CHICAGO, IL.- The inaugural exposition CHICAGO debuts September 19–23, 2012 in Festival Hall at Navy Pier, produced by the newly formed Art Expositions, LLC under the leadership of President and Director Tony Karman. The new fair will open the fall art season in the heart of America and will draw upon our city’s rich history as a preeminent arts and culture destination. exposition CHICAGO will showcase up to 100 international art galleries, presenting a curated mix of contemporary and modern art, design and new mediums.

To ensure the highest standards of participating exhibitors and artwork presented, exposition CHICAGO will establish a Selection Committee of internationally respected dealers and be guided by an Advisory Committee of arts professionals and civic leaders.

“This is an exciting time for Chicago. With our foremost cultural institutions, innovative technology sectors, internationally renowned restaurants, music and theater, and a new Mayor strongly committed to the arts, it’s the right time for us to launch a new contemporary art exposition for our city,” said Karman. “exposition CHICAGO is about looking forward – in theme, scope and presentation. We will adhere to the highest of standards of quality to present a thoughtfully curated mix of dealers, artwork and design for collectors, curators and arts enthusiasts to explore.”

exposition CHICAGO will take full advantage of Navy Pier’s expansive space and ceiling height to offer generous-sized exhibitor stands, special exhibitions, large scale installations and patron amenities. To that end, exposition CHICAGO will very soon announce a premier designer and architecture firm, to assist in the creation of a cohesive, design-forward interior environment.

“Navy Pier holds many great memories for the international art world. Having a new fair on the lake at Navy Pier again at this time, in our great city, will serve artists, dealers and collectors very well,” said renowned gallerist Rhona Hoffman. “There are many wonderful and active collectors in the greater Midwest, and Chicago’s location makes it very convenient for them to travel here. I feel confident that this fair will be successful and build Chicago’s reputation as an international arts destination.”

For 2012, exposition CHICAGO will introduce an overarching theme – Discovery – to focus the programming and special installations that will occur at Navy Pier and other public art projects and events throughout the city.

“Discovery is important in all aspects of what we are trying to do with exposition CHICAGO. We envision that this theme will complement– and magnify – the extraordinary work of our local institutions, dealers, curators and artists,” said Karman. “September is the perfect time to establish our exposition and we will work closely with Chicago’s arts, design, entertainment, business and tourism industries to ensure a not-to-be-missed experience.”