Hope Wang is an artist and creative entrepreneur based in Chicago, IL. In her work, she dwells on what is often already disappearing: the last seconds of the sun setting against a factory wall, the shadow of a locked gate cast by streetlights, or the wavering space between an open storefront and a vacant one.
Hope is also the founder and co-director of LMRM, a project space that blends art, research, and community programming around digital weaving. She is a recipient of an Artists Run Chicago Grant (2024) from the Hyde Park Art Center, and a Chicago Community Fellowship Fund (2023) from the Breakout Foundation for LMRM’s contributions to the city’s art community. Her artwork has been exhibited throughout the US, which includes the Glass Curtain Gallery at Columbia College Chicago, IL; the Peeler Art Center at DePauw University in Greencastle, IN; The Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum in Milwaukee, WI; amongst others. She was recently named one of Newcity Magazine’s 2025 “Breakout Artists” and is a 2025 recipient of the Re/Match Artist Award.
Tala
A one-stop spot for art, art objects, books, and the best vibes. Shop in the front, excellent curated shows in the gallery, and the final bonus of a stunning library gathering space in the back. Francine puts the utmost attention into her artist collaborations and curations - I’m always impressed by her tenacity and vision.
I cannot enter this place without leaving with at least two art/design books. Oops. Their exhibitions program is also excellent, so there’s always a good haul for any visit.
LMRM ("loom room")
My favorite part about Chicago! I’m honored to call this city home, and this weaving project space is the product of everything good that I believe in about this city’s nurturing and robust art scene. At LMRM, we get to be as experimental as we can stretch ourselves to be, all while staying uncompromising about our values in supporting artists.
Excellent array of incense products and delicate ceramics. You’ll always find something you will probably justify as a gift to a loved one but secretly want for yourself. Get two.
If you see me at an event, I’m probably always wearing something found at Production Mode. Slow fashion atelier built on good values. Everything from here is a statement piece that you’ll want to wear regularly.
Super excited that this late night spot recently opened up in Bridgeport! Good music, good drinks, and great for having conversations without competing with the music.
Order the Zen by the Sword cocktail and both of the seasonal items on the dessert menu. Trust me.