3 Chicago Women Shaping Art + Interiors With A Distinct Vision
Celestial Art Curation
Christine Gebauer opened Celestial Art Curation in a historic building in Hinsdale to spotlight Chicago-area artists and provide collectors with a trusted source for original work. Collaborating with local designer Diana Wagenbach of Studio W Interiors, she created a warm, minimalist space in a palette of soft neutrals and marble. “I wanted the gallery to reflect the refined residential spaces where the art will ultimately live,” says Gebauer, herself an artist. On display are Impressionistic, abstract and figurative works by artists such as Maureen Claffy, Jen Diver and Sherman Khan. The gallery also offers photography and prints, vintage decor and artisan gifts. “There is no single style that defines our program,” says Gebauer. “The common thread is presence.”
Issy Wilson
Based in London and Chicago, Issy Wilson practices art that is deeply rooted in the natural world. She is particularly fond of rhizomes, the subterranean plant stems that form complex networks. “My work is an exploration of botanic interconnectedness,” she says. Her paintings evolve by following processes that resist uniformity and experimenting with materials such as ink, charcoal, natural pigments and cotton fibers. “I am constantly observing my surroundings to find interesting ecological moments,” she says. “Ultimately, my work highlights a collaborative relationship between myself, the materials and the environment.”
Drakewell Kitchens & Closets
Interior designer Joy Williams recently founded Drakewell Kitchens & Closets to fill a gap she encountered while designing homes. “I often found that cabinetry was treated as a commodity rather than a design discipline,” she says. “There was a disconnect between aesthetic vision and technical execution.” That gap led her to open a gallery of cabinetry and millwork as precision-engineered as it is visually refined. “Chicago was a deliberate choice since it’s my hometown,” Williams says. “It is one of the most architecturally influential cities in the world, with a client base that values both innovation and craftsmanship.”
