Artist Pat Marek has opened a new contemporary art gallery called All Ways in Fox River Grove, Illinois, located across from the public library. The inaugural exhibition features works by Marek and other Midwest-based contemporary artists including Lucie Van Der Elst, Zor Zor Zor, David Krzeminski, Nick Jackson, Garrett Luczak, and Crystal Lake native Ryan Tippery. A grand opening is scheduled for January 9, with regular hours and private viewings to follow. Marek, a Fox River Grove native who returned two years ago, also founded the Fox River Art Club six months ago, which quickly attracted a strong local following.
This opening matters because it transforms a small, often overlooked village into a dedicated artistic hub, providing a permanent gathering space for local creatives. Marek’s vision extends beyond exhibitions to include community events, artist workspaces, and public murals, aiming to strengthen community identity and pride through art. The gallery represents a grassroots effort to build a sustainable creative community in a town with a rich history, potentially serving as a model for similar initiatives in other small towns.