David Leonardis Gallery — Attraction in West Chicago Township

I purchased a piece of art for my boyfriend over the phone. David requested that I pay through Zelle or Venmo which I thought was a little odd but chalked it up to the fact that I was paying on the phone. I will say, he was flexible when I wanted to change which piece I was buying after I had already paid and he was happy to accommodate it so thumbs up for that. Unfortunately, my boyfriend and I very unexpectedly broke up that night. I texted him the next day explaining the situation and asking to return the piece. He requested I pay a 25% restocking fee or a $100 cancellation fee. I thought that was really odd considering the piece was still in his shop and I had never touched it. I had accidentally not selected the "for goods and services" button on Venmo so I had absolutely no protection on the purchase (which is my mistake but again why I was wary of the payment method). I said that since the return policy was neither explained to me nor stated on his website, that I did not agree to those terms of sale and I expected a full refund. He did end up sending it to me without further hassle so again thumbs up for that but he did respond and say "I dont think its fair for people to interact with me and then waste my time" I felt that was a misplaced statement seeing as I had every intention of keeping that piece barring a horrific breakup and David spent very little time with me.

What I disliked the most was that he posted it on social media retelling the story I had told him about the piece (that I was purchasing it for my bf and pretended not to like it knowing I would buy it as a gift later). My now ex saw this post and clearly knew I had bought it. I just felt it was a little lacking in common sense to post the piece and a specific story about the buyer especially during Christmas time when he knew it was a gift. David also made a comment to me about "real art buyers" or something along those lines on the phone and I was really put off by that, it came across as pretentious. I have bought far more and far less expensive art and never come across that kind of exclusive language. I am glad the situation was resolved but I would not purchase here...

I loved my buying experience at David’s gallery. We happened upon the storefront when we took a quick walking detour with a friend to see his old house, and I was immediately drawn inside by the Donald Topp pieces on display. David was friendly, engaging, and happy to share information about the artist I was interested in. I had trouble deciding, but was really attached to the hipster Elphaba piece, so finally settled on that—with the intent to purchase a “companion” Dorothy piece, once the full-color limited series arrived from Donald Topp. David shipped Elphaba to our home in Cincinnati. The piece was beautifully framed and packed with great care. It wasn’t a cheap purchase, but so many things worth having aren’t! (I had actually been contemplating a designer purse purchase earlier in the day on Michigan Ave...so glad I chose to invest in artwork to be enjoyed for years to come, instead.) I so enjoyed my buying experience with David that I didn’t hesitate one bit to pull the trigger, when he called just a week later to tell me Dorothy had arrived! Again, packed with care and prompt shipping, beautifully framed. She and her wicked witch friend make quite the hipster duo on my living room wall. People absolutely love them. If you’re looking for something unique, wanting to start collecting (or to add to your collection), and at a cost that won’t break the bank,...

David’s gallery is right down the street from me in Wicker Park. The surrounding location is cool and home to interesting apartments and stores.

I dropped in at around 9pm on a dark and snowy night, intrigued that the gallery was open on such a dead night as this was in the middle of the pandemic.

The blinky OPEN sign and colorful pieces were a welcome change from the dullness of a typical Chicago winter night. He may have just left the door unlocked and sign on by accident, but sure enough popped out and greeted me.

I took a look around with no intention of buying anything. Patiently he noticed some of the pieces I was drawn to and even some I wasn’t particularly drawn to, telling me stories about the artists and his gallery.

Out of nowhere I committed to buying a painting I liked… the price seemed fair, the artist was local, and I thought why not have some fun and spontaneity this dark and frigid evening?

I’ve gone back for another piece and am eyeing several more. David is always in a good mood, knowledgeable about his collection, and if I get enough pieces I don’t have to worry about paining the walls in my apartment because art will cover every square inch.

Highly recommend stopping in, browsing, not taking it too seriously… it truly changes the energy...