Chicago - 5216 N Damen Ave - IL 60625
Tucked away in Chicago’s Bowmanville neighborhood, Morpho Gallery stands as a vibrant and unconventional creative sanctuary. Founded in 2004 by David Leigh, a culinary professional turned passionate art curator, the gallery embodies an eclectic spirit that blends contemporary art, vintage culture, and community collaboration. Originally a modest storefront, Morpho has evolved into a hybrid space that functions as a commercial gallery, working studio, vinyl record shop, and outdoor art garden.
From the moment visitors enter, they are enveloped in a sensory experience—classic rock fills the air while the walls overflow with diverse artistic expressions. Morpho’s exhibitions span a wide array of media, including etchings, sculpture, architectural renderings, paintings, and mixed-media installations. The gallery also embraces the sidewalk and garden beyond its doors, where whimsical objects often appear anonymously, adding to the evolving nature of the space.
Leigh’s curatorial vision is shaped by his background as an antique dealer and printmaking enthusiast. His deep appreciation for etching and lithography is evident in both his personal art collection and the artists he champions. Works by Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, J.J. Granville, and vintage Le Rire magazine prints reflect his fascination with both historical and contemporary visual narratives.
Morpho Gallery supports a wide range of artists, from established talents like Elizabeth Ockwell and David Alan Sisk to those just beginning their artistic journey. Its annual “Emerging Artist’s Month” offers new voices a platform to shine. Beyond visual arts, the gallery also serves as a lively venue for events such as wine tastings, fashion shows, live music, and glass-blowing demonstrations.
With its mix of fine art, vintage vinyl, and experimental energy, Morpho Gallery offers a uniquely Chicago experience—rooted in creativity, community, and the ever-surprising interplay between the past and the present.
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