Long comfortable with a pencil and pen, School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduate Ian M. Sherwin had to struggle to regain his craft after losing sight in one eye. As he relearned how to draw with diminished depth perception, the vivid colors and bold lines possible in painting suddenly seemed more tempting than ever before. These days, his gallery—tucked away on a quiet Lakeview side street—pops with abstract acrylic swooshes of hopeful pinks and greens covering canvas and wood. Sherwin also hosts "Side by Side" shows where he showcases his work alongside the work of one of his students.

When he's not busy with a brush in hand, Sherwin can often be found merging art and science in programs for kids and families at the Field Museum, where he's a contract artist. He continues his educational mission back in the studio, staying open into the evening to teach art classes in a variety of media, including acrylics and emotions.