Sunroom Space Brings Risograph Print Studio, Retail Shop To West Town

The scent of ink and paper hangs sweetly in the air, a tangible invitation to step away from the digital world and into a space brimming with creativity. That's the promise of Sunroom Space, a new haven for art lovers and music enthusiasts now open in West Town. More than just a shop, it’s a testament to the enduring value of physical connection and handcrafted artistry—a welcome respite in our increasingly virtual lives.

Sunroom Space, located at 2401 W. Ohio St., marks the first brick-and-mortar location for Sunroom Studios, a design label co-founded in 2018 by Clare Bryne and Jake Stolz. The studio's focus is on the distinctive art of risograph printing, transforming album artwork, concert posters, books, and other projects into textured, visually striking pieces. Beyond the retail shop, Sunroom Studios also encompasses a record label specializing in ambient music—a testament to the couple’s diverse creative pursuits.

For Bryne and Stolz, Sunroom represents a natural evolution of their work within Chicago's vibrant creative landscape. Bryne’s background includes designing concert posters for local artists and venues, while Stolz is a videographer and musician, involved in several bands, including Varsity. The couple’s shared passion for art and music propelled them to create Sunroom, initially as a means to house their various ventures before blossoming into the physical space now open to the public. Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs shines through initiatives like these, fostering a community where artists can thrive.

The curated retail shop itself is the newest extension of Sunroom’s offerings, carefully stocked with prints, books, albums, and unique works crafted by the couple and artists they admire. “Our risograph prints are really textural … and it was really important for us to have a physical space for people to come in and view them,” Bryne explained. She emphasized the desire to move beyond online commerce, fostering a sense of community and allowing visitors to engage with their work in a more meaningful way—a sentiment that echoes the longing many feel for genuine human connection.

The Unique Appeal of Risograph Printing

Risograph printing, a process originating in Japan, offers a distinct aesthetic characterized by its textured quality and slightly imperfect registration—a charm that sets it apart from traditional printing methods. It’s this very imperfection, this tangible quality, that Bryne and Stolz sought to share with a wider audience. The limited color palette and unique visual characteristics of risograph prints lend themselves beautifully to concert posters and album artwork, creating a vintage, almost DIY feel that resonates with many artists and music fans.

Sunroom’s journey began with releasing limited-edition cassettes and other musical releases, work that continues as an imprint of the label Earth Libraries. This early venture ultimately led to the creation of the Monthly Flyer Club, a subscription service delivering a new print each month for $5—a clever way to build a loyal following and test the waters for a potential retail space. “That kind of planted a seed for us, that there has to be other ways to for us to share the work that we’re making where it just doesn’t disappear into the void of the Internet,” Byrne said, highlighting the importance of creating tangible experiences in an increasingly digital world.

A Limited Space Inspires Curatorship

The shop itself is compact, a deliberate choice that has unexpectedly fostered a sense of curated intimacy. “It’s a blessing in a way to be limited by the tiny shop form,” Stolz observed. “There’s only so much you can put in here, and it’s been fun to have that curatorial hand.” This constraint encourages mindful selection, resulting in a collection of prints, records, matchbooks, candles, and art books ranging from avant-garde film to the iconic Chicago settlement house Hull House—a carefully considered assortment reflecting the couple’s eclectic tastes and artistic influences. Hull House Museum serves as a reminder of the city's rich history of community engagement and artistic expression.

The ethos of Sunroom Space is still evolving, a fluidity that both Bryne and Stolz embrace. “The space ‘is still revealing itself to us, not to be too mystical,’” Stolz said, suggesting an openness to experimentation and a willingness to allow the space to shape its own identity over time. This flexibility allows them to respond to the needs and desires of their community, creating a truly unique and dynamic environment.

Community Reaction and Future Events

The opening of Sunroom Space has been met with enthusiasm from the West Town neighborhood. Residents have expressed excitement about having a dedicated space for art and music, especially one that champions local artists and offers a tactile alternative to online shopping. “Everyone, especially post-COVID, is looking for more offline experiences, and that’s going to happen in physical spaces,” Bryne noted, reflecting the broader societal desire for connection and shared experiences.

Bryne and Stolz envision Sunroom Space as more than just a retail shop; they hope to transform it into a vibrant hub for community events. Plans are underway to host art shows, performances by ambient musicians, and vinyl listening parties—creating opportunities for people to connect with art, music, and each other in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The couple’s dedication to fostering these kinds of shared experiences underscores the importance of building strong local communities.

Emily's Take: The Enduring Value of Connection

Watching businesses like Sunroom Space flourish fills me with a quiet joy. In a world dominated by screens and fleeting digital interactions, the desire for tangible beauty, for authentic connection, remains deeply rooted in the human heart. Clare Bryne and Jake Stolz have tapped into something essential: the longing for a place where art can be experienced fully, where conversations can flow freely, and where a sense of community can take root. The success of their venture speaks to the enduring power of craftsmanship, creativity, and the simple act of gathering together in a shared space.

It’s encouraging to see young couples like Bryne and Stolz investing in their neighborhood and building businesses that prioritize connection over convenience. Their commitment to quality—both in their art and their interactions—is a powerful example for all of us. As Sunroom Space continues to evolve, I’ll be watching with great interest to see how it shapes the West Town landscape and inspires other entrepreneurs to pursue their creative passions, fostering a stronger, more vibrant Chicago for families and neighbors.

Resources and Further Exploration

For those seeking to support local businesses and explore Chicago's thriving art scene, here are some useful resources:

• City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events - Discover events, grants, and programs supporting Chicago's artistic community.
• West Town Neighborhood Association - Connect with local businesses and initiatives in the West Town neighborhood.
• Block Club Chicago – Support independent journalism covering Chicago's neighborhoods.
• Hull House Museum - Learn more about the history and legacy of this important Chicago institution.

What’s Next for Sunroom Space?

Sunroom Space is currently open Thursday-Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. The couple plans to expand their offerings with more in-person events and collaborations with other local artists, further solidifying their role as a vital hub within the West Town community. As they continue to refine their vision, one thing remains certain: Sunroom Space represents a welcome return to the tangible, a celebration of artistry, and a testament to the power of human connection in an increasingly digital world.

The future looks bright for Sunroom Space and the thriving artistic spirit it embodies—a beacon of hope and creativity in our beloved city. It's a place where beauty is not just seen, but felt, a place where community is not just spoken, but lived.