Here's a gallery that really knows its clientele. Its collection isn't particularly daring, consisting mostly of landscapes, sentimental street scenes and portraiture; pleasantly abstract oils, finely chiseled bronze sculptures and a few limited edition Renoirs and Picassos round it out. But you don't expect to find much avant-garde art in a Michigan Avenue mall, next to the food court and just above the Lego Store, would you? The pieces here are as much upscale consumer items for Mag Mile shoppers as collectors' items for high-rolling buyers.

Like the work displayed, the Hilligoss environment is stylish but safe. The newer work is laid out across a lofty, two-story space in a series of nooks devoted to individual artists or genres. The cocoa-shaded walls, cherry wood floors, baby grand piano and leather couches transform the area from art shop to leisurely salon, even as the din of nearby shoppers bring you back to earth.

The work, to cite the gallery's website, is "stylistically diverse:" impressionistic, realistic even whimsical. It's not exactly a bargain. The largest and most vibrant pieces are nice, but not half-my-yearly-salary nice. I'm more likely to buy a Lego sculpture.

Centerstage Reviewer: Justin Sondak