LEGACY. STORY. HONOR. BRILLIANCE. EQUITY

LEGACY. STORY. HONOR. BRILLIANCE. EQUITY

2026 EXPO CHICAGO EVENTS

April 8 - 12, 2026

Through intentional, multi-sensory moments, EXPO Chicago Edition by Kinfolk Collective, brings together artists, curators, collectors, and cultural stewards to honor Black creativity, ownership, and legacy through shared exchange and connection.

  • An intimate gathering, with special guest Hebru Brantley, bringing together artists, collectors, curators, and creatives at the intersection of art, design, and culinary soul.

    Cocktails for the evening will feature the Old G and non-alcoholic pairings by Curious Elixirs.

    Guests will enjoy a tasting menu with cocktail pairings by award-winning Chef James Sanders, a 2026 James Beard Finalist. Sanders is a Chicago chef and entrepreneur known for creating elevated dining that celebrates South Side culture and community. He is the founder of Sanders BBQ Supply Co., now expanding to Hyde Park, and Fuze Catering. His work has been recognized by the New York Times as one of “America’s Best Restaurants 2025”. His upcoming Hyde Park restaurant, opening Spring 2026, continues his mission of blending culinary excellence with entrepreneurship and community impact.

    RSVP by April 5th.

  • Gathered VIP Collectors Tour:

    The Gathered is an intimate, guided experience for values-led collectors during EXPO, structured around Golden Our’s curated selection of exhibiting galleries, with a focus on intentional cultural stewardship.

    Meeting location and additional details provided via RSVP.

    Please book by April 5th.

  • Gathered Collectors Tour (Day 2)

    The Gathered Tour is an intimate, guided experience for values-led collectors during EXPO, structured around Golden Our’s curated selection of exhibiting galleries, with a focus on intentional cultural stewardship.

    This tour is divided into 3 parts so that guests can choose the portion they are interested in joining.

    Meeting location and additional details provided via RSVP.

    Please note that a valid EXPO Chicago fair ticket is required to join the tour. We encourage you to secure your ticket in advance. Space is intentionally limited.

    You will be asked to complete a brief questionnaire before the experience. Please keep an eye out for that email so that you can respond and confirm your attendance.

    Please RSVP by April 8th.

  • The Front Room:

    The Front Room, presented in partnership with Black Girls in Art Spaces, features a public-facing exhibition and fireside chat with Woman in the Arts. Drawing inspiration from Black front-room traditions, the experience centers dialogue, reflection, and collective wisdom. Through art, conversation, and community, The Front Room creates space for shared storytelling and cultural exchange.

  • EXPO Afterglow:

    A Private Gathering | Final Day of EXPO Chicago

    After a week filled with bustling fair floors, vibrant gallery openings, inspiring studio visits, and lively late dinners, the Afterglow offers a rare moment of calm: meaningful company, and genuine conversation. This intimate gathering brings together collectors, patrons, curators, advisors, and financial leaders for a relaxed, unhurried moment as the fair draws to a close. It's an opportunity to share insights, forge connections that truly matter, and take a breath before heading home. A graceful pause in the busy rhythm of art week.

    In Conversation

    Beyond the Frame: the Collector's Playbook

    What happens after you acquire the work? This candid session moves past the art itself to address the questions collectors actually grapple with: loans, estate planning, wealth transfer, and long-term stewardship. No panels, no pitches. Just frank discussion and current thinking on protecting and optimizing collections in a shifting landscape.

    Speakers:

    • Devin W. Blackburn, Attorney, Advisor, Art Patron

    • Janice Bond, Cultural Asset Advisor, Maison Steward Office

    • Ogechi Harry, Art Advisor, Golden Our

    This event is invite only.

This event is invite only.