Chicago's Creative Third Spaces
Chicago's neighborhood bars and taverns have long served as unofficial third spaces for artists — where isolation gives way to community. That need isn't unique to artists. Anyone navigating a world of home offices and Zoom calls knows the feeling. Art on Tap Chicago explores what draws us back to these spaces, and why that pull matters.
NOW POURING: Art on Tap Chicago's first films set in Chicago's neighborhood bars — where barstools double as studios, regulars become collaborators, and the city's creative pulse is never far from a cold draft or cocktail.
KEN R KLOPACK AT THE MAP ROOM
Filmed at the Map Room, this interview captures what motivates Ken: seeing endless opportunities in Chicago to create art that's whimsical, imaginative and outside the box.
LAUREN FOIT AT SOLEMN OATH'S STILL LIFE
A collage pop-up at Solemn Oath's Still Life provides Lauren the opportunity to share her passion for art and community.
CORI O'CONNOR AT GO TAVERN & LIQUORS
Cori shares how Go Tavern & Liquors fosters a welcoming, supportive environment—filled with friendships and familiar faces—that fuels her creative process.
Seeing endless opportunities in Chicago to create art that's whimsical, imaginative and outside the box motivates Ken.
Short Pours
Bite-sized video vignettes produced in collaboration with Art City’s “Cash Only: An Ode to Dive Bars" show in July 2026.
LEXI ALVARADO AT CENTRAL PARK BAR
Seated bar side at Albany Park's Central Park Bar, Lexi describes her entry for Art City's show along with her views on creativity and community service.
JOE SIKORA AT J9 WINE BAR
Figurative artist and Art City founder Joe Sikora is interviewed in this Short Pour along with Johnna Battaglia, general manager of Lincoln Park's J9 Wine Bar.
CORI O'CONNOR AT GO TAVERN & LIQUORS
Mixed media artist Cori O'Connor describes the relationship between her art and the supportive community at Logan Square's Go Tavern & Liquors.
CONTACT US
We're uncovering the intersection of draft pours and creative processes across Chicago's neighborhoods. Reach out to collaborate, suggest a tavern, or share your artistic journey.
Drop us an email at artontapchicago@gmail.com.