When it comes to local creativity, Gallery 37 Center for the Arts has it all: five stories of exhibition space, art and cooking classes, a giant theater and neighboring cafe. So where to begin?

Check out the CenterSpace Gallery to explore work from the future generation of Chicago artists. Each summer Gallery 37 hosts classes and workshops for youths looking to improve their craft. The intensive program, administered by professionals in the field, culminates with an exhibition and the opportunity to sell the participants' work in both CenterSpace and Gallery 37's retail store. Though I'm no art buff, I was thoroughly impressed by the youths' colorful, optimistic pieces (including paintings, drawings and decorative furniture) and could have easily confused them with those of a working artist.

Budding adult creators can test their skills at artScape Chicago, Gallery 37's year-round open class program, which offers everything from standard favorites like photography and painting to more unusual techniques. Beijing opera masks? Sure. Kite building? Ditto. Gallery 37's World Kitchen, on the lower level, is the home for all culinary classes, including Silk Road Sushi and Holiday Baking.

The Storefront Theater showcases acts from small, local theater companies. Performances range from traditional three-act plays to nouveaux extravaganzas blending visual art, acting, music and movement.

If perusing so many different mediums whets your appetite, stop in the Gallery 37 Cafe on the way out. Adorned with paintings from next door and fluorescent-colored furniture, the small coffee shop offers simple paninis, soups and designer coffee and tea drinks.

Centerstage Reviewer: Carly Schwartz