1. + Western Exhibitions 43W166 Keslinger Rd. Chicago, IL

2. + What is Western Exhibitions? Contemporary art gallery in operation for 10 years. Started by Scott Speh because he wanted a gallery that featured art that he actually liked.

3. + Where is it advertised? Artforum, Art in America, Art Papers, Art Ltd. Also featured in several Chicago-based publications (Time Out Chicago, New City Art, Chicago Tribune Magazine.) First week of September, there is collaboration with other galleries in the area.

4. + Why does it exist? Began in 2002 as a nomadic space for Speh to show art. Meant to represent emerging and established artists who work in contemporary styles and mediums.

5. + What kinds of art are shown? Features a wide variety of contemporary works. Abstract geometric, mixed media, printmaking, performance, film, and other things of the like. Currently exhibiting Josh Mannis and Geoffrey Todd Smith.

6. + How are artists selected? There is no “typical” artist that this gallery represents. Artists are chosen mostly by how much Scott likes them. Artists started out as friends of Speh’s, but now he branches to other artists. Show season starts the first weekend in September, and new shows are put up every six weeks.

7. + Is the artwork for sale? All art is typically for sale. In terms of the current exhibit, both Smith and Mannis have their work for sale, with the least expensive work being $1,000. More art is for sale on sister website Western Xeditions. Works range in price from $5 to $12,000.

8. + What have critics said? Most reviews of these artists and gallery have been positive, and there is a lot of in depth review of these artists. Chicago Tribune refers to it as “a well-regarded Chicago contemporary art gallery.”

9. + Visits and Accessibility? Free tours every Wednesday through Saturday, 11am – 6pm. Gallery hard to access – no elevator, only stairs. Gallery very exclusive and closed in a sense.

10. + Sources http://www.fecalface.com/openings/geoffrey_todd%20_smith/DSC_0028.jpg http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ul0Ruo0-L2Y/TQmOYNYH-HI/AAAAAAAAA3I/GSUCTb9mUEY/s1600/art-in-america-2010-cover.jpg http://www.nyfa.org/nyfacurrent/22305-RnR_Speh_SpehAuthor.jpg http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/c66.0.403.403/p403x403/548277_10151169534468563_1841565002_n.jpg http://westernexhibitions.com/current/2012/6b_Mannis/Fashion3_600.jpg http://westernexhibitions.com/current/2012/6a_GTS/ShowMePiercings_dt_600.jpg http://westernexhibitions.com/westernXeditions/WXed_logo.jpg http://westernexhibitions.com/westernXeditions/artists/herman/images/2012/1_THUMBS/12_Monotypes1.jpg http://westernexhibitions.com/westernXeditions/promo/11_TeethToucher.jpg http://alwaysintransit.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341bf83d53ef01310f2bda57970c-250wi http://iran.bahai.us/files/2012/07/tribune.jpg http://www.coolhunting.com/culture/assets/images/geoffrey-todd-smith-1.jpg http://www.luisdejesus.com/images/exhibition/ex43-00.jpg http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zR-2LmydvH8/TVKrCtu0YWI/AAAAAAAAC-E/tOlPMJxklgU/s400/ex43-4.jpg