The International Exposition of Contemporary/Modern Art and Design features a list of the world's premier galleries in Chicago.
EXPO CHICAGO, THE INAUGURAL INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION OF
CONTEMPORARY/MODERN ART AND DESIGN, BRINGS LEADING
INTERNATIONAL ART DEALERS TO CHICAGO SEPTEMBER 20 – 23, 2012
EXPO CHICAGO and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago Partner
to Open Fair with the Return of Vernissage, Historically One of Chicago's
Most Anticipated Art and Social Events, Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012
Jeanne Gang | Studio Gang Architects to Design EXPO CHICAGO
CHICAGO — The inaugural EXPO CHICAGO, The International Exposition of
Contemporary/Modern Art and Design, will host an exclusive list of the world's premier
galleries in Chicago Sept. 20–23, 2012 in Festival Hall at Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Avenue).
Produced by Art Expositions, LLC under the leadership of President and Director Tony
Karman, the new fair will open the international fall arts season and will establish Chicago
as a preeminent art fair and cultural destination. For more information, please visit
www.expositionchicago.com.
―The groundswell of support that we have received since our initial announcement of EXPO
CHICAGO has been tremendous,‖ said Karman. ―To have world renowned galleries, cultural
institutions and museums joining us at this stage is truly extraordinary. I believe strongly
that the art world will be marking their calendars to be in Chicago next September.‖
In addition to the many applications and commitments already received, EXPO CHICAGO is
proud to announce several top international dealers that have committed to participate.
They include: David Zwirner (New York, NY); Richard Gray Gallery (Chicago, IL); Galerie
Karsten Greve (Cologne, Germany, Paris, France and St. Moritz, Switzerland); Galerie
Hans Mayer (Düsseldorf, Germany); Annely Juda Fine Art (London, England); CRG
Gallery (New York, NY); Barbara Mathes Gallery (New York, NY); The Mayor Gallery
(London, England) and D’Amelio Terras (New York, NY) joining Anthony Meier Fine Arts
(San Francisco, CA) and Rhona Hoffman Gallery (Chicago, IL) on the 2012 Selection
Committee.
EXPO CHICAGO will limit the number of participating exhibitors to no more than 100 top tier
dealers. A Selection Committee of internationally respected dealers and an Advisory
Committee of arts professionals and civic leaders will ensure the highest standards of
exhibitors.
―Chicago has a vibrant and rich history in the arts, and I am committed to building on this
history,‖ said Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. ―This contemporary international exposition
will bring artists, dealers, collectors, and curators from around the world to experience
Chicago’s culture, and will further establish Chicago as an international leader in the arts.‖
EXPO CHICAGO is proud to announce that the world-renowned Studio Gang Architects, led
by MacArthur Fellow Jeanne Gang, will join the Expo’s creative team in a collaborative
initiative to devise the design-forward interior environment at Navy Pier. Gang will take full
advantage of Festival Hall’s expansive space and ceiling height, creating a show floor that
offers generous-sized exhibitor booths and spaces for special exhibitions, as well as ample
room for large-scale installations and patron amenities. Navy Pier’s unparalleled views of
Lake Michigan and downtown Chicago will provide the perfect backdrop for her design. ―I’m
very excited to be part of the EXPO CHICAGO team,‖ Gang said, ―We are looking forward to
producing engaging, unconventional spaces to enrich the visitor’s and exhibitor’s experience
of the show.
EXPO CHICAGO and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago are excited to
announce that the fair will be launched with the return of Vernissage, a exclusive opening
night preview celebration that for many years was a highlight of the city’s social and cultural
calendar. Set for Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012 and co-chaired by Marilyn Fields, the event
will offer first viewing of the works, as well as the opportunity to meet members of the
international art and design communities. Proceeds from ―Vernissage‖ benefit the Museum
of Contemporary Art Chicago.
―The MCA is thrilled to partner with EXPO CHICAGO to bring back Vernissage. Our
mission is to offer the public direct engagement with the work and ideas of living artists, and
to help them understand the historical, social and cultural context of the art of our time,‖ said
MCA Pritzker Director Madeleine Grynsztejn. “EXPO CHICAGO offers attendees the
opportunity to do just that, while Vernissage helps provide funding for the MCA to reach a
broad and diverse audience.”
―By showcasing the finest international galleries and artists at Chicago’s historic Navy Pier,
EXPO CHICAGO reinforces our City’s standing as a top destination for arts and culture,‖
said Michelle T. Boone, Commissioner, Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.
―We are proud to partner with this exceptional event, which enriches Chicago’s own arts
community by deepening our cultural connections worldwide.
EXPO CHICAGO will offer an exclusive VIP Patron Program that will include access to
invitation-only events and tours organized by top curators as well as direct access to special
guests. Many important Chicago area art organizations and business leaders have joined
with EXPO CHICAGO to offer related programming that will augment the fair both on the
exhibition floor, in other areas of Navy Pier and throughout the city. EXPO CHICAGO has
already established partnerships with the Art Institute of Chicago, the School of the Art
Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, The Renaissance
Society, the Smart Museum of Art, Hyde Park Art Center, threewalls, International
Sculpture Center, Chicago Children’s Museum, ArtTable and many others. For a
complete list of partners to date, see the partner document in the press kit or on the newly
designed www.expositionchicago.com.
EXPO CHICAGO has created a digital and social media portal that provides visitors a
platform to discover current art issues. Updated regularly, the interactive blog, THE SEEN,
will attract those with an interest in both local and international art news. Visit THE SEEN at
blog.expositionchicago.com.
EXPO CHICAGO CALENDAR LISTING
Art Expositions, LLC presents the inaugural EXPO CHICAGO, The International Exposition
of Contemporary/Modern Art and Design, at Navy Pier’s Festival Hall (600 E. Grand
Avenue, Chicago, Ill. 60611) Sept. 20 – 23, 2012. This four-day art event features 100
leading international galleries and offers a curated blend of contemporary/modern art and
design.
Image: Ian Wallace, Chicago Table I, 2012. Inkjet print, framed, 114 x 152cm. Courtesy Yvon Lambert, Paris
MEDIA CONTACT:
Carol Fox and Associates, Inc.
Nick Harkin / Matt Miller
773-329-1496 / 708-917-2080
nickh@carolfoxassociates.com
mattm@carolfoxassociates.com
Vernissage: Wednesday, Sept. 19
Professional Brunch: Thursday, Sept. 20, 10 a.m. - 12 noon
Festival Hall, Navy Pier
600 East Grand Avenue - Chicago
General Admission:
Thursday, Sept. 20, 12 noon - 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 21, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 22, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 23, 12 noon - 6 p.m.