WHO WE ARE
The Chicago Art Locker, located at Kildare and Roscoe in the Avondale neighborhood, is a community-driven, free art exchange initiative. Created by Shea the maker and her father, this interactive street-side installation invites visitors to take, leave, or trade art, and supplies.
THE STORY
We had old lockers and a simple idea: turn them into something meaningful. At the same time, I was imagining art in unexpected places around Avondale—tiny scenes, ceramic owls, small moments of surprise. That grew into a bigger vision: a public, ever-changing space where neighbors can discover art and contribute to it.
After discovering the free little art galleries already hidden in the neighborhood, it felt like a sign. The Chicago Art Locker was born from that spark, blending whimsical public art, spontaneous creativity, and community connection.
Avondale is full of artists, makers, and storytellers, and this project is both a celebration of that spirit and an open invitation to be part of it.
Your donation helps sustain the Chicago Art Locker and keep it open, evolving, and accessible to the public. It supports the ongoing care, growth, and creative energy that make the project possible. Every gift, big or small, helps keep public art playful, local, and alive.
LOCATIONS
Do you have a curated public gallery, exchange or display such as a Free Little Library or a Trinket Trove in the Chicago area? We’d love to feature you on our map! Contact us with the details and we’ll put you on the map.
resources
questions
Are you an artist or creative? We’re always looking to showcase and support local artists. If you’d like your work to be part of the Chicago Art Locker, submit your art and join our community of creatives.
