The idea of paying tribute to my father and his artistic legacy struck a resonant chord with me.I hope you enjoy the art work featured at Distelheim Gallery. ts and creates a place to showcase new art collections, including new work from our exclusive Orange and Black Collection, that includes one of a kind originals, limited edition prints and even luxurious cards and papers.

Lisa Distelheim Barron

Founder | Daughter | Managing Partner

More About Distelheim Gallery™

  • More Of How It All Started

    In the swirling milieu of the early 1960s, a young and enterprising Chicago dermatologist, my father,  Dr. Irving Distelheim, found himself at a crossroads. The verdant fairways of golf courses no longer captivated his imagination. Instead, drawn by the allure of Chicago's vibrant art scene, he ventured into the labyrinth of galleries nestled within the illustrious Oak Street. 

    As he immersed himself in the tapestries of color and form, Dr. Distelheim kindled friendships with the custodians of these artistic havens, connections that would soon alter the trajectory of his life.It was within these sanctuaries of creativity that a gallery owner, perceiving the kindling passion within Dr. Distelheim, planted the seed of a bold proposal: to curate his own gallery. This idea resonated within him, striking a chord that harmonized with his newfound zeal. Dr. Distelheim set into motion a plan that would eventually weave his name into the fabric of Chicago’s art legacy.His first step was to rally the talents of local artists whose skill was as formidable as their visions were profound. These inaugural signatures would be the cornerstone of his gallery. Yet, Dr. Distelheim's ambition reached beyond the shores of the Great Lake.

    His heart was set on the School of Paris, a collective that had captured his imagination during his sojourns to the French capital. There, amidst the Parisian élan, he engaged with artists whose oeuvre spoke the universal language of significant artistic statements.Upon his return, the Distelheim Art Galleries blossomed into existence, greeted by the fanfare of a city rich in cultural appetite.

    Under Dr. Distelheim's stewardship, the gallery burgeoned, becoming a crucible for intellectual exchange through a series of erudite lectures by artists, critics, and connoisseurs alike. The gallery, in its illustrious tenure on 67 East Oak Street, became a linchpin of Oak Street’s artistic identity, fostering the city's art scene for 23 wondrous years.

  • Yet, as the seasons changed, so too did the chapters of Dr. Distelheim's life. The intricate ballet of managing both a medical practice and an art gallery beckoned for a curtain call. It was time for the lights of Distelheim Art Galleries to dim. But the narrative was far from over.


    Here’s where I, as his youngest daughter, Lisa Distelheim Barron, come in a scion of this artistic lineage, who, with a heart full of homage and hands eager to sculpt a future, has taken the baton. 


    My vision is a confluence of familial legacy and the pulsating promise of contemporary art. Partnering with me, she seeks to forge a new vanguard that venerates the past while boldly striding into the future.


    Together, with Jefferey Cornett, we have conceived a space that will not only be a tribute to her father’s illustrious past but will also serve as a canvas for modern artistry. The new Distelheim Gallery is poised to house our exclusive Orange and Black Collection—a mélange of one-of-a-kind originals, limited edition prints, and even artisanal cards and papers. 


    These pieces are not just artifacts; they are conversations in color, texture, and emotion.


    As Jefferey’s partner, both in vision and in life, I stand humbly at the precipice of this renaissance, honored to have my work featured in the new iteration of the Distelheim Gallery. It is here, at this intersection of history and innovation, that we invite the world to witness the reinvigoration of a legacy and the birth of new artistic horizons.

The "Storied" History of Chicago's Oak Street

  • Early Development Post-Great Chicago Fire: After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, Chicago underwent rapid reconstruction and development. The Gold Coast neighborhood, where Oak Street is located, emerged as one of the city's most affluent areas. This transformation was marked by the construction of upscale residences, including historic mansions and luxury apartments.

  • Transitioning to a retail destination :Throughout the 20th century, Oak Street transitioned from a primarily residential street to a high-end retail destination. This shift was partly due to the area's affluence and strategic location near Michigan Avenue's Magnificent Mile, another premier shopping area in Chicago.

  • Luxury Boutiques and Designers: By the mid to late 20th century, Oak Street had become synonymous with luxury shopping. It attracted prestigious national and international brands, offering high-end fashion, jewelry, and accessories. The street became a magnet for shoppers looking for luxury items and bespoke services.

  • Architectural Significance And Historic Buildings: Oak Street is also notable for its architecture, featuring historic buildings that have been preserved or thoughtfully incorporated into the retail landscape. These include Victorian-era homes and early 20th-century buildings that have been repurposed for commercial use, adding to the street's charm and appeal.

  • In the Modern Era and 21st Century Changes: In recent years, Oak Street has continued to evolve, reflecting changes in retail trends, consumer preferences, and the economic landscape. While it remains a luxury shopping destination, the composition of stores has changed, with some historic retailers closing and new brands entering the market.

  • Cultural and Economic Impact: Oak Street's significance extends beyond retail; it's a cultural and economic landmark in Chicago. The street contributes to the city's tourism, attracts international visitors, and plays a role in Chicago's economic development.

  • Throughout its history, Oak Street has mirrored the growth and changes in Chicago, maintaining its status as a premier destination for luxury shopping and an important part of the city's cultural and economic fabric.

    It has been known as a luxury shopping destination, particularly noted for its high-end boutiques, designer stores, and sophisticated ambiance. Since the early 1900s, this street has evolved to host a variety of prestigious retailers and has been a significant part of Chicago's retail landscape. While specific stores have come and gone over the years, reflecting the changing tastes and economic conditions, some names have been particularly notable in the history of Oak Street:

    • Barneys New York: Although not present since the early 1900s, Barneys was a landmark luxury retailer on Oak Street for many years, offering high-end designer fashion, accessories, and cosmetics until its closure in recent years.

    • Giorgio Armani: Known for its sleek, modern Italian fashion, Giorgio Armani's boutique on Oak Street has been a destination for luxury apparel and accessories.
    • Harry Winston: This high-end jeweler, famous for exquisite diamonds and fine jewelry, has been a fixture for those seeking luxury on Oak Street. 
    • The Italian luxury fashion house, known for its leather handbags, travel accessories, shoes, ready-to-wear, perfumes, and other fashion accessories, has also been part of the Oak Street luxury shopping scene. Famous for its red-soled shoes, this high-end footwear and accessories store adds to the luxury retail mix on Oak Street.

These stores, among others, have contributed to Oak Street's reputation as a luxury lane. The street's evolution reflects broader trends in luxury retail and consumer preferences, maintaining its status as a premier shopping destination in Chicago. It's important to note that the mix of stores on Oak Street has changed over the years, with some historic retailers closing or moving and new ones taking their place to keep up with the luxury market's dynamics.