Final Exhibition Before Closure at Chicago Artist-Run Gallery

On a Saturday night in Chicago, at the Roman Susan gallery, a memorable performance titled “Nether” by Zachary Nicol showcased a dystopian sequence of movements by dancers Jasmine Lupe Mendoza Carrasco and Isabelle Taylor, set to eerie sounds by ciro monoarfa goudsmit. This event marked one of the last performances at Roman Susan, a 280-square-foot artist-run nonprofit gallery located on West Loyola Avenue. Established by Nathan and Kristin Abhalter Smith in a nearly 100-year-old flatiron building, the gallery will close due to the building’s impending demolition by Loyola University Chicago, which plans to redevelop the property.

The closure of Roman Susan is part of a larger concern, as it displaces not only the gallery but also 30 apartments and other small businesses. Despite efforts by community members and elected officials to preserve the location, the university’s expansion plans prevail, leaving vacant lots and affecting the neighborhood’s dynamics.

Roman Susan will conclude its tenure with a series of events called “Open Hours”, celebrating its 13-year history with art installations, performances, and community engagements. Though the gallery will no longer operate at its current location, its offsite projects, such as collaborations with the American Indian Center and interactive public art initiatives, are set to continue.

The narrative of Roman Susan exemplifies the challenges faced by community-centered art spaces amidst urban redevelopment, reflecting on the balance between growth, community, and artistic expression. As Roman Susan transitions, its legacy endures through continued artistic programs that enrich and engage the broader Chicago area.