Heaven a Haven for New Artists

As gentrification gradually sweeps Wicker Park, turning more impersonal what was earlier a close-knit art community, there remain those like gallery owner Dave Dobie who continue to make it possible for local talents to make a mark.

His artist haven, Heaven Gallery, located at 1550 North Milwaukee, has been giving up-and-coming artists not yet able to get into esteemed River North galleries, a venue to exhibit their work.

A native Chicagoan, Dobie, 31, has been showcasing works by area artists for the past two years. "It wasn't a goal of mine to start a gallery," admits Dobie. "I like art, and it just sort of happened."

Before focusing on gallery management, Dobie supported his living working a 9-5 job, fixing Macintosh computers at an advertising agency downtown. He did this for three years, until he was fired in September of 2000. The termination brought about the impetus for change and the focus on Heaven Gallery.

"In a way, getting fired was my break," says the computer consultant-cum-gallery owner. "It was then that I followed my bliss."

Around that time, Dobie had his first show at Heaven in conjunction with Wicker Park's Around the Coyote festival, featuring, among others, photography from Anna Kolackny and Anne Marie Rounkle.

"I'm slowly figuring things out," Dobie says. "I had others currating the first few shows for me, because I didn't know how to do it. I even rented the gallery out. At that time, I was still learning the ropes."

A decade-long Wicker Park resident, local nightclub DJ and Chicago party promoter, Dobie has been part of the neighborhood's bohemian scene for quite some time. His large network of friends and acquaintances has affords him the possibility of scouting for new talent and art to exhibit.

"A lot of it is word of mouth," he says. "Just from being in the neighborhood for so long, I've established root."

Dobie started Heaven while living in the Flat Iron Building at 1579 N Milwaukee. From there, he moved from the 2,000-sq. ft. space to a loft space twice the size.

The new location was for several years prior the home of Beret Gallery.

As luck would have it, Dobie's first time at Beret was the last show for the gallery. Talking to Beret's owner, Ned Schwartz, Dobie found out that Schwartz could no longer afford the space for his gallery.

Dobie jumped at the opportunity to expand, and starting in July 2000 Heaven has been at that location.

Thus far Heaven has held seven art openings and four film festivals, which are coordinated by Dobie's roommate, filmmaker Doug Lussenhop. Lussenhop, 28, spearheads the video programming for the movie screenings. Heaven's film festivals have earned Critic's Choice three times from the Chicago Reader.

At this moment Heaven, which recently gained not-for-profit status, receives no real funding. The money made from the art sold and admission to the film festivals, makes up about half of the monthly rent. "And all the money that I make goes straight to the gallery," says Dobie, who freelances on the side in order to earn the remainder of his rent.

Even with the neighborhood changes, Dobie is still optimistic of Wicker Park's art scene. "There's a lot of new galleries cropping up in the area," he says. "It's totally revitalizing the community, and giving gallery owners a great opportunity to work together."

Heaven is currently exhibiting works by local artists Sang Jo Lee and Maire Kennedy. Show runs from June 8th to July 1st. Gallery hours are Saturday and Sunday 1-6 p.m.

For more information on Heaven Gallery, go to http://www.heavengallery.com.

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