An historic Bridgeport china factory now houses a fine art gallery and studios for working artists, while growing space to host events and receptions. The Morgan Arts Complex (MAC) at 3622 S. Morgan St. is the project of longtime building owner Richard A. “Rick” Simon, president and CEO of United Service Companies, the Chicago-based parent company of several cleaning, staffing, and security companies across the United States.
MAC will host a grand opening on a date to be announced later this calendar year. It held a soft opening in October 2021 when new tenant Hilton Asmus Contemporary presented a show featuring work by British fine art photographer David Yarrow that focused on supermodel Cindy Crawford, who attended the gallery’s opening. Hilton Asmus Contemporary showcases internationally known artists from the United States, Northern Europe, and the Mediterranean and Middle East regions; it continues a longtime presence in Chicago’s River North along with its new Bridgeport site.
Beth Peterson, senior vice president of business development at BrightSpace marketing agency and MAC spokesperson, noted the space seeks two more larger galleries; the artist studio space already is sold out.
“Rick loves the arts and loves to see what artists and arts do to a community,” Peterson said of Simon. “The building is in the middle of what is a happening, bustling community of the arts.”
The building continues to develop, with new plans for event space. “The event portion is evolving,” Peterson said. “It was not an original intention, but it became evident people are interested in this beautiful space.”
The interior boasts high ceilings, wood beams, and exposed brick. Local artists exhibit their work in the hallways outside their studios. The exterior includes a large outdoor patio on the former loading dock with steps down to a grass path that will offer a sculpture garden soon. Peterson envisions outdoor event seating for up to 200 guests. “It’s beautiful and only beginning,” she said.
MAC joins a growing hub of art-focused buildings in Bridgeport.
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The Morgan Arts Complex at 3622 S. Morgan St. offers space for art galleries and events as well as businesses and offices.
“This will be a great asset for our community,” said South Loop Chamber of Commerce’s office manager, Colleen Mancari, from the SLCC office located in the Zhou B Art Center at 1029 W. 35th St. Both Zhou B and Bridgeport Art Center at 1200 W. 35th St. host a monthly Third Friday reception featuring artists and open studios, 7 to 10 p.m. “Artists are popping up all over,” Mancari said of the Bridgeport neighborhood. “Third Fridays are very popular: people come to look at the art and then go to area restaurants.”
Other MAC tenants include business-to-business and commercial offices, an upholsterer, and a sound studio. See the website at https://morganartscomplex.com/.
—Monica M. Walk