The perfect adjective to summarize Jean Albano's gallery is wild. This gallery presents itself as a work of art, exclusive of the artwork displayed within. Instead of plain walls hung with perfectly aligned frames, Jean Albano Gallery is a more asymmetrical, which adds to the purpose it serves as an art gallery.

The first wall seen upon entering the gallery is red, and each wall seems to be alive with all of the colors, shapes and textures flying off of them. Artwork is hung in random fashion as opposed to straight rows, and some pieces reach nearly to the ceiling. Nothing is flat; pieces protrude and the different textures create a sense of movement and consciousness throughout. The gallery is basically one huge room divided and sectioned off to create a sort of maze, with more and more artwork to be discovered at every turn. The entire space is very loft-like; the wood floors creak, as do the rafters overhead with the sound of footsteps upstairs, to create a comfortable, homey feel. It's like stepping into someone's private home collection, which, essentially, is not far off the mark.

The family business is owned by Jean Albano, an avid collector and gallerist with more than 25 years of experience. The gallery collaborates with museums to promote and sell both Chicago and West Coast artists and their work. The gallery represents established, mid-career artists, as well as new artists without prior Chicago exposure. The main goal of the gallery is to get these artists' work displayed in Chicago, whether at the gallery or other local venues. Jean Albano Gallery specializes in contemporary painting, sculpture and mixed media and features Chicago artists such as Karl Wirsum, Gladys Nilsson and Valerie Beller. Coming exhibits include paintings, photographs and lightboxes by Luciana Abait.

Centerstage Reviewer: Amy Wilschke