(Chicago, IL) EXPO CHICAGO, The International Exposition of Modern/Contemporary Art & Design opened to an immense crowd of the city’s business, civic and cultural leader’s including Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Wednesday, Sept 19. Over 120 Galleries from around the world were on display at the inaugural art fair led by President and Director Tony Karman re-establishing Chicago as a premiere art destination.
“There is an extraordinary legacy for art fairs that began here at Navy Pier in Festival Hall – a place where both leading dealers and major collectors began their careers,” said President and Director of EXPO CHICAGO Tony Karman. “To see Chicago re-establish itself as one of the leading art city’s throughout the world as we welcome 120 of the world’s most notable galleries is a momentous event for not only our city but the arts community at large.”
Other notable attendees included MCA Pritzker Director Madeleine Grynsztejn; critic and Chicago native Jerry Saltz; actor Billy Zane; artists Theaster Gates and Dawoud Bay; M.K. Pritzker; MCA Trustees including Sara Albrecht, Liz and Eric Lefkofsky, Liza and Marc Brooks, Lois and Steve Eisen, Larry Fields, King Harris, Penny Pritzker, Cari Sacks, and Helen and Sam Zell and more.
The evening began with a Patron Reception from 4 – 6:30 p.m., with an exclusive first look at artwork on display. Chicago’s most notable chefs and restaurants were on hand to offer guests a sampling of food from restaurants including Phil Stefani’s 437 Rush, Ada Street, Coco Pazzo, Foodlife, Gemini Bistro, Harry Caray’s, Longman & Eagle, MK, Paris Club, Park 52, Pelago, Province, Riva, Tru, and Wildfire.
MCA Chicago’s Pritzker Director Madeline Grynsztejn welcomed guests to Vernissage and thanked co-chairs Jennifer Aubrey and Marilyn Fields while Tony Karman returned the sentiment of the MCA’s pioneering and innovative efforts of their continuous support for the Chicago arts community.
About EXPO CHICAGO
The inaugural EXPO CHICAGO, The International Exposition of Contemporary/Modern Art and Design, will be presented at Navy Pier's Festival Hall from September 20-23, 2012. This four day art event will feature 120 leading international galleries and offer a curated blend of contemporary/modern art and design. Produced by Art Expositions, LLC under the leadership of President and Director Tony Karman, EXPO CHICAGO will feature a design-forward interior environment by the world renowned Studio Gang Architects, led by MacArthur Fellow Jeanne Gang. The new fair will open the international fall arts season and will establish Chicago as a preeminent art fair and cultural destination. Vernissage, an exclusive opening night preview celebration benefitting the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, will take place on Wednesday, September 19, 2012. For more information, visit www.expochicago.com.
Northern Trust is the Proud Financial Partner of EXPO CHICAGO.
EXPO CHICAGO SCHEDULE AND TICKETING
Vernissage
Wednesday, Sept. 19 at Navy Pier’s Festival Hall
For more information, visit mcachicago.org/vernissage.
EXPO CHICAGO/2012
General Admission: Thursday, Sept. 20 - Sunday, Sept. 23
Thursday, Sept. 20, 11 a.m. - 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.
For tickets or more information visit www.expochicago.com.
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