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support local art

FEATURED LAKEVIEW ARTIST
ERICA JANE HUNTZINGER

I create abstract two dimensional mixed media pieces. My materials include collage papers, magazines, drawing materials, acrylic paint, stencils, stamps and old art work--anything I can get my hands on that is of visual interest. My surfaces are multi-layered, allowing the viewer to understand the process of making. By partially hiding and exposing each layer, I reveal the unique character of each piece. I often paint over an old painting so I can respond to it rather than start on a blank piece of paper or canvas.

My intuition guides me as I work improvisationally, moving back and forth between loose mark-making and more defined and controlled shapes. I love the dichotomy of this combination. I usually don’t know where the painting is going but I know lots of ways to help it along. While I’m working I’m continuously turning the piece to look at it from different viewpoints and that often helps me know how to proceed. Sometimes when I change one small element, other components fall into place.

FEATURED EDGEWATER ARTIST
Plein Air Chicago Painters

The next art installation at the Edgewater location will be a group show titled Chicago for Real by Plein Air Painters Chicago, who set up their easels around the city to paint on location.

The group has a robust schedule, mixing gritty urban and lake- and land-scape, day and nocturne scenes.

PAPC leader Mary Longe says that the Chicago club emerged from the same desire to paint outdoors as artists such as the Impressionists. “Most members join to move outside their studios. They quickly learn that painting plein air enhances their skills to understand and capture color, atmosphere and the changes of light throughout a day and a season. And painting plein air around Chicago simply strengthens everyone’s admiration and love for our town.”

www.pleinairpainterschicago.com

live music

We feature live music and events at both Uncommon Ground locations! Our intimate listening rooms host a variety of performances, offering guests special seated dining experiences for each show. Check out our music calendars to see a full list of our upcoming events!

greenstar brewing

We are thrilled to announce the opening of the first certified organic brewery in the state of Illinois!  Cozy storefront micro-brewery next to our Lakeview / Wrigleyville location features a seven-barrel brewhouse along with serving tanks that feed directly into Uncommon Ground’s tap system. It doesn’t get any fresher than that!

organic rooftop farm

Uncommon Ground's Edgewater location features the first certified organic rooftop farm in the United States.  We utilize 100% of all the produce grown directly below in the restaurant.  Additionally, we host annual urban agriculture internship opportunities during the summer, as well as educational and private tours by appointment.  

OUR ROOTS

IT ALL STARTED WHEN…

WE STARTED OFF AS A SMALL COFFEE HOUSE IN THE LAKEVIEW NEIGHBORHOOD OVER 25 YEARS AGO. FROM THAT STARTING POINT THE OWNERS, MICHAEL AND HELEN CAMERON, EXPANDED THEIR BUSINESS TO BECOME A RESTAURANT, A MUSIC VENUE, AND THEY RECENTLY OPENED GREENSTAR BREWING, THE FIRST CERTIFIED ORGANIC BREWERY IN ILLINOIS. THE BREWERY IS AT OUR ORIGINAL LOCATION AT CLARK AND GRACE.  MORE INSPIRATIONAL THAN THAT THOUGH IS THAT AS THEIR BUSINESS GREW, THE CAMERONS ALIGNED THEIR OWN PERSONAL VALUES WITH THE OPERATIONS OF THEIR BUSINESSES. THAT IS WHY WE HAVE BECOME SUCH AN ECOLOGICALLY CONSCIOUS RESTAURANT. OF COURSE YOU ALL KNOW THE GARDENS ARE HERE, BUT WE ALSO USE ECOLOGICAL CLEANING SUPPLIES, HIGH EFFICIENCY LIGHT BULBS, SOLAR HOT WATER, AND RECYCLE, AMONG OTHER SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES. OUR FOOD FOLLOWS THESE SAME VALUES AND WE EMPHASIZE LOCAL, ORGANIC, SUSTAINABLE AND HUMANELY RAISED INGREDIENTS ON OUR MENU.