Kate Sierzputowski Portrait. Photo Credit: Alexa Viscius

By CGN Staff

Frieze has announced the appointment of Kate Sierzputowski as Director and Essence Harden as Curator of EXPO CHICAGO, marking the next phase of the fair’s development under Frieze’s leadership. Both appointments take effect immediately.

Longtime followers of Chicago’s art scene will recognize Sierzputowski’s name — she has been a central figure in EXPO CHICAGO’s curatorial and programming initiatives since 2020, most recently serving as Artistic Director. Harden, a Los Angeles–based curator with an extensive exhibition history at institutions, including the Hammer Museum and the California African American Museum, brings a national perspective and a strong record of collaboration with artists and cultural organizations.

As Director, Sierzputowski will guide the fair’s overall strategy and programming, continuing to cultivate relationships with galleries and collectors. Harden will help define EXPO CHICAGO’s evolving curatorial voice and expand its institutional partnerships. Tony Karman, EXPO's founder who stepped down earlier this year as Director, will continue as President of EXPO CHICAGO in an advisory role.

The appointments come as the fair prepares for its 2026 edition at Navy Pier’s Festival Hall (April 9–12), presented by Northern Trust. Alongside changes in leadership, the upcoming edition will introduce a more focused fair with a smaller floorplan, designed to highlight the strongest work and ideas. This refined format reflects EXPO CHICAGO’s evolution emphasizing quality, connection and programming, bringing fresh perspectives to its strategic development.

Essence Harden Portrait. Photo Credit: Barrington Darius

“Kate and Essence embody the collaborative and forward-thinking spirit that defines Chicago’s art world,” said Kristell Chadé, Executive Director of Fairs at Frieze. “Their leadership marks an exciting moment of renewal for EXPO CHICAGO.”

Sierzputowski has most recently served as Artistic Director of EXPO CHICAGO, where she has been instrumental in championing the next generation of galleries, curators and collectors. Since joining in 2020, she has developed the fair’s curatorial and public programming in which she has brought major curators and institutional leaders to the fair, offering meaningful moments for engagement. In addition, she has led in developing the fair’s EXPOSURE section and managed key gallery relationships that have helped

strengthen the fair.

A long-time contributor to Chicago’s arts landscape, she was previously co-director of artist-run space Julius Caesar and was also the Senior Editor at Colossal. She has collaborated on projects with the Tremaine Foundation, Terra Foundation, Hyde Park Art Center, as well as local and national galleries. Kate graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and is frequently featured as a guest lecturer at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

“It’s an honor to build on EXPO CHICAGO’s deep connection to the city that inspires it,” said Sierzputowski. “Chicago thrives on experimentation and generosity – I’m excited to expand how the fair reflects that creative energy and risk taking, while continuing to position it as a site for bold dialogue and exchange.”

Frieze acquired EXPO CHICAGO in 2023, expanding its global network of art fairs to include Chicago alongside London, New York, Los Angeles, and Seoul. CGN has covered EXPO since its founding in 2012 and will continue to follow its evolution as it enters this new chapter under Frieze.

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