Join Chicagoans for the 11th Annual Creative Chicago Expo mid-March. Featuring 30+ workshops, 140+ exhibitors and keynote addresses by artist and activist Theaster Gates, fashion designer Maria Pinto, chef Carrie Nahabedian and filmmaker Robert Teitel. 

Theaster Gates speaks on Friday 3/14, 10:30am.

He has an expanded practice that encompasses community development and reuse strategies, performance, object making and critical engagement with many publics. Founder of the non-profit Rebuild Foundation, Gates is currently Director of Arts and Public Life at the University of Chicago. 

Maria Pinto speaks on Friday 3/14, 3pm.

She has gained fame with her one-of-a-kind designs worn by Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey. Her new ready-to-wear line M2057 by Maria Pinto was launched online after a massively successful Kickstarter campaign that garnered over $270,000 start-up funding. This new capsule collection of modern dresses, jackets and wraps reflect her desire to explore fresh and innovative ideas and techniques, with an urban flair. 

Carrie Nahabedian speaks on Saturday 3/15, 10:30am.

She has pioneered culinary arts in Chicago, Atlantic City, Los Angeles and Europe. After departing her position as Executive Chef of the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, Carrie returned to her native Chicago to open NAHA in 2000, which garnered her a James Beard Award and four consecutive Michelin stars. Carrie is one of only 10 female chefs in the U.S. to garner a Michelin star.

Robert Teitel speaks on Saturday 3/15, 3pm.

He is the producer of some of the most successful urban studio and independent films and television series in motion picture history. The trendsetting comedies “Soul Food,” “Barbershop,” “Barbershop 2” and “Beauty Shop” sparked conversations about race across America, grossed over $100 million and led to several successful television series. A graduate of Columbia College Chicago, Bob formed his first production company with director George Tillman while both were in school, and went on to produce “Scenes for the Soul,” using Chicago talent and resources. In January 2009 they released NOTORIOUS, the true story of The Notorious B.I.G. for Fox Searchlight Pictures.

Get more information and the full schedule here.