Join Our Growing Artistic Community
We are home to a thriving artistic community featuring galleries, co-operatives and studios focusing on the visual and performing arts. Many of which offer classes and workshops in a variety of mediums for all ages, year round. Always available to the public, the street houses murals, sculptures and hand painted banners and benches.
Our GalleriesBusinesses are Booming on Harrison Street
Visitors can find businesses offering personal care services, health care and wellness, clothing and jewelry, restaurants and cafés, pet services, social services, and building services. No small feat, many of our small and independent businesses have been successful on Harrison Street for decades. Sharing the Arts District vibe, you’ll find works by local talent exhibited on the walls and live music on the stages of several restaurants and shops.
Our BusinessesWant to lease space?
The Arts District presents a refreshing model of creative reuse, restoring vitality to a small-scale and walkable urban neighborhood. The semi-residential character and leafy streets create a user-friendly atmosphere for visitors. Access is superb: the CTA Blue Line and the Eisenhower expressway connect the district easily to the whole Chicago metro area.
Commercial & Residential Space2022 Board of Directors
Val Camilletti is our Vice President in-memorium. Owner of Val’s Halla Records for 45 years, Val was an incredible force during her time in the Arts District and on the OPAD Board. Her energy and passion for the District was boundless—she was always willing to try new things and to participate in every event with full force. She will be sorely missed.
Mark Finger, Neighborhood Dimensions, is our Treasurer Emeritus. In 1993, he launched the business association on Harrison Street known then as the Harrison St. Business Alliance and later renamed the Oak Park Arts District Business Association. For over three decades he has worked to sustain a prosperous and appealing commercial environment for the community where he also resides. We are indebted to his tireless efforts.
Laura Maychruk, The Buzz Cafe
Owner of Buzz Café and founding member of the OPAD. I have worked in the Arts District to bring it to its full potential for over 20 years. I’m excited to see new businesses in our district and I believe we have a bright future!
Mimi Comerford
Mimi and her husband moved to the Arts District 2 years ago after buying the building at 341 Harrison and renovating it into their home with one retail space. We have been awarded 2 stewardship awards in that short time. I want to see the neighborhood continue to prosper so am proud to serve as a new board member and co chairing the What’s Blooming event.
Mona Navitsky, Harrison Street Ventures
Michelle Mascaro, The Happy Apple Pie Shop
In 2017, Michelle Mascaro opened the Happy Apple Pie Shop, a place where people with and without disabilities work together to make award-winning sweet and savory pies. Encouraged by Laura Maychruk to locate her business in the Arts District, Michelle believes the collaborative spirit of all the businesses makes the OPADBA a unique and very special organization.
Marcia Brown-Jackson, Studio 144
Marcia-Brown Jackson: Studio 144 Boutique is a cozy space offering women’s apparel and accessories located in the heart of the Arts District. We provide a personalized shopping experience for every guest, even those who don’t like to shop. Marcia chaired the 2018 Harvest on Harrison event and manages all aspects of the stages for What’s Blooming on Harrison.
Kim Humphrey, Bead in Hand
Bead in Hand opened in 1993 at its current location before there was an arts district. Kim Humphrey, a frequent customer since 1996 and later an employee, became the new owner in March, 2012. She has seen how the coordinated efforts over the years of the district’s businesses, working together through the OPADBA, have helped the area develop into a busy and friendly neighborhood with restaurants, unique shops, and artist galleries.
Trevor Toppen, Val's halla Records
Want to hear about our upcoming events?
What's happening in the Arts District
2023 WOW! Women Owned Works Event
Show up everyday and work hard – the journey to creating Maychruk Real Estate
Jamilla Yipp Photography
