Run out of a second-floor apartment in the Northwest Side neighborhood of Irving Park, the Dollhouse DIY describes itself as a “feminist art collective.” Formed by roommates “Serena Fath (filmmaker), Cassandra Jimenez (poet), and Lola Gutierrez (music manager),” the Dollhouse periodically stages event nights that include wall-hung visual art exhibitions, live music performances (that sometime get the cops called), and poetry readings. Organized loosely around the scene inspired by the trio’s circle of friends, it’s a hidden gem of new talent. Most evenings are BYO, and visitors will recognize the place from the crummy, fetid-looking giant oversized sneaker they mount outside on the roof overlooking the entrance.
