David Leggett's creations are packed with pop culture nostalgia, raunchy humor, wry social commentary, and many, many penises. We sat down with the Chicago-based artist, whose next show opens May 12 at HINGE Gallery. more ›

Need a break from the doom and gloom of la recession? Head to the Museum of Contemporary Art on Tuesday, June 2 for Works in Progess with artist Chris Uphues. Uphues, an SAIC graduate who currently lives in Brooklyn, will be at the museum drawing and painting his supercutesy-faced hearts, robots, and other twee creations that resemble stickers you put on your Trapper Keeper in grade school. Actually, Uphues’ adorable pop culture characters can be found virtually everywhere these days—on buttons, t-shirts, storefronts—even farm silos. more ›

When looking at “Control,” the collection of new works by Chicago Art Department resident artist Jen Rosenthal, a particular Joy Division song comes to mind. The world doesn’t seem light as a feather these days. It’s a delicate balancing act—recognizing when we can actually manipulate our lives versus when we just have to let go of the steering wheel and hope for the best. Of course, the no-hands rollercoaster ride can be thrilling and nauseating all at once. more ›

One of the best things about good art is that it transports you to another world, even if it's a realistic world, that you see through someone else's lens. That concept is especially true of the work of James Spicer. His photography focuses on urban life through miniature scenes (like Rush Hour right). more ›

Just us, or does it seem like everyone's got a case of the crazy grouchies today? Maybe it's the drizzle? Whatever it is, these dazzling drawings by Chicago artist Geoffrey Todd Smith will chase the blues away. You can see some of Smith's work at the Hyde Park Arts Center through May 4. more ›