Gallery owner Michael Monar used to be one of famed photographer David LaChappelle's assistants in New York City. Life in the fast lane ultimately slowed down long enough for Monar to return to the Midwest and open this contemporary art haven.

Specializing in contemporary photography, painting, drawing and sculpture, the gallery rotates group and solo exhibitions, representing national and international artists widely. In addition to showing work of the late Ed Paschke, the artist roster is extensive and has included showings by Bert Menco, Elizabeth Ockwell and Greta Zakrzewska.

The gallery hosts weekly Friday night open houses, an active approach to expanding its audience. Using its prime spot in downtown Evanston to pay homage to local artists and to reward its university neighbors, the gallery offers 10 percent off prints and original artworks to NWU students, staff and alumni, and also offers custom framing to the public.

The large front room (of three total rooms) is punctuated in the center with the gallery's collection of prints for sale, while the room's edges, walls and window space surround each artgoer with variety in style and scale.

Centerstage Reviewer: Heather Blaha