Ravenswood ArtWalk

• Indoor Arts Markets: Peruse more artists’ work at our two Indoor Arts Markets during ArtWalk weekend, hosted at KOVAL Distillery (4241 N Ravenswood) and Bad Coffee (1801 W Berteau). Experience more ArtWalk artists, grab a cocktail or coffee, and learn more about the host businesses!

• Lightwriters Neon Silly Straw Workshops: Each day of RAW, Lightwriters Neon will be offering 4 free first-come first-served silly straw workshops! Bend and take home your own glass silly straw. These hour-long classes will be on Saturday and Sunday at 1:00pm and 4:00pm and are for adults 18 and older, or teenagers 12+ if accompanied by an adult. Each class will fit 6 people each and are first-come first-served. Make sure to come early to secure your spot and peruse their gallery until class time!

• Lillstreet Art Center: Visit Lillstreet Art Center during the Ravenswood Art Walk and explore one of Chicago’s most vibrant creative communities! Enjoy a self-guided tour through three floors of studios, galleries, and retail spaces. Explore open exhibitions, discover artist-made work, and connect with Lillstreet’s community along the way. Stop by for live demonstrations happening throughout the weekend, get a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, and take a break with coffee, pastries, or a snack from our café. Whether you’re discovering Lillstreet for the first time or returning as a friend, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

• Thresholds: Thresholds is one of Illinois’ oldest and largest providers of services to those with mental health and substance use conditions. Their clients proudly participate in a pop-up gallery at Ravenswood ArtWalk as a vital opportunity to engage with their community, show off their talents, and explore their professional identities. All proceeds go directly back to the client artists.

• Big Teeth Film Fest: The Big Teeth 60-Second Film Fest, an annual highlight of the Ravenswood ArtWalk, lets you experience the fun of a full film festival in less time than it takes to make a sandwich. This free, 15-minute showcase features original short films made by Chicago indie filmmakers, each exactly one minute long and inspired by famous works of art. Now in its 10th season, come enjoy a perpetual fan favorite that offers a wholly original, never-before-seen collection of short films. Screenings happen every 20 minutes from 11 AM-6 PM, during the entire run of RAW.

• BitSpace Exquisite Fort Building: Kids can join BitSpace at the Outdoor Arts Market (Ravenswood & Berteau) for a collaborative, hands-on building project during ArtWalk weekend. Every little bit of building helps to create a (temporary) Exquisite Fort!

GRCC Stage (Ravenswood & Belle Plaine)

Rendezvous Arts Stage (Ravenswood & Berteau)

The “Tour of Arts & Industry” runs along Ravenswood Ave, parallel to the CTA Brown line and accessible by the UP-N Metra Line at Ravenswood. Ample bike parking is available throughout the corridor and free car parking is plentiful on Ravenswood Ave.

In 2006, the volunteer group officially become a non-profit organization. The Peter Jones Gallery (closed in 2009), was host to many early RAW events including the first “Ravenswood Arts Advocate Awards,” which honored local businesses with an original, commemorative work of art. Other early activities included a poster contest to select the artwork for the annual event poster and marketing, and an editorial photography project that documented local manufacturing businesses, creative industry, and artist studios to explore the value of work and the connections between art and industry.

In 2013, the Ravenswood Community Council (RCC) absorbed Ravenswood ArtWalk as a natural extension of its community-driven work. In 2015, the RCC established the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce (GRCC). Over the next several years, ArtWalk grew to include a street festival, food truck roundup, and kids activities. Since taking on the administrative and creative responsibilities, GRCC has continued to grow Ravenswood ArtWalk and champion our local artists, musicians, and makers.