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Welcome to the Pigmented Black Fine Art Faire

Organized by Pigment International NFP 

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Pigmented Web Banner.png

ABOUT THE PIGMENTED BLACK FINE ART FAIRE

The inaugural Pigmented Black Fine Art Faire is a groundbreaking national event celebrating Black creativity, excellence, and cultural contributions. Coinciding with Black Fine Art Month (BFAM)—recognized in the Congressional Record by Congresswoman Robin Kelly in 2019—this fair offers a vital platform for visibility, equity, and impact in the national art fair landscape.​

 

Pigment International is proud to assemble leading Black and multicultural artists, galleries, and arts organizations from across the country, and we thank you for your participation.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thank you for your participation in the Pigmented Black Fine Art Fair (PBFAF). This handbook provides all required information for successful   participation. Please read carefully and contact the PBFAF team with any questions.

PBFAF MARKS

Exhibitor is not authorized to use and agrees it will not use any Organizer trademark(s), logo(s), service mark(s), trade name(s), and/or legal notice(s) (collectively, “Marks”) without Organizer’s prior written authorization. All rights, title, and interests in the Marks and the goodwill pertaining thereto are the exclusive property of the Organizer.

 

EXHIBITOR PORTAL
The Pigmented Black Fine Art Faire Online Portal is an important resource for exhibiting galleries and artists, containing key documents, handbooks, workshop recordings, and marketing assets. The fair team will continue to upload documents over the course of the fair period, so please check this portal regularly.

GALLERY PARTICIPANTS

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detroit

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Chicago

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chicago

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Chicago

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Chicago

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chicago

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nyc | inj

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Chicago

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racine, wi

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Atlanta

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atlanta

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Memphis

Artist Participants

Pigment International Alumni Artists

Pigmented team 

The PBFAF team is here to help. If you have any questions, please contact us.

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Patricia Andrews Keenan

Founder | CEO 

312-206-2821

pigmentintl@gmail.com

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Phyliss North

CFO

312-890-6016

phyliss.north3@gmail.com

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Sharon Samuels and Big City Sets

Show Designer

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Emily Haugen

Floor Manager
309-530-2709

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Cassandra Wilson

Pigmented Store Manager

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Dorian Sylvain

Gallery Coordinator

773-544-1715

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Paul Branton

Artist curators 

773-320-7915

Martha Wade TN.png

Martha Wade

Artist curators 

773-456-2063

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Doug Kenney

Community Partner Coordinator

310-200-1020

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Karen Weddington

Sponsorship Coordinator

312-282-4749

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Claudette Roper

Programming Coordinator

312-493-1930

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Ruby Simmons

Pigmented administrator

PAK.jpg

Patricia Andrews Keenan
Founder | CEO 

312-206-2821

pigmentintl@gmail.com

PNorth.jpg

Phyliss North
CFO

312-890-6016

phyliss.north3@gmail.com

Samuels.jpg

Sharon Samuels and Big City Sets

Show Designer

Gold Placeholder TN.png

Emily Haugen

Floor Manager
309-530-2709

Gold Placeholder TN.png

Cassandra Wilson

Pigmented Store Manager

Gold Placeholder TN.png

Dorian Sylvain

Gallery Coordinator

773-544-1715

Paul Branton TN.png

Paul Branton

Artist Coordinators 

773-320-7915

Martha Wade TN.png

Martha Wade

Artist Coordinators 

773-456-2063

Doug Kenney TN.png

Doug Kenney

Community Partner Coordinator

310-200-1020

Gold Placeholder TN.png

Karen Weddington

Sponsorship Coordinator

312-282-4749

Gold Placeholder TN.png

Claudette Roper Programming Coordinator

312-493-1930

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Zhou-B-Art-Center Exterior.jpg

The Venue | Zhou B Art Center 1029 W 35th St, Chicago, IL 60609

DIRECTIONS | Accessible via car, rideshare, and public transit. The closest CTA station is 35th-Bronzeville-IIT on the Green Line.

PARKING | Limited free street parking is available. Spaces are first-come, first-served and cannot be reserved.

VALET PARKING | available for Thursday Gala Opening.

ACCESSIBILITY | Venue is fully ADA accessible; service animals are welcome. 

COAT CHECK | available

Pigmented Black Fine Art Faire Hours of Operation

oct 29

Wednesday
9 am – 5 PM 

Courier deliveries accepted

(no exhibitors onsite)

oct 30

Thursday

9 aM – 4 PM

Exhibitor Load-in | Passes at Welcome Desk

6 pm – 10 pm 

Opening Night Gala Reception

oct 31

Friday

3 pm – 4:45 pm 

Collector’s Tour 
5 pm – 10 pm

Butter After Dark

nov 01

Saturday

11 am – 7 pm

Pigmented black fine art Faire Open 

nov 02

Sunday

11 AM – 6 PM

pigmented black fine art Faire Open 
6 pm – 9 pm 

Exhibitor load-out

nov 03

Monday

8am – 12 pm 

Crate pick-up

(no exhibitors onsite)

  • No exhibitors will be allowed to load-in on October 30, 2025, unless all payments have been received and cleared by Pigment International

  • Exhibitors may access the venue one hour before opening and remain 30 minutes after closing on fair days.

  • All Exhibitors must carry Commercial General Liability Insurance.

  • You must upload (where) your Certificate of Insurance (COI) by October 5, 2025

  • The COI must show a minimum of $2,000,000 (USD) in the aggregate, $1,000,000 per occurrence, and $1,000,000 for products and completed operations.

DISCLAIMER | PBFAF, while taking reasonable precautions, disclaims responsibility for any loss, liability, cost, expense, or damage which may befall Exhibitors, contractors, or visitors from any cause whatsoever arising in connection with the Fair.

 

ADDITIONAL INSURANCE RESOURCESThimble

FOR EXHIBITORS ONLY | Exhibitor Refreshments in Obama Suite from 2 PM – 3 PM each day. 

EXHIBITION DESIGN

The Pigmented Black Fine Art exhibition has been designed by renowned architect, set designer and photographer Sharon M. Samuels and constructed by Big City Sets, Inc.  The layout of the fair is carefully curated considering many factors. 

 

The booths are not allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The Fair Team will email you information regarding the configuration of your booth, your booth number, and the floorplan once all the positions have been assigned.

 

Each booth is custom with on average 200 square feet, all walls are 8” tall and side walls are on average 4” wide. Each booth includes white wooden walls, basic lighting (2), signage and two chairs.  Power outlets are available/ Exhibitors are responsible for their own tools, screws and hardware. A limited number of ladders are available on a first come, first serve basis. Exhibitors must provide their own installation manpower.    

 

Paint - Please contact Pigment International in advance about painting booths.  All booths must be returned to white at the end of the show.  

 

Additional furniture, lighting and lighting is available for rental.  

  • Additional Lights - $25 each

  • Additional Chairs - $15 each 

  • Other furniture available upon request ​

 

Other Considerations

  • Neon Lighting – Must be installed out of public reach at least nine (9) feet high and encased in plexiglass.  Please notify Phyliss North ahead of installation.  

  • Exhibitor owned lights please call or e-mail.

  • Sound – Music in booths is prohibited unless it is part of the art installation.  Please notify the Pigment team in advance.

  • Secured paid parking is available at 1037 W. 35th Street. Call (877) 242-7901  

BOOTH CURATION

We have partnered with the preeminent galleries and artists in the country to create this event and expect the show to be expertly curated and beautifully presented. Less is more. Do not overhang, let the work ‘breathe’. For more images see ‘Curation Guide’ on the Exhibitor Portal. We recommend exhibiting works under 60" as most purchasers will want to take work with them. Exhibitors must ensure that their artwork on display is not in any way libelous or otherwise defamatory or discriminatory toward any person.

 

ONSITE LOGISTICS

  • WIFI is available

  • Exhibitors must be present to install, manage, and dismantle their booths.

  • Installation Materials: Exhibitors are responsible for providing all necessary tools and hardware for installation. A limited number of ladders will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Booth packages do not include furniture. Artists are encouraged to bring their own small tables, or additional seating.

  • No storage is available behind booths due to fire regulations. Plan accordingly for artwork and packaging materials.

  • Wrapping service will be available for all artworks purchased at the fair from a third party vendor for a fee.​ Shipping is billed to the exhibitor. 

 

SHIPPING | SHIPPING ADDRESS IS 

Zhou B Fine Arts Center 

c/o Pigmented Black Fine Art Faire

1029 W. 35th St.

Chicago, IL.  60609

 

  • Art and supplies may arrive as early as October 27, 2025.

  • You must use Form 5 to book any courier or third-party deliveries to or the venue. 

  • Pigmented Black Fine Art Fair (PBFAF) cannot accept responsibility for deliveries that are not booked. 

  • Any mail or courier deliveries directed to you at the Fair should be clearly addressed using above details.

COURIER AND THIRD-PARTY DELIVERIES CAN BE MADE BETWEEN THE FOLLOWING HOURS

Wednesday, October 29 | 9 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday, October 30 | 9 AM – 4 PM

 

COURIER AND THIRD-PART COLLECTIONS AFTER THE FAIR 

Sunday, November 2  | 6 PM – 10 PM

Monday, November 3 | 8 AM 12 PM

 

  • All collections MUST be completed by 12 pM on Monday, November 3

  • The Pigmented Black Fine Art Fair (PBFAF) will not take responsibility for any shipments not collected by the specified times.

  • Load-in & Load-out- (October 29 – 30) Schedules distributed October 25, 2025

  • Exhibitor Load-in will take place on: Wednesday–Thursday, October 29–30 from 9 AM– 4 PM

  • Exhibitors will be able to park in the lot for up to 60 minutes to UNLOAD or LOAD their vehicle. Once loading/unloading is complete vehicles need to find parking in an alternative location.

  • To reduce congestion and ensure a smooth load all exhibitors MUST book a load-in timeslot (unless their work is being delivered or collected by a third-party courier). 

  • Please adhere to your assigned loading slot as not doing so will impede your fellow artist’s load in experience.

  • The venue has double wide doors into the main exhibition space, exhibitors are encouraged to bring a dolly or cart.

LOAD-IN TIMESLOTS ARE OFFERED ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS REQUEST YOUR SLOT ASAP.

You can request a load-in time using Form 5 below. The deadline to complete this form is October 21st.

NO ART STORAGE IS AVAILABLE AT THE BOOTH

There is limited storage available for crates brought by out-of-state exhibitors. Please contact Phyliss North 312-890-6016 via text or e-mail phyliss.north3@gmail.com to pre-book your storage. 

 

Storage will be accessible on Thursday and Sunday only. Exhibitors will not be able to access the storage during show hours.

 

Storage will not be allowed behind your booth. We therefore recommend you consider this when planning the build and breakdown of your stand. 

 

The organizer does not accept responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged property.

 

LOAD OUT

No Exhibitor may load out prior to the end of the show on Sunday, November 2 at 6 PM. Vehicle access to the loading area will be on a first come, first serve basis. Access to the lot is for loading only. Please do not bring your vehicle into the lot until you are completely packed down.

 

EXHIBITOR PASSES

All Exhibitors will be given one exhibitor and one assistant pass.Please check in at the Exhibitor Registration Desk on Thursday, to receive your Exhibitor & Assistant passes. Passes are required to gain access to the venue.

 

PIGMENTED BLACK FINE ART FAIRE TICKETS

Tickets are available on both Eventbrite and Event Noir. Color coded wrist bands are required each day for admission.  

SALES PROCESSING
All Exhibitors will process their sales with exception of Pigmented Featured Artists

  • Pricing: All artworks on display must have visible pricing ensuring transparency. 

  • Buyers may take purchased artworks immediately after payment. Exhibitors should bring additional works to replace sold pieces.​

 
MARKETING & PROMOTION
Pigment International will provide marketing support to all exhibitors, including:​

  • Exhibitor Profiles: Featured on the Pigmented Faire website and promotional materials.

  • Social Media Promotion: Highlights across Pigment International’s social media platforms.

  • Press Releases: Inclusion in press materials distributed to media outlets.

  • VIP Invitations: Opportunities to invite collectors and patrons to the VIP Preview.​ Please provide lists of VIPs in advance.  

 
INDEMNIFICATION
You shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Organizer and its parent, affiliates and subsidiaries and each of their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, successors, and assigns from and against all losses, damages, liabilities, deficiencies, actions, judgments, interest, awards, penalties, fines, costs, or expenses of whatever kind (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or resulting from: bodily injury, death of any person, or damage to real or tangible, personal property resulting from your (or your employees’ or sub-contractors’) acts of omissions; and your (or your employees’ or sub-contractors’) breach of any Exhibitor representation, warranty, or obligation in the Exhibitor Handbook. The Organizer may satisfy such indemnity (in whole or in part) by way of deduction from any payment due to you.
 
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
Except for your indemnification obligations, above, in no event will your and/or the organizer, or its parent, affiliates or subsidiaries, be liable for any indirect, special, incidental, consequential, punitive or exemplary damages arising out of or in connection with the fair.
 
SERVERABILITY
If any term or condition in the Exhibitor Handbook is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability will not affect the other terms and conditions of the Exhibitor Handbook. Moreover, if any term or condition in the Exhibitor Handbook is held to be excessively broad as to duration, geographical scope, activity, or subject, it will be construed by limiting and reducing it, to be enforceable to the extent compatible with the applicable laws.
 
WAIVER
No waiver by either party of a breach of any term or condition hereof will be taken or held to be a waiver of any other breach of such term or condition or a waiver of the term or condition itself.
 
COMPLIANCE
Exhibitors will comply with all applicable laws, regulations, statutes and industry standards with respect to its acts or omissions at the Fair.
 
FORCE MAJEURE
Pigmented Black Fine Art Fair (PBFAF) is not liable for any damages, losses, or expenses if the Fair is prevented from taking place at the venue, on the scheduled dates, or at all, by reason of fire, flood, storm, strike, lockout or other labor trouble, riot, war, rebellion, accident or other acts of God.
 
GOVERNING LAW, JURISDICTION AND VENUE
The terms and conditions of the Exhibitor Handbook and any dispute relating thereto will be governed by the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to conflict/choice of law principles. Exhibitor agrees to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Chicago, Illinois. Any claim against the Organizer will be adjudicated on an individual basis and will not be consolidated in any proceeding with any claim or controversy of any other party.

EXHIBITOR CHECKLIST

✔ Booth payment complete

✔ Insurance uploaded (or $185 group       coverage paid)

✔ Forms submitted (1–5 by deadlines)

✔ Load-in slot booked

✔ Marketing assets uploaded to portal

✔ Artist presence confirmed for all  Fair days

To secure your space for the 2026 Pigmented Black Fine Art Faire and receive discounts and priority placement contact Phyliss North.

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