FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

Shawn M. Kahle

Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc.

312.527.7074, skahle@mmart.com

The Artist Project, Independent Artist Exhibition and Sale

Seeks Artists for Inaugural Show April 27-30, 2007 in Chicago

New Art Exhibition Featuring Independent Artists, to

Coincide with Art Chicago 2007 at The Merchandise Mart

Chicago, Nov. 17, 2006 – The Artist Project, a new art exhibition dedicated to independent artists of two-dimensional, mixed media, photography and sculpture, will debut April 27-30, 2007 and coincide with Art Chicago.

In its inaugural year, The Artist Project expects to feature up to 50 artists. A national Call for Artists is underway to ensure The Artist Project attracts fine artists from throughout North America. The juried show will accept applications from fine artists online until December 1, 2006. Applications can be obtained at www.theartistproject.net.

“For many years, art galleries large and small around Chicago have taken

advantage of the swell of art activities and attention brought on by Art Chicago,” said Kathleen Hogan, Director of Sales, The Artist Project. “The Artist Project will provide the same platform to a large group of extremely talented independent fine artists during this annual spring tradition.”

The Artist Project will be a distinctive addition to a citywide celebration of art, antiques and culture called ARTropolis. Scores of special events, exhibitions, programs, tours, music, theater and dance performances are being planned at a wide variety of venues throughout Chicago. ARTropolis is expected to attract collectors and curators from around the world for this dynamic cultural experience.

The Artist Project will debut with a special Preview Night Celebration on Thursday, April 26, 2007 that will benefit the Chicago Artists’ Coalition.

The Artist Project will be located in 350 West Mart Center Drive. More details are available at www.theartistproject.net. Information about Art Chicago and ARTropolis can be found at www.artchicago.com.

Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI) is a trade show and property management firm, specializing in managing buildings devoted to wholesale showrooms and commercial office space. MMPI produces more than 300 trade shows, market events and conferences each year. MMPI manages The Merchandise Mart and 350 West Mart Center in Chicago; Market Square, the Suites at Market Square, Hamilton Market, Plaza Suites, Furniture Plaza and the National Furniture Mart in High Point, N.C.; the Architects & Designers Building and 7 W New York in New York; the Boston Design Center in Boston; the L.A. Mart in Los Angeles; and the Washington Design Center and Federal Center Southwest in Washington D.C.

Vornado Realty Trust, owners of MMPI, based in New York City, is a fully integrated equity real estate investment trust. Vornado’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and are traded under the symbol VNO.

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