photo: Courtesy of ThreeWalls.

ThreeWalls Gallery maintains some West Loop contemporary art scene customs: It is not only a place where local, national and international artists can present a multitude of work that requires significant space and various forms of support, but also one in which artist residencies enrich an all-encompassing working environment/showplace combination.

ThreeWalls shares its building with Wendy Cooper Gallery and Bucket Rider, all three of which are contemporary art staples among those who want to show and those who just want to look. Housed in the 119 N. Peoria building, the place becomes a bustling three-level art maze loaded with curious eyes of the in-the-know art crowd during opening nights, often for simultaneous shows. Eager for conversation and looking, the crowd spills from the galleries to the staircases on a Friday night foray.

Unique to its mission, the gallery provides an "Adopt an Artist" program that links interested community members (who can afford the gift of giving dollars and time) with an artist-in-residence. The idea is to support the artist with monetary donations for materials, help organize studio visits to view the artist at work and to host events that introduce the artist to others in the art community. An atypical approach to using various resources and gaining exposure, the adoptive partnership is one of several key elements that keep ThreeWalls alive: exhibitions in all types of media, a network of interns and volunteers as well as an educational salon series that includes discussions and lectures focusing on issues concerning Chicago artists and their wider role in the art world.

Centerstage Reviewer: Heather Blaha