J. R. Kortman Center for Design
RetailIllinois, United States1 Employees
Founded in 1986 by Doc Slafkosky and Jerry Kortman, J. R. Kortman Center for Design operates a combined retail space and gallery in downtown Rockford, Illinois. The first-floor shop presents objects sourced from around the world with a focus on thoughtful design, including pieces from the Italian brand Alessi alongside art glass, jewelry, toys, and other curiosities. The Kortman Gallery occupies the second floor, hosting fine art exhibitions that rotate every six to eight weeks. A small book and wine department on site complements the offerings with titles on art, design, and popular culture. The site describes itself as informational and invites visitors to experience the space in person, with store hours Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The business serves design-minded shoppers, art enthusiasts, and collectors seeking distinctive objects and rotating exhibitions. Positioned at the intersection of retail and fine art, it operates as a small, downtown venue in Rockford that combines a curated assortment of global design objects with rotating art shows.