Meet Southern Illinois Artist, Dr. Rachel Malcolm-Ensor
Artspace Southern Illinois Exhibition: Joy & Discovery—Diverse Expression
A Women’s Collective, celebrating the art of seven Southern Illinois women artists
Rachel’s background, remarkable experiences, and passions inform her artwork. She grew up surrounded by creativity and artistic influences—both her mother and grandmother were painters. She began painting at a young age, taught by her mother, explaining that it was innate,
“…it was a driven inclination in me.”
Art and Art History
It wasn’t until her 40s that she pursued her art more formally, earning an MFA and then a PhD in Art History. She worked as an art historian and gained a fascination with the African diaspora. She specializes in African signs, symbols, and writing systems, and these visual languages form the basis of much of her painting and mixed‑media collage work. Additionally, her work incorporates botanicals and abstraction. During her career, she taught at the James Madison University study‑abroad program in Ghana, deepening her passions in both art and African culture.
Settling in Southern Illinois, she worked in Southern Illinois University’s History Department, became one of the founders of the Oak Street Art Fair, and founded and taught at the Murphysboro School of Art—a community‑driven effort to expand access to the arts, especially for youth.
Art that Brings Joy, Expression, and Cultural Meaning
Rachel is happy to now pursue her art full-time as a mixed‑media artist.
Her work is vibrant and expressive, and she moves between styles. The breadth of her work creates a joyful, energetic experience, along with pieces that carry cultural meaning and visual symbolism. She mainly works in oil, oil‑and‑acrylic on canvas, and gouache—a velvety, opaque paint that blends the richness of acrylic with the softness of watercolor. She often moves between pieces as they develop, working on both small pieces and large-format, 5’ x 7’ canvases.
Beyond Creativity—Fostering Imagination and Self-Confidence
In describing her approach to teaching, specifically children, but an approach that holds meaning for adults as well, she shared the focus on helping people trust their own instincts. One method she offered is beginning with tiny pieces of white paper that students cut and arrange however they choose, watching how an object, design, or scene emerges. This simple exercise encourages imagination and abstract thinking.
She explained that an aspect of teaching art involves personal growth in young people (applicable to individuals of all ages), in which it teaches individuals to
“…learn to accept themselves and that they don’t have to have acceptance from others.”
Places for the Cultural Arts in Southern Illinois
Rachel values having places like Artspace Southern Illinois for artists to share their work. She appreciates our newest location, Artspace Southern Illinois—On the Strip Gallery and Shop, for its relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and its accessibility to people of all ages.
A Lasting Impact
As an artist, art historian, educator, and advocate who has developed and implemented arts programs and events in the region, Rachel has made a lasting impact on arts and culture in Southern Illinois and beyond. Her art brings together her academic, cultural, and personal experiences, grounded in curiosity, exploration, and a lifelong engagement with the visual world. Her presence continues to enrich the arts in our communities, and we are honored to share her meaningful and beautiful work.
See Her Work On View Now & Pieces for Purchase—Make an Impact
On view at Artspace Southern Illinois—On the Strip, with select pieces for purchase. Stop by to view a selection of her artwork, alongside work from other remarkable Southern Illinois women artists.