CHICAGO.- The inaugural EXPO CHICAGO, The International Exposition of Contemporary/Modern Art and Design, will host an exclusive list of the world's premier galleries in Chicago Sept. 20–23, 2012 in Festival Hall at Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Avenue). Produced by Art Expositions, LLC under the leadership of President and Director Tony Karman, the new fair will open the international fall arts season and will establish Chicago as a preeminent art fair and cultural destination.

"The groundswell of support that we have received since our initial announcement of EXPO CHICAGO has been tremendous," said Karman. "To have world renowned galleries, cultural institutions and museums joining us at this stage is truly extraordinary. I believe strongly that the art world will be marking their calendars to be in Chicago next September."

In addition to the many applications and commitments already received, EXPO CHICAGO announced several top international dealers that have committed to participate. They include: David Zwirner (New York, NY); Richard Gray Gallery (Chicago, IL); Galerie Karsten Greve (Cologne, Germany, Paris, France and St. Moritz, Switzerland); Galerie Hans Mayer (Düsseldorf, Germany); Annely Juda Fine Art (London, England); CRG Gallery (New York, NY); Barbara Mathes Gallery (New York, NY); The Mayor Gallery (London, England) and D’Amelio Terras (New York, NY) joining Anthony Meier Fine Arts (San Francisco, CA) and Rhona Hoffman Gallery (Chicago, IL) on the 2012 Selection Committee.

EXPO CHICAGO will limit the number of participating exhibitors to no more than 100 top tier dealers. A Selection Committee of internationally respected dealers and an Advisory Committee of arts professionals and civic leaders will ensure the highest standards of exhibitors.

"Chicago has a vibrant and rich history in the arts, and I am committed to building on this history," said Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. "This contemporary international exposition will bring artists, dealers, collectors, and curators from around the world to experience Chicago’s culture, and will further establish Chicago as an international leader in the arts."

EXPO CHICAGO is proud to announce that the world-renowned Studio Gang Architects, led by MacArthur Fellow Jeanne Gang, will join the Expo’s creative team in a collaborative initiative to devise the design-forward interior environment at Navy Pier. Gang will take full advantage of Festival Hall’s expansive space and ceiling height, creating a show floor that offers generous-sized exhibitor booths and spaces for special exhibitions, as well as ample room for large-scale installations and patron amenities. Navy Pier’s unparalleled views of Lake Michigan and downtown Chicago will provide the perfect backdrop for her design. "I’m very excited to be part of the EXPO CHICAGO team," Gang said, "We are looking forward to producing engaging, unconventional spaces to enrich the visitor’s and exhibitor’s experience of the show."

EXPO CHICAGO and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago are excited to announce that the fair will be launched with the return of Vernissage, a exclusive opening night preview celebration that for many years was a highlight of the city’s social and cultural calendar. Set for Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012 and co-chaired by Marilyn Fields, the event will offer first viewing of the works, as well as the opportunity to meet members of the international art and design communities. Proceeds from "Vernissage" benefit the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago.

"The MCA is thrilled to partner with EXPO CHICAGO to bring back Vernissage. Our mission is to offer the public direct engagement with the work and ideas of living artists, and to help them understand the historical, social and cultural context of the art of our time," said MCA Pritzker Director Madeleine Grynsztejn. “EXPO CHICAGO offers attendees the opportunity to do just that, while Vernissage helps provide funding for the MCA to reach a broad and diverse audience.”

"By showcasing the finest international galleries and artists at Chicago’s historic Navy Pier, EXPO CHICAGO reinforces our City’s standing as a top destination for arts and culture," said Michelle T. Boone, Commissioner, Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. "We are proud to partner with this exceptional event, which enriches Chicago’s own arts community by deepening our cultural connections worldwide."

EXPO CHICAGO will offer an exclusive VIP Patron Program that will include access to invitation-only events and tours organized by top curators as well as direct access to special guests. Many important Chicago area art organizations and business leaders have joined with EXPO CHICAGO to offer related programming that will augment the fair both on the exhibition floor, in other areas of Navy Pier and throughout the city. EXPO CHICAGO has already established partnerships with the Art Institute of Chicago, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, The Renaissance Society, the Smart Museum of Art, Hyde Park Art Center, threewalls, International Sculpture Center, Chicago Children’s Museum, ArtTable and many others.