Love art but can't afford it? Many art aficionados can recite the names of every American contemporary artist from memory, but unfortunately can't cough up the cash for any solid work. Luckily, when gescheidle gallery moved from its West Loop location to its new Fulton Market digs, owner Susan Gescheidle noticed a funny, closet-like space inside. Instead of turning it into what it was probably meant for—a closet— her gallery assistant, Amber Vilas, suggested that they make it a separate art space of its own. Now the director of the tiny 6 ft x 5 ft x 5.5 ft space, Vilas is devoted to showing work by emerging artists (who only have BFAs or MFAs, mind you) and selling it at a reasonable price (under $1,000) so that both young and established collectors can invest early in talented artists. Even though the teensy space is located within gescheidle gallery and keeps the same hours, it has its own website and should be considered as a separate entity.
Inspired by Chicago's DIY art scene—VonZweck Gallery sits in a living room, Old Gold happens out of an apartment, and the popular duchess gallery was brought to life by Rhona Hoffman Gallery assistants Katie Rashid and Kat Parker in their very own apartment—Villas saw the potential for a tiny space to become something bigger. "Chicago arts people are interested in how art affects the space," says Vilas. Inside giftshop, expect a very intimate experience with the pieces therein. giftshop will host mostly solo shows with varying media (everything from drawing to video), but the occasional group show will happen, too.
Centerstage Reviewer: Alicia Eler
