ART CHICAGO 2008 ATTRACTS WORLD’S LEADING CONTEMPORARY AND MODERN ART GALLERIES

CHICAGO – A carefully vetted compilation of 181 of the world’s foremost contemporary and modern art galleries will be exhibiting at Art Chicago 2008, running April 25 – 28, at The Merchandise Mart.

Kohei Yoshiyuki
From the series The Park,
Untitled, 1979
Gelatin Silver Print
© Kohei Yoshiyuki, Courtesy Yossi Milo Galley, New York

A 17% increase in applications was received for Art Chicago 2008, with 350 galleries submitting in contrast to 300 the previous year. Additionally, 95% of the 132 exhibitors who participated in the 2007 fair re-applied for 2008 -- a dramatic increase from the 75% re-sign of the 104 participating galleries in 2006. Under different ownership, Art Chicago 2005 saw only 50% of galleries reapplying. International representation has been bolstered 36% for 2008, with 30 cities presenting, up from 22 in 2007. The strong roster of U.S. galleries continues, with 27 cities represented, a 35% increase over 20 in Art Chicago 2007.

Jennifer Bartlett
Twilight, 2007
oil on canvas
Courtesy of Richard Gray Gallery , Chicago / New York

"In every measurable way," commented Merchandise Mart Senior Vice President Mark Falanga, "Art Chicago is bigger and better. We attribute many of these improvements to the standards established by our Selection Committee, which was re-instituted in 2007."

For more info visit-- www.artchicago.com