Exhibition | Are You Really Winning Art Competition

On View through Oct 10

On Display

Corridor Gallery, Civic Center, in partnership with the City of Carbondale

The Healing Power of Art

This unique exhibition showcases artwork created for the Problem Gambling Art Awareness Competition. This competition is an extension of the Illinois statewide campaign to raise awareness about the problem of gambling and was created to help educate the public.

Stories of Hope and Recovery

The featured artwork sheds light on the journey from darkness to hope for individuals impacted by gambling addiction. The goal of this exhibition is to share stories of hope that empower those experiencing gambling issues to choose their own path to recovery. 

A Collective Call for Awareness

Building on these powerful themes, the exhibition invites viewers to consider how gambling addiction affects individuals, families, and communities. Each piece offers a distinct perspective—some capturing the emotional weight of addiction, others illustrating resilience, clarity, and the possibility of change. Together, they form a collective message that encourages open dialogue, reduces stigma, and reminds those struggling that support is within reach.

Support and Resources

Visitors moved by the artwork or seeking guidance can find confidential help and information online at: Are You Really Winning, or by calling 1‑800‑GAMBLER. These resources offer counseling, treatment options, and tools for anyone affected by problem gambling, reinforcing the exhibition’s mission to inspire hope and connect individuals with the support they deserve.

Competition Winners On View

The following works of art were selected as winners of the Visual Arts Competition and are currently on display in the Corridor Gallery along with displays of remaining submitted works.

Problem Gambling Awareness Art Competition Winners

1st Place Visual

• Artist: Bill Turner

• Hometown: Oswego, IL

• Title: In Deep Water

In Deep Water reflects the struggle of feeling trapped in addiction, like sinking with no clear way out. It shows the constant pull between wanting to break free and being dragged back under. The journey to the surface represents strength and persistence, and finally being able to breathe again symbolizes hope, relief, and the possibility of recovery.

2nd Place Visual

• Artist: Carrie Forto

• Hometown: Chicago, IL

• Title The Breakthrough

The Breakthrough aims to reflect the emotional environment that addiction creates for the addict and how alone you feel in that environment. The woman in the image is trapped in her world of problem gambling, and she even begins to turn to stone herself, but then she tears open the dark, ominous sky to reveal a beautiful blue sky, which represents the hope for a life beyond addiction. The woman’s green dress represents hope and new beginnings.

3rd Place Visual

• Artist: Elana Pardo III

• Hometown: Cary, IL

• Title: Are You Really Winning

At the heart of the painting stands a towering dome constructed entirely of golden dollar signs. The cage does not have a lock because it does not need one. The figures surrounding it are not held there by force; they are drawn in, willingly seduced by the promise of what is inside. Money here is simultaneously the dream and the trap, the reward and the bars of the cell. The most dangerous prisons are the ones you walk into yourself, convinced the whole time that you can walk back out.

In Partnership with

• Way Back Inn

• a5 Branding & Digital