About
The Gallery
225 N. Whittaker St. | New Buffalo, MI
Imagine Art Gallery & Studio sits in the heart of downtown New Buffalo, Michigan — just blocks from the Lake Michigan shoreline that inspires so much of the work inside. The gallery is home to the original artwork of Chris “Clean the Artist” McLaughlin, featuring everything from textured abstracts and coastal mixed media to officially licensed Notre Dame pieces and patent-pending backlit canvases.
Our Mission
The mission here is simple: make original art approachable and personal.
Chris built this space to feel more like a studio visit than a traditional gallery — a place where guests can see finished work on the walls, catch a painting in progress, and talk directly with the artist who made it. That connection between creator and collector is central to everything that happens here. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or buying your first original piece, you’re welcome to browse, ask questions, and take your time.
The gallery participates in local art walks, seasonal events, and collaborative exhibitions throughout Harbor Country and Southwest Michigan, contributing to a regional art scene that continues to grow.
Our History
The gallery opened in July 2024 at 225 N. Whittaker Street, giving Chris’s growing body of work a permanent home in downtown New Buffalo. Before this, he ran a smaller space in Buchanan, Michigan — but the move to New Buffalo put the gallery within walking distance of the shoreline that inspires so much of the art.
What started as a working studio has evolved into a destination for collectors, tourists, and curious visitors passing through town. The walls rotate regularly as new work comes off the easel, so there’s always something new to see.
Stop in after lunch at the Stray Dog Bar & Grill or before an afternoon at New Buffalo Beach & Lakefront Park — the gallery sits right in the middle of it all.
Whether you’re a longtime collector, making a day trip from South Bend or Chicago, exploring Harbor Country for the weekend, or discovering New Buffalo art for the first time, Imagine Art Gallery & Studio invites you in.
Guests are encouraged to browse freely, ask questions, and watch the creative process unfold — Chris is usually working on something new. The atmosphere is relaxed and coastal, and there’s no pressure. Whether you leave with a painting or just a conversation, you’re always welcome back.
Explore my collection of artwork that celebrates how I see the world around me — reflecting how life moves and surprises me. This is my place of peace, where creativity meets inspiration.
— Chris “Clean the Artist” McLaughlin
Why Visitors Love Imagine Art Gallery
What keeps people coming back isn’t just the art — it’s the experience. Visitors often mention how rare it is to meet the artist, hear the story behind a piece, and see where the work actually gets made. That connection is what sets Imagine Art Gallery apart from the typical gallery experience.
For locals and tourists alike, the gallery has become a favorite stop in downtown New Buffalo — a place where Harbor Country’s creative spirit is alive and on display. From weekend visitors exploring Michigan’s southwest coast to collectors seeking original work from a rising regional artist, the gallery welcomes everyone through its doors.
Styles
From textured abstracts and nature-inspired landscapes to patent-pending backlit LED pieces and functional art clocks, Chris’s work spans a wide range of styles. Explore what’s available and find the look that fits your space.
The Artist
Meet Chris “Clean the Artist” McLaughlin — the South Bend native and officially licensed Notre Dame artist behind every piece in the gallery. Learn about his journey from first painting to gallery owner, his process, and what drives the work.
Collections
Browse curated collections including the Lake Michigan-inspired Wave Over Me series, the energetic Controlled Chaos collection, officially licensed Notre Dame pieces, and more. Each collection tells its own story.