Judith Racht Gallery

GOOD IS GOOD

Gallerist Judith Racht describes her collection as contemporary and folk art, midcentury modern furniture, and objects of interest. But we think those tidy phrases might downplay the fascinating assemblage of things beautiful and bizarre found in her stately old schoolhouse gallery. Fine art curated with humble, curious, often extraordinary objects that demonstrate ‘good is good,’ Racht’s characteristically unpretentious maxim. Whether or not you collect, this is a wonderful stop for fans of art, design, architecture, and craft.

Notable among Racht’s decades in the art world is her work with visionary John Wilson, founder of the US’s first international contemporary art exposition (now known as Expo Chicago), as well as The Lakeside Center for the Arts, now operating as Lakeside Inn and still hosting artist residencies to this day. She has so many stories. If you’re inclined, definitely chat her up.

Local Tip: Labor Day weekend brings the most colorful and entertaining art event of the year to the lakeshore—Racht’s Outsiders Outside Art Fair—a three-day celebration of folk and self-taught art held on the schoolhouse grounds.

words Collette DiJohn Kemper
images Jodi Bodtke