Gallery 200

About Gallery 200
Gallery 200, an artist co-op, is a creative oasis in downtown West Chicago featuring the work of local artists for sale at affordable prices. It is a division of People Made Visible, an arts not for profit, and is partially supported by the City of West Chicago.

History
It started over a cup of coffee, with an empty building and two people with a vision. Then Mayor Michael Kwasman and Fredericka Howard, chairman in the Cultural Arts Commission, saw a way to use the vacant space at 200 Main Street to showcase the work of local artists. Gallery 200 was launched in the Fall of 2005 with the help of the West Chicago City Council and thirty artists with faith in what their art could do, to become the first artists’ cooperative in West Chicago.

For several years the Gallery artists used their energy and funds to give the space a fresh coat of paint, acquire display units and continue to bring new art works into the Gallery. This is how the first floor of an 1860’s historical hotel became an elegant space displaying both fine and moderately priced art. The Gallery demonstrates its commitment to the community through events like ArtShare, classes and demonstrations or workshops open to the public. Each month a new Featured Artist exhibit opens with a reception free to visitors.

Gallery 200 has flourished with the support of the community and has become a haven for art lovers. It is a quiet place to browse, view and buy original local art. In 2014, the Gallery transitioned from a city-supported initiative to merge with the not-for-profit art-diverse People Made Visible, Inc. The City of West Chicago continues to generously support and promote the Gallery and its artists.