EXPO Chicago art fair returns with a 'refined' floorplan and Obama Center ties

The city's largest art event is back at Navy Pier April 9-12, with a focus on emerging artists and Chicago's connection to the Obama Presidential Center.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:18pm

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An abstract, minimalist composition of jagged, geometric shapes in bold red and white, conceptually representing the intentional, refined nature of the EXPO Chicago art fair.EXPO Chicago's refined floorplan and new leadership aim to foster deeper engagement between audiences and the fair's diverse array of international and local galleries.Chicago Today

EXPO Chicago, the city's largest art event, is returning to Navy Pier April 9-12 with a smaller but more 'intentional' lineup of 130 galleries from around the world. The fair has new leadership under director Kate Sierzputowski, who is successor to EXPO founder Tony Karman. The floorplan has been 'refined,' with fewer exhibitors including the removal of not-for-profit groups. However, the fair will feature a preview of the Obama Presidential Center's art collection and commissions, as well as panels and exhibitions highlighting Chicago's art scene and connections to global cities.

Why it matters

EXPO Chicago is a major annual event that brings international attention and art collectors to the city. The changes under new leadership, including a more curated exhibitor list and deeper ties to the upcoming Obama Presidential Center, signal an evolution in the fair's focus and priorities. This could impact the visibility of local artists and galleries, as well as the experience for attendees seeking to discover new talent and engage with Chicago's vibrant art community.

The details

The 2026 EXPO Chicago fair will feature 130 galleries, down from nearly 200 last year, after the decision was made to cut booths for not-for-profit groups. This 'refined' floorplan is intended to foster more engagement between audiences and the featured galleries, artists, and projects. Highlights include curated sections like 'Focus' for emerging artists and 'Profile' for international galleries. The fair will also host panel discussions, including one featuring artist Nick Cave, whose work is currently on exhibition at the Smithsonian. Additionally, the Obama Presidential Center will preview its art collection and commissions through two special exhibitions curated by Dr. Louise Bernard.

  • EXPO Chicago will take place April 9-12, 2026 at Navy Pier in Chicago.
  • The Obama Presidential Center is set to open to the public on Juneteenth 2026.

The players

Kate Sierzputowski

The new director of EXPO Chicago, succeeding founder Tony Karman who stepped down last May.

Tony Karman

The founder of EXPO Chicago, who launched the contemporary and modern art fair in 2012 as a descendant of the previous Art Chicago fair.

Monique Meloche

A longtime Chicago gallerist and art dealer who sits on EXPO's selection committee.

Essence Harden

The curator for EXPO Chicago.

Dr. Louise Bernard

The founding director of the Obama Presidential Center and the Obama Foundation's vice president.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know if it's resolved by the fair. I don't think it is, but it does allow for, hopefully, another way of relating and being with each other. It's still art and people still make it and it's still one of the most essential human qualities of our species.”

— Essence Harden, Curator, EXPO Chicago

“We really think about that idea of humanism and the role of empathy and how we are all connected.”

— Dr. Louise Bernard, Founding Director, Obama Presidential Center

What’s next

The Obama Presidential Center's art exhibitions and commissions featured at EXPO will offer a preview of the center's collection ahead of its public opening on Juneteenth 2026.

The takeaway

EXPO Chicago's evolution under new leadership, with a more curated exhibitor list and deeper ties to the upcoming Obama Presidential Center, signals a shift in the fair's focus towards fostering deeper engagement between audiences, galleries, and artists, particularly those with connections to Chicago's vibrant art scene.