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.
Contact
630-293-9550
gallerytwohundred@gmail.com
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Hours
Thursdays: noon - 6:00 p.m.
Fridays: noon - 8:00 p.m.
Saturdays & Sundays: noon - 4:00 p.m.
Address
103 W. Washington St,
West Chicago, IL 60185
Recent News about Gallery 200
New West Chicago Group Encourages Taking Time for Creativity
The hectic pace of work, school, and family life can sometimes leave little time for the creative life. Recently, a small group of West Chicagoans frustrated that their busy schedules never seemed to let them set aside time to be creative, came up with the idea of Bring Your Own (BYO) Creativity, a new group […]
Artoberfest Returns to Gallery 200
Gallery 200 at 103 West Washington Street continues to bring vibrant works of art to the community this fall. A new selection of fine art and gifts will be featured for the entire month of October in the annual Artoberfest show and sale. The warm colors of the season inspire themes for paintings, drawings, photography, […]
Botanical Watercolorist Kathi Kuchler Shares Seasonal Hues at Gallery 200
Kathi Kuchler began painting at the age of 14 in oils and then turned to watercolors because, “I love the fact that I can take my small round paint palette wherever I go.” She received her certification in 2015 as a Botanical Watercolorist and Illustrator through the Morton Arboretum, Lisle. Her regular shows and memberships […]
Nature’s Inspiration: Featured Art Exhibit by Marge Hall at Gallery 200
Nature’s Inspiration Gallery 200 at 103 West Washington Street is featuring the work of artist and Gallery member Marge Hall for the month of August. Her show combines paintings she has done which have been inspired by nature. “In difficult times there is always beauty around us. All we have to do is focus on […]
STILL TIME: Call for Art for Frida Inspired Exhibition at Gallery 200
Gallery 200 and People Made Visible will be hosting the exhibit Frida Inspired at 103 W. Washington Street during the months of June and July to showcase the work of local artists inspired by influential Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Those interested in participating should visit gallery200.net for all the details. Entries must be received no […]
Art in Full Bloom at Gallery 200
Gallery 200 is ready to reawaken spring with refreshing works of art created in the spirit of the season. Artists will celebrate in April and May with an exhibit of Art in Full Bloom, bringing the full spectrum of work created to stir the imagination. Painting, photography, glasswork and jewelry are just some of the […]
Gallery 200 Exhibit 2020 Opens After Postponement
Earlier this year, a compelling exhibit of art created during the year in which the COVID-19 pandemic started, was delayed due to the very thing that inspired it. The necessary mandates of resurgence mitigation to reduce community spread of the illness, forced a closure of Gallery 200, a division of People Made Visible, at 103 […]
2020: Artists Cope Creatively During the Year of the Pandemic
*Due to COVID-19 requiring Gallery 200 to be closed, this exhibit will be postponed until further notice. We regret any inconvenience this situation may have caused. An art exhibit succinctly named 2020 combines the work of artists Margaret Bucholz, Marge Hall, Judi Horsley, Kathi Kuchler, Britta Renwick, Sue Tripp, and Marita Valdizan at Gallery 200, […]
Small Gifts of Art Show and Sale in November & December
For those looking for a unique gift for a friend or a loved one, look no further than 103 West Washington Street and Gallery 200 and the always anticipated annual Small Gifts of Art Show and Sale that takes place in November and December. Featured artists are Margaret Bucholz, Marge Hall, Nadine Buck, Kathi Kuchler, Sharon […]
Two Fiber Artists Bring Unique Styles to Gallery 200
September and October will bring fiber artists Sharon Malec and Patty Koenigsaeker to Gallery 200, again for a virtual show at www.gallery200.org, as well as for live viewing of their art during reduced open hours. Sharon began quilting in 1992, making traditional pieced quilts, but gradually turned to making contemporary art quilts. Her interest in […]
Pop-up Art Supply Distribution at Gallery 200 – Saturday, August 1, 2020
A Pop-up Art Supply Distribution in honor of McCormick Day, will take place at Gallery 200, 203 Main Street in downtown West Chicago on Saturday, August 1, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. FREE gift bags of art supplies will be given out while supplies last. The day marks the birthday of Cantigny Park’s […]
Images of Lost and Found: An Exhibit of Art by West Chicago’s ESL Students
Photograph by Ignacio Leaving home is never easy. However, as small children we adapt pretty quickly. Our parents make those transitions more seamless since they tend to be the center of our universe. In a sense, we take our homes with us as children. As adults, we usually choose to leave our homes. It seems […]
