“Spotted by Locals” might as well be the nickname of the this colorful art shop/gallery–Sacred Art is 100% LOCAL. They sell original artwork created by Chicago and Midwest-based artists, ranging from paintings, jewelry, ceramics, photography, to one-of-a-kind screen-printed t-shirts, blown-glass, and miniature wind-up dioramas of pea-sized pirate ships (truly magical). I love Sacred Art, not only because they promote the work of local artists, but because the owners are almost always there, along with their irresistible door-dog Louie, engaging with folks about the stories behind the work that they sell. I have lived in Chicago over ten years, and every time I leave this space, I feel a little bit more “in-the-know” and connected to the city when I leave.

Moreover, Sacred Art’s location is a major bonus. It’s situated on Lincoln Avenue, the “main drag” through Lincoln Square, Chicago’s old German neighborhood. The stretch is sprinkled with local shops and restaurants like Mertz Apothecary, Gene’s Sausage Shop, Huettenbar, Timeless Toys, the Book Cellar, and the Grind Cafe, plus arts and entertainment hubs like One River School of Art, Old Town School of Folk, and my personal favorite directly across the street from Sacred Art–the Davis Theater, one of the few old-school, boutique movie theater in the city! I love feeding my right-brain with local art followed by cinema with a glass of wine Yep, there’s a bar connected to the theater and, yes, you can take your drinks to your seats!