Discover a relaxed mini arts trail throughout the Oak Park area, where you can stroll through neighborhood galleries, peek into artist-run spaces, and see what’s currently on view—from intimate studio shows to rotating exhibitions. Whether you’re planning a dedicated art day or adding a quick stop between coffee and dinner, these spots make it easy to browse, linger, and find original pieces and decorative arts to take home.
This guide focuses on galleries and gallery-style studios—places designed for viewing and purchasing art—rather than hands-on class studios or large art museums. It’s ideal for casual visitors, local collectors, and anyone who loves the experience of discovering new work, from textiles and mixed media to site-specific installations, no apron or art supplies required.
Alcea Gallery | Forest Park
What it is: Contemporary art gallery on Madison Street in Forest Park showcasing bold, modern work from emerging and midcareer artists across Chicagoland.
What it offers: Rotating exhibitions of original paintings, fine-art prints, ceramics, and handmade pieces, plus opening receptions and special-event nights.
Why visit: A polished but approachable “true gallery” experience that complements dinner or drinks on Madison while you discover new artists.
Website:
The Compassion Factory Art Gallery & Studio | Brookfield
What it is: A contemporary gallery and creative hub in Brookfield’s Eight Corners area that combines exhibit space with a working studio and community events.
What it offers: Curated shows by local and regional artists, artist talks, and a flexible studio area used for classes, workshops, and private gatherings.
Why visit: Anchors Brookfield’s arts scene with a warm, community-first vibe where you can see, create, and buy art in the same space.
Website:
Dancing Krow | Oak Park
What it is: Artist-run gallery and working studio on Harrison Street in the Oak Park Arts District centered around the visionary artwork of founder Karen Schuman and a collective of local artists.
What it offers: Gallery exhibitions, a shared working space where you might catch artists in action, and social club–style meetups where members share work and ideas.
Why visit: Offers a more intimate, bohemian alternative to traditional galleries, ideal if you enjoy meeting artists and seeing works in progress alongside finished pieces.
Website:
https://karen-schuman-test.squarespace.com
Expressions Studio | Oak Park
What it is: Creative studio and gallery space in the Oak Park Arts District that blends teaching, making, and exhibiting art under one roof.
What it offers: Printmaking-focused classes and workshops alongside a working print studio and gallery space that occasionally features member and instructor work, with some pieces available for purchase.
Why visit: Ideal if you like seeing the connection between learning and finished art and want to browse pieces created in a close-knit studio community.
Website:
https://expressions-studio.org
Fat Cat Art Gallery | Oak Park
What it is: Neighborhood gallery on Harrison Street in Oak Park focused on original work from emerging and established artists who believe art should be accessible, affordable, and approachable.
What it offers: Rotating shows featuring a mix of styles and media, with many pieces available to purchase directly off the gallery walls during open hours.
Why visit: An easy, low-pressure way to discover fresh local art and support working artists while you explore the Oak Park Arts District.
Website:
Jan Reagan Art | Brookfield
What it is: Working studio space for painter Jan Reagan in Brookfield, open for special events and select open-studio times, with options to inquire about visits.
What it offers: A more personal look at Reagan’s painting practice with opportunities to view and purchase original works directly during open-studio events or by arranging a visit in advance.
Why visit: Best for people who like one-on-one time with an artist and prefer collecting or commissioning work in a quieter, appointment-based studio setting.
Website:
Jeanine Guncheon Etcetera | Forest Park
What it is: Artist-run shop and studio in Forest Park featuring the artwork, ceramics, and curated finds of maker Jeanine Guncheon.
What it offers: Handcrafted artwork, ceramics, and a changing mix of carefully chosen pieces in a personal retail space that also functions as the artist’s studio.
Why visit: Ideal if you enjoy discovering handcrafted, whimsical work directly from the artist in an intimate setting instead of a large commercial gallery.
Website:
La Grange Art League | La Grange
What it is: Long-standing nonprofit organization in La Grange that combines a teaching center with a member-driven gallery space.
What it offers: Rotating member exhibits with paintings, drawings, jewelry, and other media for sale, alongside a robust schedule of classes and workshops.
Why visit: A go-to stop for seeing a broad cross-section of local talent and finding reasonably priced originals from a large, active membership.
Website:
https://www.lagrangeartleague.org
Lizzie Selle Studio | La Grange
What it is: Modern art studio and gallery in La Grange’s West End that serves as home base for abstract artist Lizzie Selle and may also highlight work from other local creatives from time to time.
What it offers: A cozy, home-like gallery setting with colorful original paintings, prints, and curated pieces for the home, plus occasional glimpses of the artist’s process.
Why visit: Combines the personality of a working artist’s studio with the polish of a neighborhood gallery, perfect for shoppers who want art with a story.
Website:
https://www.lizziesellestudio.com
Oak Park Art League (OPAL) | Oak Park
What it is: One of Illinois’s oldest continuously operating arts organizations, housed in a historic carriage house in Oak Park with both gallery and classroom space.
What it offers: Free-to-visit gallery exhibitions, juried shows, and member displays, plus classes and workshops for adults and youth at all skill levels.
Why visit: Offers deep local history and a steady calendar of exhibits, making it an easy, reliably interesting stop near other Oak Park landmarks.
Website:
https://www.oakparkartleague.org
Purple Sun Arts | Oak Park
What it is: Artist studio, gallery, and boutique on Harrison Street in Oak Park featuring vibrant artwork and handcrafted pieces with a focus on meaningful, immersive art experiences.
What it offers: Original paintings and mixed-media works, often rich in color and symbolism, with select items available as gifts or decor.
Why visit: A meaningful stop if you’re drawn to bold color, personal symbolism, and art that feels both expressive and meditative.
Website:
Riverside Arts Center | Riverside
What it is: Nonprofit arts center and professional gallery in Riverside that serves as the village’s main visual arts hub.
What it offers: Contemporary art exhibitions, public programs, and classes and camps for kids and adults, all within a dedicated gallery and studio facility.
Why visit: The place to go in Riverside if you want serious gallery shows and approachable community programming at one stop.
Website:
https://www.riversideartscenter.com
Steve Smith Painting (SMS Studio) | Oak Park
What it is: Personal studio and exhibition space for painter Stephen M. Smith connected to the Oak Park Arts District, where his work is showcased in an intimate setting, often in connection with local galleries and events.
What it offers: Original paintings available to view and purchase through Fat Cat Art Gallery, local exhibitions, and by contacting the artist to explore appointment options or upcoming events.
Why visit: A strong option if you prefer focusing on one artist’s vision and enjoy buying directly from the creator.
Website:
Terra Incognito | Oak Park
What it is: Ceramic-focused gallery and studio space in Oak Park that highlights pottery and other clay-based artwork.
What it offers: Exhibitions and retail displays of handmade ceramics alongside an active studio environment and classes for various skill levels.
Why visit: Ideal for fans of functional and sculptural clay pieces who want to browse distinctive works and connect with the local ceramics community.
Website:
https://www.terraincognitostudio.com/
Yvette Lenzi Art Studio | Brookfield
What it is: Working studio for painter Yvette Lenzi in Brookfield, whose passion led her into a career as an art teacher and now an independent studio artist.
What it offers: Original artwork created on-site, with options for direct-from-artist sales and potential by-appointment visits or open studio times; confirm details through the artist’s website or contact page.
Why visit: Great for art lovers who enjoy seeing paintings in progress and purchasing directly from the artist in a relaxed, appointment-friendly studio environment.
Website:
Whatever Comes to Mind Studio | Oak Park
What it is: Artist-run studio and gallery space on Harrison Street in Oak Park where the focus is on playful, intuitive mixed-media work by artist Tia Etu.
What it offers: A changing selection of original artworks that reflect artist Tia Etu’s playful, experimental approach, plus occasional open-studio times and neighborhood events.
Why visit: A good stop if you enjoy surprise and variety—each visit can feel different, with new pieces and in-progress work to discover.
Website:
https://whatevercomestomind.com
FAQ about art exhibitions and galleries in the Oak Park area
What does “currently on view” mean?
“On view” refers to the artworks or exhibitions a gallery is showing right now. Exhibitions often change every few weeks or months, so checking what’s currently on view helps you plan your visit around the shows you most want to see.
Do these galleries have upcoming exhibitions?
Most galleries and studios along this trail host upcoming exhibitions throughout the year, including seasonal shows and themed group displays. It is a good idea to check each venue’s website or social media for details on exhibition dates, opening receptions, and special programs.
Are any of these spaces like an art museum?
While these stops are primarily galleries and working studios, some nonprofit spaces function a bit like small art museums, with curated exhibitions and educational programming. Unlike large institutions with a permanent collection, many neighborhood galleries focus on rotating shows that highlight different artists and arts movements over time.
Is admission free?
Many of these galleries offer free admission to view current exhibitions, especially during regular open hours and district events. Some may charge fees for special programs or art-making workshops, so always confirm details before you go.
What kinds of art and decorative arts will I see?
You can expect a wide range of work, including paintings, prints, ceramics, textiles, mixed media, and other decorative arts suited for the home. Several studios also feature site-specific pieces and installations that respond to their historic buildings, neighborhood settings, or the wider local arts movement.
Can I make art as well as view it?
A number of studios on this trail blend exhibition space with art-making opportunities, offering classes, workshops, or open-studio events. If you are interested in both viewing and creating art, look for venues that advertise hands-on programs alongside their gallery exhibitions.