The 'Evanston Woods II' exhibition at Space 900 Gallery in Evanston, Illinois, showcased wood in various forms through works by six local designers and makers over three days. Organized by Chicago woodworker Paul Segedin, the show featured visual wood sculptures, practical furniture, and mixed-media pieces, including Madeline Usher's sculpture 'I Wish You Could Join Me Up Here' and a coffee table by architect Len Koroski made from a downed tree. The event aimed to connect the public with handmade furniture and woodcraft, highlighting the challenges of finding such work in Chicago.
This exhibition matters because it underscores the importance of local distribution channels for handmade art and furniture, addressing a gap in the Chicago market where skilled makers struggle to reach audiences. By featuring diverse approaches to woodworking—from traditional joinery to mixed-media sculpture—the show demonstrates the vitality of craft in contemporary art and the role of community galleries like Space 900 in supporting both member and non-member artists. It also reflects broader trends in the art world toward valuing handmade, sustainable objects and the personal narratives embedded in materials.