Although the phrase is a bit over-used, people who “think outside the box” are often seen as innovators who think creatively. Ice House Gallery owners Hannah Litvan and Marcia Smith are two people who do just that. The Evanston business owners are not constrained by the expectations that others might have about what they will find in a suburban art gallery.
“We’re going into our second year. Now we’re really focused on becoming a venue and events space that’s still a local artist’s gallery,” said Ms. Litvan.
Ice House, located at 609 South Blvd., opened in October 2017 as a gallery and work space for local artists. The gallery has grown into a multiple disciplinary art space with performances, storytelling, monthly openings, classes, poetry, live music, workshops, and private events.
“Openings are pretty big, which always surprises me. We change all the art roughly every four months,” said Ms. Litvan.
The gallery owners are especially supportive of student artists, who benefit from special consignment agreements, assistance with pricing, and alternatives to expensive framing. “I want to be a safe space for artists who need the exposure and have the passion,” Ms. Litvan said.
Student artists from high school to graduate programs will be featured in “What’s Next? Local Student Art” which will be on display from Jan. 12 through April 27. An opening reception will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Jan. 12. Visitors will have an opportunity to meet the student artists, buy art, and enjoy live music and refreshments. For more information about upcoming events and classes, go to www.icehousegalleryevanston.com