SoNa Chicago Contemporary Art celebrated its grand opening on Saturday, May 6 with a show of 11 SoNa Chicago gallery artists. The artists featured in the inaugural exhibition are: Monica J. Brown, Paul Somers, Tita Brady, Melissa Finelli, Christy Klug, Tom Robinson, Nicholas Sistler, Kermit Berg, Sharon Bladholm, Loralyn Kumlin, and Jill Kolker.
The gallery, located at 1527 N. Ashland Ave.in Chicago, opens with a survey of 11 artists the gallery represents. The artwork carried by SoNa Chicago reflects the creativity and abundant energy of the human spirit. Art, in itself and in its creation, reminds us of the potential for joy and the advancement of humanity as a force for good.
Artists play an important role in society both to comment on events of our day and to reflect the world back to us in ways that provoke thought or that can still our minds. The creation of art is a reflection of the human spirit, and we celebrate this spirit in all of its forms at SoNa Chicago.
(Laura Botwinick, gallery owner)
Although we will put a spotlight on Chicago artists, we want the dialogue between artists in the gallery to be global. We view our space as a venue for conversation, community, and a celebration of the arts.
(Molly O'Donnell, curator)
The West Town - Wicker Park - Bucktown - East Village area has become a thriving gallery scene in recent years, and SoNa Chicago has found a home in this vibrant and vital community.
SoNa Chicago is named after "South of North Avenue" (SoNa) in Chicago. The gallery is located on N. Ashland Avenue, just South of North Avenue and a few blocks east of the iconic intersection of Damen, Milwaukee, and North Avenue. The name signals our appreciation for being rooted in a place rich in history, architecture, and culture. And yet, while grounded here, our sights are set on expanding thought and perspectives.
SoNa Chicago Contemporary Art is a new art gallery on the north side of Chicago. The gallery features paintings, ceramics, photography, jewelry, textiles, sculpture, and mixed media and will feature music, poetry, literature, and theater.