Martha Schneider refuses to think in one dimension. Her photography-centric Schneider Gallery, located in the heart of River North's gallery district, exemplifies this attitude. She seeks and displays edgy images with layers of content; pictures that tell a story. Though installments rotate every four to six weeks, the principle behind her selections remains the same.

Though it began as a ceramics showroom, Schneider Gallery gradually evolved into a solely photographic space that represents more than 15 local, national and international artists. In addition to represented photographers, Schneider often features work from emerging artists, especially during summer exhibitions.

The gallery's striking photographs run the gamut of subject matters, from Moroccan artist Lalla Essaydi's portrayal of sheet-clad women against a backdrop bearing Arabic diary entries to German-born Julia Christe's series of self-portraits among obscure animals in various locations abroad.

The space is small, simple and bright, with primary attention focused on the current installation. Don't leave before seeking out the rest of the gallery's hidden treasures, though. Ceramic pieces from Schneider's original days line shelves in the back room, and gorgeous previously displayed pieces (look for Thomas Kellner's collection of colorful framed proof-sheets obscuring city landmarks) hide in the corner.

Centerstage Reviewer: Carly Schwartz