Madewell Taps A-ville Gallery Owner Michelle Peterson-Albandoz

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If you haven't been up Rush Street in a hot minute, we came upon another reason today to swing by and see Madewell's addition fresh addition to the strip. Hanging inside the shop along with racks of denim vests, shorts and fitted tees is an impressive piece of artwork by Andersonville art gallery owner Michelle Peterson-Albandoz.

After closing the original location of her North Side storefront gallery, Las Manos, Michelle has opened in a slightly more cozy storefront on Foster. Here, she shows her mixed-media wood collages, paintings and work from a roster of other local artists. She was commissioned to build this sculptural screen for the store, adding a touch of local flavor. In an interview for Madewell's blog, Michelle explains that the sculpture celebrates nature and sustainability by using reclaimed materials. "My hope is that the viewer will celebrate nature and its gifts and become more sensitive to them."
· Michelle Peterson-Albandoz [Las Manos Gallery]
· Photos From Inside Chicago's Very First Madewell Store [Racked]