CHICAGO — Last week, I suggested that this holiday season we make an effort to give locally made art to the special people on our Christmas list rather than relying on discounted electronics and kitchen gadgets found in the sale papers.
Since a lot of you thought that was a great idea — and handful of painters and crafty folks asked me to mention their work in my abridged list of local artists — here are a few more Chicago artists and galleries around town worth checking out.
Khrystyna Kozyuk
Reader Peter Gariepy tweeted asking to include the work of Khrystyna Kozyuk, a Ukrainian immigrant. She came to Chicago without speaking much English and even gave up painting while working as a janitor until she had enough money to enroll in school. Now Kozyuk considers her work “recreational therapy to heal the stressed human condition.” You can find her paintings for sale here.
David Leonardis Gallery
Art collector and gallery owner David Leonardis chimed in on Facebook to remind readers that his Wicker Park gallery has been supporting local artists since 1992 — way before the neighborhood got so many fancy shoe stores. You can check the place out in person or shop online.
Robert “Bob-O” Seitz
The owner of Harmony Art Glass is a true neighborhood character — and a nice guy. Robert Seitz, who once worked for Tiffany Stained Glass in Chicago, has spent more than 30 years making custom windows, lamps, and artistic stained glass panels. His tiny Edgewater shop is a joy to visit. Tell Bob-O that Mark sent ya.
Ian Lantz
Pullman artist Ian Lantz will paint you a picture, put a mural on your garage door or even turn your old car into a work of art. His hieroglyphics-inspired folk art murals add spice to several neighborhood alleys. You can check out Lantz’s work and contact him here.
Sacred Art
Former owner Sara Chazin’s indoor art bazaar in Lincoln Square celebrates the work of Chicago artists who make everything from clothes and ceramics to photos and fine art. Funny story: I met Chazin in 2007 when the shop was in Roscoe Village. She told me she left the hospitality industry after a long chat with actor Jim Belushi. He gave her a strong sales pitch for his hometown — and almost ruined it with a rather crass come on. She turned down the proposition but took his advice about moving to Chicago. Now Sacred Art is a go-to spot for Chicago-inspired art.
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