24th Annual, self-guided art walk in Pilsen. Oct. 24th & 25th, 2026 / 12-6pm
n/a
In the early 1990s, Maldonado formalized his artistic passion at Columbia College Chicago. Located at 1438 W 18TH STREET.
We’re a team of experienced tattoo artists who specialize in color realism a style that transforms skin into living, breathing art. With backgrounds in fine art, years of hands-on experience, and a relentless attention to detail, we push the boundaries of what tattooing can achieve. Whether it’s a hyper-realistic portrait, a nature-inspired design, or a custom concept full of meaning, we approach every tattoo with the same commitment: to create something unforgettable
Breathing Space Chicago is a Therapy Meditation Center in Pilsen. I open up my space to support local artists in exhibiting their work during Pilsen Open Studios. My name is Dianna Stencel, and I own Breathing Space Chicago. I am an experienced mindfulness-based stress reduction teacher who has been bringing mindfulness for well-being programs to a local university since 2002. Then, I began teaching mindfulness on research projects at another university in my spare time. Now I am offering these courses to the general public in the heart of the city, in the community where I have lived since 2025!
JEFF ABBEY MALDONADO “Mr. Maldonado is a Now artist. He lives in the present moment, the moment which encapsulates the future and the past, all at once.” He is a “master of his art” and a “cultural conductor.” ~ Artist Mario Castillo Jeff Abbey Maldonado studied under Mario Castillo at Columbia College Chicago in the early 1990’s. After his studies, Maldonado acquired a studio at the APO Building, four months after the opening of the Cafe Jumping Bean across the street. Maldonado’s first major exposure was his installation for the Day of the Dead at the National Museum of Mexican Art (previously the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum) in 1996. Maldonado was included as one of six Pilsen muralists chosen for the Pilsen/Little Village Exhibit at the Chicago History Museum in 1997. The same year Maldonado was commissioned by the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, to paint a series of portable murals, which were rededicated in 2019. In 2000 Maldonado received a solo exhibit at the National Museum of Mexican Art for six months. He is the recipient of three Governor’s International Artist Exchange Grants. These grants provided for him to exhibit in Istanbul, Turkey where he traveled twice to complete a series of 33 etchings with the assistance of Mexican printmaker Nicolas de Jesus. Maldonado is one of the founding members of the 18th Street Pilsen Open Studios. He was also a part of Chicago Artist Month held every October and on the Advisory Committee representing Pilsen Artists. In 2009 Jeff Maldonado Junior, aka JDEF, was shot in broad daylight on 18th Street. JDEF was a lyricist, writer, and was on his way for his first public appearance. In response Maldonado Sr. initiated a non profit community based organization called the JDEF PEACE PROJECT. This endeavor has grown into working with over 200 teens in six communities in need. The mission of the JDEF PEACE PROJECT is to impact the life skills and mentality of teens through the art making process. In 2020 Maldonado received The Purple Star award for his innovation and dedication in working with Chicago youth. Maldonado created a documentary titled 19 and a Day: The Life and Times of J-Def to honor his son and to bring a message of peace to schools in the Chicago area. The film was selected for the 29th Annual Chicago Latino Film Festival, raising awareness to a wider audience. Maldonado has been commissioned by Universal Studios to paint a mural for the film 47 Ronin and was commissioned by Warner Bros. Studio to paint a canvas for the film Mad Max: Fury Road. Currently, Maldonado is working on a graphic novel entitled City of Lotus.
Eufemio Pulido was born in Michoacán Mexico and arrived in Chicago 1974 I work and live in Chicago Pilsen neighborhood I was a member of el taller Mexicano de Grabado
Mark Nelson was born in Oakland, California, raised overseas within a Navy family and began his studies and practice in the Arts in the Republic of Panama' where Nelson resided for nearly 20 years. In 1984, Mark Nelson arrived in Chicago to continue his formal arts education in Chicago and continue an illustrious career in the arts while remaining in the Pilsen Barrio community as a permanent resident. Nelson's constructions and paintings are located in numerous private and public collections around the globe, including a canvas mural at the US Embassy, Republic of Panama.
Eduardo Padilla-Recendez is a Chicago-based artist working primarily in gouache. His work draws from everyday life, exploring neighborhood spaces, familiar objects, food, storefronts, and cultural references through color and observation. Growing up on Chicago’s South Side, Eduardo developed an appreciation for the ordinary scenes and objects that give a place its character and identity. His paintings often focus on subjects that might otherwise be overlooked—a neighborhood restaurant, a familiar bottle, a plant, or a moment from the city—and give them renewed attention through paint. His work is influenced by nostalgia, Mexican-American culture, and his experiences living in Chicago. Through Guayo Studio, Eduardo continues to develop this body of work while making it accessible through original paintings and fine art prints.
Expressing towards loved ones we have lost through out the years.
Homegrown Studio is a retail artist collective created to celebrate local artists, makers, and the incredible variety of creative work happening in our community. Our shop brings together a diverse group of artists working across many different mediums, including ceramics, leatherwork, graphic art, fiber arts, jewelry, stained glass, and more. Every piece is thoughtfully made by an independent artist with their own unique style, story, and creative process. We believe in creating a space where artists can share their work, connect with one another, and have a place to grow their small businesses. When you shop with us, you’re not just buying something beautiful—you’re directly supporting the artist who made it. Homegrown Studio is a celebration of handmade goods, creativity, collaboration, and community. We’re proud to showcase the many different voices and talents that make our collective what it is.
We are artists who make work and are inspired by works in this neighborhood. This will be the first time that we converge and display our expressions together at INDGO MRKTO. Through paintings, sculptures, and photographs, we intend for this to be a confluence of existences and psyche that is melting boundaries of rigidity.
MFA, from SAIC,1968. Taught @ Elmhurst Univ. Thru 2012. Co-led Chicago Public Art Group over 15 yrs. Led workshops nationally (NYC, LA, Iowa, etc). Participated national and international theme shows. In numerous university collections & MOMA. Themes: plants from my garden, my family and social justice themes. Four children, 6 grandchildren.
Photographs of ranch life, tradition, remnants, and memory by Arnulfo “Arno” Mayorga. Opening reception Oct 23, 2026; 1444 W. 18th Street.
Museum of Universal Self Expression Mission: To create and supply various arts programs for underserved communities and people in recovery.
Pásele Señito is a Pilsen-based small business co-founded by Pilsen native Yolanda Ortiz, celebrating México through handmade pieces created by talented artists and artesanas.
Michael Kendall is a Chicago-based artist, woodworker, and founder of Pilsen Made. Working from his Pilsen workshop, he creates functional objects, furniture, and installations that explore craft, material, utility, and the character of the neighborhood around him.
Xander Fischer is a photographer and obsessive artist living and working in Chicago for nearly 20 years. He has a passion for analog photography, and printing his work has always been paramount in his practice. Over the years, the importance of community building has formed an anchor in all that he does, and he now seeks to spread the joy of the Darkroom to everyone.
The Pilarte Collective was established in 2005 to organize a youth art show highlighting students from CPS schools; held at APO Cultural Center.
Will forward Bio and statement soon
My name is Elizabeth Alvarado I am a Chicago artist from Pilsen neighborhood born and raised. I love making art about nature such as landscapes and animals. However, my current show is about more complex things. It is expressing traumatic topics like past partners stalking, domestic violence, group betrayal/fake friends and the body holding trauma as pain.