Tony Wight Gallery, (previously Bodybuilder and Sportsman) has its roots in the late '90s era when a host of fly-by-night galleries sprung up in Chicago. Having outlasted many of them, the gallery has reached a new level of maturity while still maintaining a reputation for cutting edge, innovative and emerging art.

The gallery presents a diverse range of well spoken and thoughtful artists. Though media and subject all vary greatly, they are linked by a strong conceptual undercurrent. This premise manifests itself in exhibitions that reference pop culture, sex and humor. Often, traditional mediums are transformed. This is evident in the work of Michael Dinges, an artist who scribes intricate drawings of Federalist iconography onto buckets and other material comprised of PVC. Artist David Schutter works within a traditional painting framework, but his work plays upon that imagery, hinting at still life representation while simultaneously exploring the realms of memory and recognition.

The actual space of the gallery is one of its greatest flaws. Just a bit too narrow and constricting, it detracts from some of the impact that the art could potentially have, though its second-floor location oozes an underground feel. It emphasizes the near certainty that you'll enter to an equally outside-the-mainstream exhibition, making it well-worth it to attend an opening reception. Exhibitions are scheduled every five to six weeks.

Centerstage Reviewer: Vanessa Meyer