This week Expo Chicago director Tony Karman held a press event at Public Chicago to announce the list of 100 galleries participating in the inaugural fair this September. The release of the final list 5 months in advance is the first time in many, many years such a list has been completed and available so early.  There are several well-known Chicago galleries participating in the fair.  Dozens of local galleries will also hold special hours and events during the weekend of the fair, and the entire arts and culture community will be participating in Expo Chicago in many unique ways, welcoming Chicagoans and visitors alike to experience the best of creativity in Chicago's neighborhoods.

You may view the full exhibitor list and up-to-date news about Expo Chicago HERE 

 

1301PE  Los Angeles

Alexander and Bonin  New York

Ameringer | McEnery | Yohe  New York

Gallery Paule Anglim  San Francisco

John Berggruen Gallery  San Francisco

Galleri Bo Bjerggaard  Copenhagen

Daniel Blau  Munich

Russell Bowman Art Advisory  Chicago

Galerie Buchholz  Cologne

Valerie Carberry Gallery  Chicago

Cardi Black Box  Milan

Cernuda Arte  Coral Gables

Chambers Fine Art  New York, Beijing

Cherry and Martin  Los Angeles

James Cohan Gallery  New York, Shanghai

Corbett vs. Dempsey  Chicago

CRG Gallery  New York

D'Amelio Gallery  New York

Stephen Daiter Gallery  Chicago

Maxwell Davidson Gallery  New York

Douglas Dawson Gallery  Chicago

Catherine Edelman Gallery  Chicago

Galería Max Estrella Madrid

Fleisher/Ollman  Philadelphia

Galerie Forsblom  Helsinki

Forum Gallery  New York

Marc Foxx  Los Angeles

Fredericks & Freiser  New York

Barry Friedman, Ltd.  New York

Friedman Benda  New York

The Suzanne Geiss Company  New York

Gering & López Gallery  New York

Galerie Gmurzynska  Zurich, St. Moritz

James Goodman Gallery  New York

Richard Gray Gallery  Chicago, New York

Galerie Karsten Greve AG  Cologne, Paris, St. Moritz

Kavi Gupta  Chicago, Berlin

Carl Hammer Gallery  Chicago

Haunch of Venison  New York, London

Hill Gallery  Birmingham

Nancy Hoffman Gallery  New York

Rhona Hoffman Gallery  Chicago

Honor Fraser  Los Angeles

Vivian Horan Fine Art  New York

Leonard Hutton Galleries  New York

Bernard Jacobson Gallery  London, New York

Annely Juda Fine Art  London

Paul Kasmin Gallery  New York

James Kelly Contemporary  Santa Fe

Sean Kelly Gallery  New York

Robert Koch Gallery  San Francisco

Michael Kohn Gallery Los Angeles

Leo Koenig, Inc.  New York

Alan Koppel Gallery Chicago

Yvon Lambert  Paris

Landau Fine Art  Montreal

Christian Larsen Stockholm

Galerie Lelong  New York, Paris, Zurich

Locks Gallery  Philadelphia

LOOCK Galerie  Berlin

Diana Lowenstein Gallery Miami

Luhring Augustine  New York

Robert Mann Gallery  New York

Lawrence Markey San Antonio

Matthew Marks Gallery  New York, Los Angeles

Barbara Mathes Gallery  New York

Galerie Gabrielle Maubrie  Paris

Galerie Hans Mayer Düsseldorf

The Mayor Gallery London

McCormick Gallery Chicago

Anthony Meier Fine Arts San Francisco

Nicholas Metivier Gallery Toronto

Mitchell-Innes & Nash New York

Galería Moisés Pérez de Albéniz Pamplona

Carolina Nitsch New York

David Nolan Gallery New York

Nyehaus  New York

P.P.O.W.  New York

Franklin Parrasch Gallery  New York

Ricco / Maresca Gallery New York

Yancey Richardson Gallery  New York

Roberts & Tilton  Los Angeles

Rosenthal Fine Art  Chicago

Salon 94  New York

Marc Selwyn Fine Art  Los Angeles

William Shearburn Gallery  St. Louis

Manny Silverman Gallery  Los Angeles

Carl Solway Gallery  Cincinnati

Hollis Taggart Galleries  New York

Tandem Press  Madison

Galerie Daniel Templon  Paris

Paul Thiebaud Gallery  San Francisco

Tilton Gallery New York

Leslie Tonkonow Artworks + Projects  New York

Van de Weghe  New York

Vincent Vallarino Fine Art New York

Washburn Gallery  New York

Daniel Weinberg Gallery  Los Angeles

Weinstein Gallery  Minneapolis

Max Wigram  London

Stephen Wirtz Gallery  San Francisco

Bryce Wolkowitz Gallery  New York

David Zwirner  New York, London

- CGN

 

Yes, collecting art really is something you can 'learn' to do. Collecting art is not so much complicated as intimidating, and the recent Collectors Colloquium was launched as a way to provide interested art enthusiasts with an overview of the art world and to give access to some local experts who can share their wisdom and insights.  At the end of the course, participants will have learned some basics, met others who are also interested in art, and hopefully seen first hand how open and welcoming our art scene is. Art collecting isn't really a 101 course you can check off your list and be done with - Ah ha!  I've learned how to spot the most valuable up-and-coming artists in order to make my investing forture! - it's a very personal, subjective experience that depends on your own taste and interests.  Everyone says it, but it's true. You should buy the best art that you can afford, and you should buy work that you love - ie: you're willing to live with it and enjoy it for a very long time.   But there are some helpful starting points to developing your eye and making smarter choices.  Most people need some kind of direction to get started.  Like any other dynamic topic, discussion is a big part of the learning process.  If you've joined us already, we're pleased to have you along for the journey, as you are well on your way to a rewarding life-long pursuit to living a unique life by having art as a part of your life.  If you haven't had a chance to join us yet, there's still time!  And we of course would like to offer more classes like this in the future.  To be notified of future collecting groups, please email us. Chicago is home to many unique galleries, artists and cultural institutions, and there are a wealth of creative resources to explore and make your own.  Welcome to the journey!

- CGN

SESSIONS TO DATE:

• A Passion for Collecting - Discussions with younger collectors who have been in the game for awhile and who have their own very personal stories of art and collecting passions.  Panelists shared their collecting philosophies as well as resources.

• In the White Cube - An evening with area art dealers who've nurtured the careers of younger artists, developed friendships with collectors, and those who have worked to spotlight emerging artists as well as those who may have been overlooked. 

• On the Auction Block - an evening with art experts at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, one of the area's most visible and successful auction operations.  Collectors learned the sport of buying at auction as well as the sophisticated nature of the auction treasure hunt (and the spectacular values one can find!)

NEXT UP 

• Eye for Hire (February 28, 2012 hosted by Kavi Gupta Gallery, 835 W. Washington)
This session will provide an overview of the art advisory profession, and help attendees understand why collectors hire art advisors. 

• Art as Investment + The (Art) Fair Game (March 27, 2012)
This session will provide an overview of how and why works of art appreciate.  We'll also cover some highlights of the local and national art fair scene and provide an overview of how to navigate an art fair, particularly now that you've met some other like-minded art enthusiasts!

Participants are still welcome to attend on an indiviudal as well as video basis - please email info@chicagogallerynews.com for more information.

Buzz abounded recently with the stunning news that the 30-year old Art Chicago fair (renamed Next Art Chicago but never mounted as such) has been cancelled by fair owner Merchandise Mart Properties (MMPI) a little more than 2 months before it was due to take place in late April.  Many in the art community are disappointed at the news and will have to rearrange their spring calendars and adjust to the first spring in Chicago without an art fair in 30 years.  Still on the cultural horizon will be the Merchandise Mart's venerable International Antiques Fair, April 27-30, and the new EXPO Chicago taking place at Navy Pier.

MMPI had this to say about the abrupt cancellation of Next Art Chicago via an emailed press release to vendors and partners:
After a thorough analysis of the art fair landscape, MMPI has determined not to move forward with the production of the 2012 edition of Next Art Chicago, and that Chicago will not remain a primary focus of its art fair business activities...It is our conclusion that the great majority of the art fair market in the United States has gravitated toward the coasts.  This is where MMPI will be reallocating its considerable resources.

CGN featured an article by writer Kevin Nance in our January-March issue discussing why Chicago collectors don't collect Chicago art - a question that has dogged many in the art community for many years.  Nance gave an overview of the ongoing Pacific Standard Time survey of art in LA.  CGN's publisher also talked about why Chicago is always caught in the middle between New York and LA, when really we have legs up on both ciities because of some uniquely midwestern strengths that just happen to get overlooked.  The Merchandise Mart was the owner of Art Chicago for just a brief time period, but unfortunately it chose to move 'its considerable resources' 'toward the coasts' - therefore chasing the same trendy dreams others have already been seeking.  Chicago's been down this road before and has been left for younger, sexier enticements, but we've also survived as much many times over. 

Now, we look 100% hopefully and earnestly towards Expo Chicago, the highly anticipated truly international art fair that will be launching in Chicago's original art fair confines, Navy Pier by the lake, September 20-23, 2012.  The long-running SOFA art fair, founded in Chicago, also at Navy Pier, also takes place again this fall for the 19th year.  Onward and upward!

The Chicago Tribune also reported on the story.

There was a sexy preview event last night in Navy Pier's famed Festival Hall, which seemed to have the air of history about it more than usual, with many fond references made to the glory days when some of the world's grandest art fairs took place in the soaring space.  The setting last night was very loungey - lots of red, black and white, amidst club music and low lighting - conveying a feeling of hip coolness.  For an evening all about art, there actually wasn't any around, but that's because the buzz was about anticipation - all that's promised to come next fall, September 20-23 for Chicago's newest international art fair. 

Tony Karman and his team unveiled a heavy-hitting list of announcements, and the audience cheered in all the right spots.  Here's the list. 

• Vernissage is back.  The very cool, arty party to benefit the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) was always in demand back in the day, and now the party days promise to be back.  Stay tuned. And start figuring out a way to get an invitation...

• 'Starchitect' Jeanne Gang (of the famous Aqua Tower here in Chicago) has been enlisted to design the fair environment... This is no ordinary fair, folks. It's an experience.

• Along with the good looks, the food promises to be great as well, since MK chef Michael Kornick will be overseeing the menu for food offerings at the fair.

• Some art world big wigs have already signed-on to get the ball rolling. To name a few: David Zwirner, Richard Gray, Galerie Karsten Greve, the Mayor Gallery, and Rhona Hoffman (one of 3 super powers on the selection committee charged with picking a limited number (100) of participants)

Last night showed that the team behind the fair is serious about making it work right out of the gate - they're going after the biggest names in the contemporary art world so that the biggest collectors will want to come to Chicago to see the show, as well as the city itself. We have everything here to be a worldclass city, but sometimes people need reminders.  Goodness knows this is a big endeavor, and it has the potential to give Chicago a shot in both arms. As far as I see it, the Olympics?  Who cares that that never happened here. A major art fair that can get the cultureati to land here, not just flyover, is certainly welcome and worthy of close watching.  A successful run will have a lasting impact throughout our city, not just in galleries and museums. Ever heard the addage that a rising tide lifts all boats? I certainly hope that's the case here, for our collectors, galleries, art fairs, artists, and certainly our civic pride.

There's a lot more info, including a new blog, on expo's site.  And there should be more loungey events this winter and spring as the news keeps coming, which is smart, since besides juicy news bits, everyone loves a free cocktail...

 

Last night was thankfully not like our dreary day today. It was mild and pleasant for the unveiling of SAIC grad Robert Indiana's HOPE sculpture that will be placed outside of the John Hancock Center, on the northeast corner of Michigan and Delaware until about Valentine's Day 2012.  KM Fine Arts directors Anna Hollinger and Tom Kivisto welcomed the group and celebrated the fact that this sculpture will no doubt become a fixture of the public's art engagement during the next few months. Crowds of visitors will be taking pictures with and around this uplifting installation. 

The artist could not attend the opening after all, as he has been ill the past few months.  The 2,000 lb + installation was there in his place.  HOPE has travelled to other art institutions and destinations around the country so far, and the 'hope' is that some day it will end up in the Smithsonian.  So just in case you're wondering, it's also not for sale. 

Following the unveiling, there was a lovely reception for the gallery's Eyes Wide Shut exhibition on the 25th floor of the Hancock.  The exhibition features European Masters, as well as work by contemporary Spanish artist Lita Cabellut, whose large-scale portraits crackle with drama and intensity. 

The gallery is hosting a second reception this Saturday evening in honor of SOFA.  The public is invited to attend to enjoy drinks and food from 6-9pm.  Free trolleys will take you there from SOFA (Entrance 2 at Navy Pier) and the MCA (220 E Chicago) from 5-7pm.