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River East Art Center
Rating Details »
Categories: Specialty Schools, Art Galleries, Venues & Event Spaces
Neighborhood: Near North Side435 E Illinois St
(between New St & Mcclurg Ct)
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 321-1001
- Hours:
Mon-Sun. 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
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23 reviews for River East Art Center
I attended an awards dinner for my husband's company this past weekend at River East Art Center. The space is a-m-a-z-i-n-g!! Inside, there is exposed brick, wood pillars and an enchanting glass stair case. I was a little leary walking down those stairs in heels with a few glasses of wine in me. We had dinner downstairs and it was set up like a wedding reception!
The space is very open but the acoustics are done well. The background noise wasn't overly loud and I could hear people I was conversing with. Great spot to host an event. I hope next year's patent award dinner is at River East Art Center!
Tonight's reception was pleasant enough, partly because it was almost empty unlike the noisy melees of the past, but they seem to be phoning it in on their website. I'm trying to find out who the guy with the Polish name is who does the surreal paintings of the South Side and has been exhibiting there for years. I'd have thought the galleries or the institution as a whole would keep such basic info on the website for marketing and informational purposes, but there's not a trace of it. I can't blame all the galleries for this lapse since presumably only one was representing him, but he had a huge presence in the building so one would think . . . I can always go back and write it down, but if I were the artist I'd want more support and attentiveness. Not everyone who visits these things has the option of stopping by on her way to the train.
What a COOL place for an event!
I volunteered to work the Yelp coat check at Inspiration Corporation's 'One Inspired Evening'. It gave me a chance to check out a really neat venue and see how the space is used.
I really like the open, airiness. High ceilings and lots of natural light. The decor is very minimal and is pretty much a blank canvas... so, the options are endless. Two floors, wood floors, and glass railings add to the openness.
The downtown location over looks part of the river and is steps away from Navy Pier. It would be a perfect location for a private event after the many conventions held at the Pier. Taxi cabs galore and right on a major bus route as well.
I would definitely recommend River East Arts Center to anyone planning an event of any kind.
Really?! This is what passes for art in this city?
The space itself, which used to be a food court, is gorgeous. Very metro chic, upscale, all that rot. Very "we don't know anything about art, but openings are so chic and great ways to pick up the arty chicks." Free wine is always nice. And charming staff roaming around with tasty hors d'oeuvres is also nice. The room itself is beautiful, and would be a nice space for some sort of event.
But the art - a few sparse, overly chic and pretentious galleries? Kitschy, overly literal and badly done art. Talentless painting, soulless sculptures and messy mosaics.
There were a few "artists studios" downstairs. Now, I've seen REAL artist's studios, and ohhh, even had one myself *back in the day* and these are either the most anal retentive artists I've ever seen OR no one is makin' any art down here. I'm going with the latter. The "artists studios" had windows you could look in, as if to observe the artist animal in their natural habitat. Very weird and voyeuristic.
One guy, who called himself the "master of color" (dude - self titled is not impressive) had a violin that was PAINTED and had some sort of a weird mime face painted on it. "Art" like this makes the babyjesus cry. He seemed to be the "master" of several mediums, painting, glass, drawing, sculpture and writing his name really large on all his art in a slightly affected manner.
The exhibit I actually liked best was an accidental installation. It was a totally bare "artist studio" with nothing but a pile of apparently shattered glass in the middle of the floor. Peacefully violent. A statement on chaos in the middle of calm? Maybe a hope for peace in the middle east because the glass was broken in the middle of the floor! That must be it! Thought-provoking, to be sure, but I doubt it was meant to be that way.
Anyway, that was my favorite thing besides the wine.
But overall, sorry, not impressed.
The River East Arts Center is in the lengthy loft building formerly known as North Pier. This was the setting of the Inspiration Corporation's 'One Inspired Evening' fundraiser/auction event. Most of my time was spent with a bunch of cool Yelpers assisting at the coat check. When I did get to walk around a bit, I could see this was a fine place to hold a big event such as this. The high ceilings and exposed wood structural elements create an artsy atmosphere, and Kelly S's "blank canvas" comment is spot on here. Although there were hundreds of people in the crowd, there was still room enough to wander and look at artworks, mingle, or just people-watch. The glass staircase is nice to look at, but it always throws me off a bit when I walked down the stairs.
River East Arts Center is just one of those perfect venues...with adequate nooks and crannies to avoid the chaos of a large event. Stunning layout, design and flow. Glass staircases, large atrium, expansive sight lines.
I have attended two events at this location, and both were executed beautifully. Exposed brick provides a stellar backdrop for unique art installations and displays. Just the right balance between funky and sophisticated. The kind of place one could wander and get lost in, happily.
I imagine holding a wedding here would be just about as ideal as one could dream of. Albeit, pricey. Parking down the street runs the normal downtown price tag. (mucho). Very close to Navy Pier...
Ooo la la. If you're looking to plan a fabulously elegant event (wedding, corporate party, fundraiser) look no further than the River East Art Center. My own upcoming wedding is in South Florida, but if I was getting married in Chicago this would be my spot of choice (and believe me, I think I've been to a wedding/event at every venue in town).
Next on to do list: MCA first fridays and checking out a few of those galleries housed inside this gorgeous contemporary venue, which can fit up to 1500 people.
Stunning venue...if I needed a place for an event and I had the dough, this would be on my list.
I attended a charity event for Inspiration Corp here last night and it was run very well. The coat check was upstairs in its own gallery and the staff was very friendly. Another gallery held the wine/dine packages and the free tiles we were given, plus tables to sit at. In fact, tables were scattered everywhere and it was nice to be able to find a place to rest my weary feet (that's what I get for my love of ultra high heels). The downstairs is where the art for the auctions for the event were set up, as well as bars and food table. The set up was pretty good. Also, the glass staircase, and the back fountain wall were lovely.
I didn't get to see t he entire venue, because it was just so vast, but I definitely intend to go back.
The River East Art Center is a really impressive art gallery somewhat tucked away and a great spot for private parties. Like Andrea mentioned, this would be a fantastic wedding venue - it has a lot of potential!
I went for a Gallery Night and had an absolute blast with a few of my coworkers. You can't really beat Gallery Night - the food & drinks are free. You get a chance to talk to some of the artists and you can tour the gallery. It's a cheap night out that's culturally stimulating.
Check it out if you're in the area - it's not hard to get to via public transit and they have a really impressive collection of art.
"What is your favorite piece of art" was my question to one of the art dealers at River East Art Center. "The building that is home to the work" she replied. She may be right.
The River East Art Center is an elegantly designed building to provide a showcase for art from artists from around the world. There are pieces from artists as close as Darien, IL and from the far reaches of the globe stretching from Sau Paolo to Johannesberg. One thing is clear, the interior design of the building is magnificent.
From the sidewalk, a short flight of stairs combined with a tease of glass walls gives the sidewalk observer an enticing combination of curiosity. Walk up the stairs and you'll observe an entrance that reaches across the width of the building revealing a view of the Chicago River and loft view of the primary event floor. From art showcases to weddings to private parties, the River East Art Center is among the best places in the city to host an event.
Their preferred caterers provide free food and wine for the public events. On the night I attended the food and wine was provided by Phil Stefani Catering. Music was provided by a DJ.
I would like to return to another event that is either by invitation only or has a modest cost. The foot traffic for a free event was vast. Navigating the walkways and of course clawing for food wasn't the most pleasant experience.
I look forward to my next attendance at the River East Art Center.
Went here for two private parties and fell in love with the venue. Two floors, with lots of room for mingling. Second floor (ground level) has a great view of the bottom floor and exposed brick galleries to peruse and explore. Glass staircases take you to the first floor, which is huge and allows for limitless layout possibilities. I remember the bathrooms being very nice, too, but it's been a while.
I would love to make enough someday to rent this place for a night. Simply amazing.
Nice place for a wedding.Very formal, right on the river, and will work with almost any decor.
Just watch out for those glass staircases - I've seen them cracked a few times, and who want's that danger lurking at their wedding?
Went to a Gen Art event at River East Art Center - my goodness, this is a beautiful space. It's definitely a happy marriage of form meeting function, and I'm sure it helped the event run as smoothly as it did. Check in at the main entrance; coat check was in a large, separate space right when you walked in. Make your way down the staircase where servers were passing out drinks, then work your way around the lower level and check out the galleries along the way. Everything just made sense. There was enough space for you to feel comfortable and not crammed, even around the bar. They had a DJ area and makeshift dance floor, and everyone was having a blast.
I'm definitely going to check out their website and see what other events are going on in the near future - I hear they have art classes and cool exhibits on a pretty regular basis.
I can't speak for the River East Art Center as a gallery space, although I'm sure it's a fantastic one. It is, however, a picture perfect place to host an event.
Last year, I was searching for places to have my wedding. We were considering the Peninsula Hotel (which I thought was too old fashioned), the Chicago Historical Society (which, while beautiful, wouldn't comfortably hold the amount of people that were going to be invited), and the River East Art Center. The second I walked into the space, I knew it was the one. I was done looking for the venue and ready to continue on with other wedding-related searches. It was everything my fiance and I had been looking for -- a light, airy, modern, unique and romantic place to exchange our vows, with outdoor and indoor spaces available for use.
Stop by to see it for the MCA fridays, but don't forget to bring your imagination!
I just had my wedding at REAC this past weekend and it was beautiful! My guests could not stop taking pictures of the space and I received so many compliments about my wedding. I would definitely recommend using REAC for an event, it is so just amazing in there. The only issue I had was that I was limited to the vendors that I could use, they are definitely on the pricey side but the quality of everything was just perfect. Moving forward REAC is only using Blue Plate catering just please keep that in mind. If you are looking for out of the box wedding venue that is unique then contact REAC, there is nothing else in the city like it.
This place kicks ass. Before I continue, let me inform you that I was at the River East Art Center for a special event, not just visiting the galleries. Still, I was blown away by the space. There is something slightly intimidating about walking into a fancy schmancy art center, but the River East Art Center holds no sort of pretension. They check that at the door.
With a modern loft like feeling, this place hovers in between museum art and living room art. Which is a great thing. The pieces I was able to see in the galleries (while sneaking away from above mentioned special event) were pretty damn cool.
I'd suggest stopping in to the REAC if you're ever in that neck of the city (not exactly close to public transit).
Went here for a UNICEF fundraiser and I was really impressed with the space alone in addition to what they could do with the space in terms of decor, tables, a stage, wine tasting stations etc. My review is for those possibly trying to find a venue to host an event at. I think the space gives you many options and you can make it as casual or as classy and refined as you would like. I can picture this place being a two-level upscale club with dancing on the main floor and VIP lounge upstairs but I digress. Check it out for your planning pleasures!
REAC is my favorite art gallery. I love it. They feature a gallery night that is free and open to the public once a month. The best is when Food For Thought Caters the event (IMO). Great music, great wine, great hors d'oeuvres, and best of all ART! You can't beat that.
River East Art Center is cool. They have "Gallery Nights" which include showcases of new and upcoming artists, as well as free wine, hourdouvres and raffles! The space is cool and there is lots to see! There is a great patio on the river. I have heard it's a great place for weddings/events, but be prepared to spend a LOT. I have a friend who was in event sales and the prices are outrageous. But, you get what you pay for. Additionally, weekends book up FAST...like years in advance.... So call now brides-to-be...
Their first fridays, in my opinion, is better than the MCA's first fridays. First off, it's cheaper (it's free here but MCA is 15 bucks cover with no free drinks included) Secondly, free appetizers. Third, local artists are displayed. I think I like the art here: they focus on contemporary and realism last time I went. Overall, it's worth checking out one Friday evening. What's also great is that they have validated parking so 3 hours of free parking in their garage!
I work in one of the galleries in River East and it's really a beautiful environment. It helps to have other galleries around to bring in more people on our opening nights. It's also really nice having a wine auction house right down the hall. The center rents the main space for larger events like weddings or fundraisers and I've seen them do some really cool things. I'll be excited to see how this place will grow.
This is perhaps one of the most beautiful contemporary event venues in the city.
Located in an area of downtown with an oddly suburban feel, this place is more than welcomed by me. What arts-oriented guy would complain about another downtown venue at which artists can showcase their work? The center is especially friendly to photographers. Of course, everyone is welcomed at the many social events geared toward showcasing works of local artists.
