Polish-born Gosia and Elzbieta Koscielak have assembled projects and exhibits on both sides of the Atlantic since 1987, and these connections have shaped their gallerist philosophy. Gosia studied at The Art Institute and St. John Fisher College (Rochester, NY), Elzbieta at Wroclaw University and the Warsaw School of Economics. The two have collaborated on contemporary curatorial projects since 1998, opening their West Town storefront gallery in 2005.

"In Transit," an early Koscielak Gallery exhibit, drew from the energy of the nearby Kennedy Expressway, an artery shaping first impressions for international travelers. Visitors "commuted," via video, art objects and guided tours, down Eastern European thoroughfares and Chicago alleys.

A veritable hostel for artistic expression, the gallery provides a "Global–Local Art Platform" linking traditional genres and new media work. That philosophy is perhaps best embodied in "Crossmediale," the Koscielaks’ annual survey of American and international rising stars and the next best option when airfare seems too pricey.

Centerstage Reviewer: Justin Sondak