From its start in 1989, Maya Polsky dedicated her gallery to artists "whose works combine high professionalism of a painting technique with deep meaning." The gallery often explores the ability of artists of differing cultures to somehow still share the same sensibilities. On the ground floor, the space itself encourages free-flowing thought for its visitors and artists alike with stark white movable walls, 14-feet-high ceilings and enormous windows facing the street.

Born in Kiev, Maya Polsky came to the United States about 30 years ago. Thriving on viewing art, visiting studios and surrounding herself with artists and collectors drove her to open her own gallery. The intellectual stimulation of this community and her mission to maintain the vitality of Chicago's cultural life led her participate on the boards of several local organizations, such as Performing Arts Chicago.

Until recently, the gallery had trouble importing works from Russia (in part due to the Cold War), with Polsky personally having to intercept the artwork in Russia and navigate through customs back to the States. Says Gallery Director Eva Belavsky, "It is now almost as easy for the gallery to bring in works from Moscow" as it is to bring in works from Paris or Madrid.

Maya Polsky Gallery shows works of American, European and Russian artists, typically through one solo exhibition in the front and a selection of works by several artists throughout the gallery. For more than 10 years, Maya Polsky Gallery has represented Ed Paschke, "Chicago's most important living artist."

Centerstage Reviewer: Chris Benevich