Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Karman.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Tony. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My journey in Chicago began in 1982 as a temporary security guard at what was then the Chicago International Art Exposition. After a long and varied career working with the City, numerous organizations and my own company, I launched EXPO CHICAGO, The International Exposition of Contemporary & Modern Art in 2012. Now in its sixth year EXPO CHICAGO is built on a long legacy and tradition of Chicago hosting an international art fair at Navy Pier. I am grateful for an extraordinary team of professionals who share my drive in making EXPO CHICAGO a not-to-be-missed international event in service to the global arts community and a positive contribution to Chicago’s rich cultural community of collectors, artists, galleries, curators and institutions.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Roads are always bumpy and quite honestly should be. I often say that “I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up” as I truly believe we should be open to change and be prepared for inevitable twists and turns of life’s journey.
Please tell us about Expo Chicago.
EXPO CHICAGO, the International Exposition of Contemporary & Modern Art, has established the city of Chicago as a preeminent art fair destination, presenting 135 international galleries from 135 from 25 countries and 58 cities. Initiating the beginning of the international fall art season each September, EXPO CHICAGO takes place at historic Navy Pier, whose vast vaulted architecture hosts leading international exhibitors presented alongside one of the highest quality platforms for global contemporary art and culture. Dedicated to rigorous and challenging programming, EXPO CHICAGO initiates strategic international partnerships, built alongside strong institutional relationships with major local museums and organizations to open parallel exhibitions and events.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Never. I am quite proud of my career and of my many accomplishments and failures.
The cumulative of all of these are what matters most and if you are earnest, honest, hardworking and remember that all things take time and effort, then success is in your future.
Pricing:
- Single-Day $20 and Four-day $40 tickets are available at www.expochicago.com
Contact Info:
- Website: www.expochicago.com
- Phone: 312.867.9220
- Instagram: instagram.com/expochicago
- Facebook: facebook.com/expochicago
- Twitter: twitter.com/expochicago
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
