In describing ARC Gallery in one painfully simple adjective, that adjective, without question, would be openness. This feeling is conveyed by the space of ARC's roomy, white-walled galleries, through the gestures of the helpful volunteer staff, and in the content and style of the varied artists that are exhibited.

Founded in 1973, ARC has maintained a commitment to showcasing emerging talent in all media, offering individual and group exhibitions each month. In doing so, it has established itself as an internationally renowned alternative space, one that is as likely to feature Chicago artists as it is to introduce work by artists from all areas of the globe. This sort of flexibility allows patrons to experience art that they might not be exposed to at a more traditional gallery, and also affords them the luxury of encountering multiple mediums within the span of a few hundred square feet. There's also a Special Events gallery, dedicated to the showing of art used as a healing tool or for social and educational purposes, and RawSpace, a gallery dedicated to installation art.

There's no common characteristic linking ARC's rotating cluster of talent, but it can be said that every artist with work on display has a penchant for innovation and experimentation. Check the Web site for a clearer sense of what to expect at each specific show, or better yet, pop in on their latest show and experience the openness for yourself.

Centerstage Reviewer: Jenny Seay