Formerly: Note: In July 2006, Gallery 40000 relocated from West Town to the West Loop art district.

If a gallery's website is any indication of how you may feel at the gallery itself, peeking at the 40000 site will give you an unexpected understanding of the growing, welcoming space. Five penciled flower tabs provide an overview (current, future, past, project room, artists) in a way that's inviting and evolving, much like 40000 is.

I happened to be walking by on a closed Tuesday. Director Britton Bertran spotted me peering through the windows and invited me into the storefront. Although I had interrupted his workday, Bertran was not only welcoming, but also informative and engaging. The two main rooms for showing work were a good size (intimate but not small, and packed on opening nights) for individual shows that rotate frequently, like the show I caught that day, an installation by Brooklyn-based Dave McKenzie's entitled, "Haven't Seen You in a Minute."

Representing several contemporary artists working in a variety of mediums including Brian Andrews, Josh Mannis, Thomas Rapai, Nathan Redwood, and Nevin Tomlinson, 40000 showcases work from all over the country.

Centerstage Reviewer: Heather Blaha