After three moves in four years, Andrew Rafacz and Keith Couser's rockstar gallery has arrived in the spacious building at 835 W. Washington Street. With their former Pilsen and Peoria Street digs behind them, the two ambitious gallerists continue to show a fine roster of contemporary artists, including the sarcastic, L.A.-based watercolor painter Joe Sola, the lawn-mowing man Greg Stimac (whose pictures of people mowing the lawn received citywide acclaim) and Chicagoan Gisela Insuate, whose Spanish-titled gouache-and-ink-on-paper creations have caught the eye of many a Chicago art person.
The only problem is trying to figure out if Bucket Rider is actually Kavi Gupta Gallery. You see, they're both on the second floor, and you have to walk through a door labeled "Kavi Gupta Gallery" to get to this spot. Many walk in confused, thinking Bucket Rider is Kavi. But the gallery assistant doesn't seem to mind—she'll greet visitors warmly no matter who they are. The large, mostly white reception area occupies space by the window; it overlooks the main gallery, whose clean walls can house more than a dozen works of art. Wander around the last wall toward the back gallery, a small space that is sometimes used for projecting video art. There's a secret door that leads to the back warehouse, but refrain from trying to go in there—it's private, man.
Bucket Rider is the perfect wooden-floored, white cube gallery, but—thankfully—it lacks the pretentious 'tude. In case you're wondering, openings are usually full of beer and the prerequisite arty types. But whether you're just strolling through or partying it up at a Bucket Rider opening, you'll guaranteed a good time.
Centerstage Reviewer: Alicia Eler