Mercedes Zapata Will Open Little Village Photo Studio

Bridges Built Studios launches this Saturday at 3138 W. Cermak Road with support from a city grant.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Mercedes Zapata Will Open Little Village Photo Studio

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Photographer Mercedes Zapata is opening a new pop-up photo studio, Bridges Built Studios, in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood this Saturday. The venture, located at 3138 W. Cermak Road, will provide professional photography services alongside a retail selection of artwork and cards.

Why it matters

The studio aims to make professional portrait services accessible to residents who previously found such sessions economically unattainable. This opening is made possible by a city-funded grant managed through the organization Latinos Progresando.

The studio is located at 3138 W. Cermak Road, utilizing a previously vacant storefront. This initiative follows a successful free portrait event held in late May where 200 people were photographed.

The players

Mercedes Zapata

Mercedes Zapata is a photographer who is launching a new studio space in Little Village to provide affordable portrait services to neighbors.

Latinos Progresando

Latinos Progresando is an organization that manages the city-funded grant supporting the operation of Bridges Built Studios.

The details

Zapata creates custom photo backgrounds using various fabric swaths to offer unique sessions for the local community. The current setup features a theme for Dia de los Muertos, with plans to transition to a Christmas-themed set later in the year.

Late May 2026: Mercedes Zapata photographed 200 individuals during a free portrait session.
October 10, 2026: Bridges Built Studios officially opens its doors at noon on Saturday.
Early November 2026: The studio concludes its current Dia de los Muertos photo set availability.
December 2026: The current city-funded grant coverage for rent and utilities ends.

Market Landscape

This project fits into a broader municipal strategy of activating vacant storefronts through direct economic support in underserved areas. By covering overhead costs, the city grant positions this small business to operate in a market where traditional commercial rents might otherwise be prohibitive.

Local residents can access professional photography services at the new studio, offering an affordable alternative to standard commercial portrait sessions. The storefront will also serve as a source for greeting cards and custom artwork available for purchase in the neighborhood.

The takeaway

This new studio demonstrates how municipal grant programs can lower the barrier to entry for local creative entrepreneurs. Neighbors can look forward to themed portrait sessions that prioritize community accessibility over traditional high-cost photography pricing models.