Chicago gallery Prairie to close after nine years

Prairie, an artist-led gallery in Chicago, will close after nine years.

The space was founded in 2017 by artists Tim Mann and Jack Schneider as an artist-run space, a gallery operated by artists rather than commercial dealers. The pair announced the decision on Instagram, writing: “This will be our last show” ARTnews.

The final exhibition is a group show titled “Retrospective”. A group show brings together work by several artists, rather than focusing on one name.

It runs from 24 October to 5 December 2026 at 2055 W Cermak Ave in Chicago, according to the gallery’s Instagram listing. The opening reception is scheduled for 24 October from 5-8pm. Weekend hours are listed as 1-4pm on Saturday and Sunday Instagram.

Money is not driving the decision. Co-founder Jack Schneider told ARTnews the shuttering had little to do with money. Co-founder Tim Mann said the closure had been planned for a year.

From the start, the founders said they wanted to show work free from the pressures of commercial viability. That meant programming without testing every exhibition for sales. ARTnews, the US art publication, described Prairie as an adventurous Chicago gallery.

What makes this stand out is the track record the founders built on those terms. ARTnews reported that Prairie helped move several emerging artists toward wider recognition and further opportunities.

For visitors in Chicago, this means six final weeks to see the space. Then the programme ends.