chicago’s only undercover secret agent supply store! The Boring Store is the brilliant front for non-profit writing and tutoring center 826CHI. All funds raised through sales in the store go to support 826CHI’s free programming for local youth.

 

2. Jackson Junge Gallery
    1389 N Milwuakee
    P: (773) 227.7900
    www.j2gallery.com

Jackson Junge Gallery is a part of the growing arts community in Chicago's Wicker Park / Bucktown neighborhood. Co-owned by Chicago artist Laura Lee Junge and partner Chris Jackson, the gallery provides an exclusive local venue for Junge's paintings and other works.

3. The Wormhole Coffee
    1462 N Milwaukee
    P: (773) 661.2468
    www.thewormhole.us

Stop off at The Wormhole Coffee shop for a cup of Metropolis coffee, yummy pastries, and go “b-b-b-back in time” with their collection of 80’s memorabilia, including a real Delorean and some great movie posters.

4. The Flat Iron Arts Building
    1579 N Milwaukee
     E-mail: info@flatironartists.com
     www.flatironartists.com

Located at the intersection of Milwaukee Avenue, North Avenue, and Damen Avenue, The Flat Iron Building has served as an artists’ collective since the 1980’s. The Flat Iron Artists Association represents the largest concentration of artists working in the WPB neighborhood and includes painters, photographers, poets, sculptors, writers, actors, and film and digital artists. Stop by any time and see work by many of the resident artists as galleries and studios are often open around the clock, or join the Flat Iron Artists every First Friday of the month throughout the year for an evening of performances and open studios.

5. Wicker Park
    1425 N. Damen
    P: (312) 742.7553
    www.chicagoparkdistrict.com

Stop off in Wicker Park and relax on a bench around the beautiful fountain which was installed in the late 1800’s when the park land was donated to the community by the brothers Wicker. In addition to afterschool programs, Wicker Park hosts fun special events throughout the year for the whole family, such as indoor movies in the park and holiday events.

6. Monique Meloche Gallery
    2154 W. Division
    P: (773) 252.0299
    moniquemeloche.com

Monique Meloche Gallery has been showcasing controversial and cutting-edge artists throughout a variety of media since 2000. Exhibitions can be viewed within the gallery itself as well as "on the wall" facing Division Street.

7. Janik's Cafe
    2011 W Division
    P: (773) 276.7930
    www.janikscafe.com

Visit Janik's Café for breakfast, sandwiches, salads or a cocktail any time of day. Art for sale by local artists hangs on the walls. 

 

Copyright 2012. Written by Clover Morell for the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce.