Chicago! Chicago! We have the best of everything yet, sometimes, we don’t appreciate it as much as we should. Some of the best artists, architects, financiers, philanthropists, doctors, and journalists call Chicago home and we are grooming the next generation of these industry titans. But let’s get honest, we tend to appreciate our own only AFTER others have scooped up said talent and showered them with praise, money and recognition. Let’s not have that happen to EXPO CHICAGO. What is EXPO Chicago? Good question but how about a small history lesson first. Art Chicago was the predecessor to what we now refer to as EXPO; it started back in 1980. What was meant to be the US version of Art Basel grew but didn’t catch on as it could have. Art Basel Miami Beach was established, came and took our thunder-augh! Fast forward to 2011 when Tony Karman set his sights on bringing a great art fair back to Chicago, to plant this as THE art fair. I had the pleasure of attending Art Basel-Miami Beach last year and though Chicago can’t yet hold a flame to the fun parties thrown(we will get there) in terms of art, many major Chicago artists were well received: Theaster Gates, Angel Ortero, Hebru Brantley, to name a few.
So what does this have to do with you? A LOT. Art Fairs, or any type of cultural organized event, needs the support of the most important people, the residents of the city. You may say to yourself but I’m not the art type. Well you would be wrong. There is no “art” type per say. Yes the Art world has it’s own set of stereotypes just as any industry does but all are welcome.
EXPO will run from September 19-22 and during those 3 days gallerists, artists, curators and collectors will gather but the most important element will be you. Walking the halls gaining inspiration from a piece or two, getting lost in a very intricate or simple artwork.
I recently heard Tony Karman speak at the City Club of Chicago, to get an idea of how committed and passionate he actually is about this and I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt he is not only committed, he has recruited a high powered roster of people and corporations to help make the vision a reality. Your support will mean another year for EXPO Chicago, your support will mean that Chicago will continue to be put on the map as one of THE cultural destinations. Your support will mean that art does not conform to a stereotype but rather inspires and engages.
I hope that you will be there and invite friends and family. Chicago is one big(small) family and with your help EXPO CHicago can grow to be the holiday we all look forward to each year. Where we meet new and old friends and learn something.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS FOR THE EXHIBITION AS WELL AS VERNISSAGE
*images via: art blou, expo chicago
