The Suburban: Oak Park's Anti-Chelsea Artist Space Confronts Generational Clash Through Car Crash Art

The Suburban in Oak Park, Illinois, is a unique, non-profit exhibition space that stands out from upscale galleries. Founded in 1999 by artist Michelle Grabner, who teaches at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and her partner Brad Killam, it’s located in simple cinderblock structures close to their residence. Each year, they present about seven exhibitions featuring a mix of artists, including Luc Tuymans and Mary Heilmann, as well as local talents. Despite starting with just 2.5 square meters, it has become a notable site in Chicago, funded entirely by personal means. Notably, in 2014, a former student caused damage by crashing a Buick into it, which Grabner viewed as a sign of generational tension. Currently, New York artists Russell Maltz and Victoria Munro are on display, with Seth Hunter helping with repairs. From 2003 to 2013, Shane Campbell had a third space there, later taken over by Milwaukee's John Riepenhoff and Jake Palmert. An essay by Grabner and Killam's son Peter about growing up near The Suburban is available on their website.