Project Spaces

Mary Ellen Croteau

Finding Alternatives to the For-Profit Gallery System
Growing up, I never knew any artists, nor did I see much art, so I did not know how to be an artist, although that is all I ever wanted to be. There were no art galleries in my neighborhood. I was told “You’re just going to get married and have kids anyway,” and so, OK, that’s what I did. But I never let go of the dream: I decided I would have the kids, and then when they were old enough, I would go back to art school. And so I earned my BFA at 40 and my MFA at 48 years old. (Geeze, this sounds like I don’t love “the kids.” I certainly do. more...

Selected Chicago Links

On The Make
On the Make is a collection of interviews, reviews, critical writing, news and event calendars for the Chicago contemporary art community with an emphasis on local alternative spaces and emerging artists.
Art on Armitage
Window gallery on the Northwest side of Chicago providing an accessible public venue for art exhibitions and installations.
Chicago Art Map
A map for finding alternative and commercial galleries.  Filters make it easy to sort by opening, location, and more.
The Chicago Art Department
Runs affordable interMedia arts and technology workshops, offering the opportunity to learn and make art in a full-time, fully operational artist studio and occasional gallery.
View all Chicago links

Selected National/International Links

ArtCal
With its primary focus on underknown galleries and artists, ArtCal is a website to be "The opinionated guide to New York art galleries."
Artists Space
One of the first alternative spaces in New York. Contemporary arts exhibition space that provides skills workshops, project grants, publications and a free digital image database and online artist registry.
Bank of International Art Money (BIAM)
Internet-based art project in which artists from around the world can issue original art money bills as a global alternative currency. Art money measures 12x18 cm, is an original work of art by the artist's hand and has a purchasing power equal to 20 Euro.
Phonebook 2010-2011
This book is a guide to alternative art spaces throughout the country. There are over 150 art spaces on the list, plus ten essays written by independent project hosts.
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