Events & Exhibits Calendar
Take in the arts in Southern Illinois
Exhibitions, performances, creative activities, workshops, creative talks, artist opportunities, and more.
We work to give everyone the opportunity to discover and enjoy the arts, right here in our communities. All Artspace Southern Illinois events and exhibits are FREE and open to the public. PLEASE NOTE: we host events in partnership with outside organizations and individuals or on their behalf—these events and exhibits may have a fee; please see events below for details.
Your support helps us continue to offer free events and supports local artists in continuing their work. Ways to Support Our Work >
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OPEN NOW Southern Arts Fund Grant Submission
Grant Submissions NOW OPEN
We’re proud to support the cultural arts in Southern Illinois and provide vital funding through the Southern Arts Fund (SAF). These funds help support creatives, programs, organizations, and more to continue to—create, perform, and provide opportunities for people across our region to explore and take part in the cultural arts.
Key Details:
Deadline: December 31, 2025
Eligibility: Grants are open to Southern Illinois artists, performers, arts educators, nonprofit arts organizations, and cultural events that are free and open to the public—find full eligibility details on our SAF Grant Submission page.
What’s Offered: $35,000 in total funding available. Multiple grants will be awarded, ranging from $1500 to $3000—please see the SAF Grant Submission page for more information.
Grant Application Submission Session
We're Here to Help
We understand the grant submission process may seem like a lot or be confusing, and we want to make it as easy as possible. Join us for a grant application submission information session:
November 22, 2025 - 11:00 am - Noon
We'll discuss eligibility and criteria
Walk through the application process
Offer time for a Q & A
To attend: Email cdeane@artspace304.org for the Zoom Meeting Link
Need a computer or help with the digital application? We want to remove barriers to applying. If you need any resources, computer access, or assistance with the digital application, please email: cdeane@artspace304.org or call: 618-457-5100.
Learn How We Fund the Cultural Arts in Southern Illinois
We’ve funded many individuals, programs, events, and nonprofit organizations, supporting the cultural arts across our region.
SAF is made possible through the Illinois Arts Council’s Regional Arts Partners program and is administered by Artspace Southern Illinois with generous funding support from the Illinois Arts Council, Funding Good Chaos, the City of Carbondale, and our dedicated donors.
Exhibition: Artist John Havlik
Join Us for an Exhibition Featuring Local Artist, John Havlik
At: Artspace Southern Illinois—On the Strip at 607 S. Illinois Ave., Carbondale, IL
FREE—Stop by our newest venue: On the Strip and enjoy the beautiful works featuring a Southern Illinois Artist.
Watch the Video: John Havlik talking about his art in his words.
“After living for over a decade on thirty acres of native habitat in Southernmost Illinois, I’ve learned that I am a poor land manager but an awesome landlord. My farm is a thriving community of beyond human life. I’ve developed a sense of kinship to these plants and animals that is as strong as any family tie.
These prints are a response to that experience. Art can transform experience into awareness. Here is an awareness of the power of place, expressed in color and line through the craft of digital drawing and giclee printmaking.”
- John Havlik
Life at a glance
“I studied printmaking at SIUE and received my MFA in 1979. I spent my professional career as a graphic designer and illustrator. For 20 years, I was a senior designer at Krannert Center for the Arts at the University of Illinois. During that time, I also taught Design and illustration at Parkland College. I have two children and two grandchildren. I have lived in Johnson County, Illinois, for 15 years. I live with my dog Alfie on 33 acres of woodland and meadow, which I manage for wildlife habitat.”
1970 AA McHenry County College
1972 US Army
1975 BA Southern Illinois University. Edwardsville
1978 MFA Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville
1978 Illustrator, Designer, Saint Louis, Champaign Urbana
1988 Senior Designer, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Urbana
1998 Adjunct Instructor, Parkland College, Champaign
2011 Moved to Southernmost Illinois
Community Reception & Exhibit: Are You Really Winning? Highlighting the Healing Power of Art
Exhibition: Corridor Gallery: Now—Dec 22
The Healing Power of Art
This unique exhibition showcases artwork created for the Problem Gambling Art Awareness Competition. In it's third year, this competition is an extension of the Illinois' statewide campaign to raise awareness about the problem of gambling and created to help educate the public. The competition was open to Illinois residents ages 14 and older.
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.
Community Reception—Tues, Nov 18; 5-6 pm
Carbondale Civic Center: Corridor Gallery
Free & open to the public
Enjoy light refreshments
Southern Arts Fund Submission Virtual Info Session
We're Here to Help
We understand the grant submission process may seem like a lot or be confusing, and we want to make it as easy as possible.
Join us for a virtual information session for the Southern Arts Fund Grants
November 22, 2025 @ 11:00 am CT
We'll discuss eligibility and criteria
Walk through the application process
Offer time for a Q & A
To attend: Email cdeane@artspace304.org for the Zoom Meeting Link
Need a computer or help with the digital application—we want to remove barriers to apply, if you need any resources, computer access, or assistance with the digital application, please email: carolyn@artspace304.org or call: 618-457-5100.
Opening Celebration: On the Strip, New Art Center, Gift Gallery, and more
Join Us for an Opening Celebration of Our Newest Venue
Welcoming everyone to: Artspace Southern Illinois—On the Strip
Free and open to the public—No Tickets Needed
We are excited to invite everyone to our NEW, flexible-space venue in the heart of downtown Carbondale at 607 S. Illinois Ave. We’ve completed a major remodel of Phase One to modernize this space and bring it to life in a creative, new way. This vibrant space helps us bring more opportunities for everyone to discover and take part in the arts in Southern Illinois.
Event Highlights
Check out our new space, learn about our updated name, and all that’s happening at Artspace Southern Illinois
See a new exhibit by Southern Illinois Artist, John Havlik - he’ll be there to chat and connect
Enjoy bites and beverages (fun mocktails)
Discover a variety of beautiful art and artisan creations at our new gift gallery - most of which are for sale (proceeds benefit the artist and our work)
Get an update on Phase Two of the venue - our maker’s space and more
Plus, just come hang out at our new space and help celebrate the cultural arts in Southern Illinois
Here’s what’s now open at this new space:
Art Exhibition Space - featuring local artists + many original works for sale
Coffee and Tea Cafe
Expansive Outdoor Patio
Gift Gallery - shop our carefully-curated artist and artisan creations & gifts - proceeds support artists + our work
Original works of art
Pottery
Sculpture
Handmade jewelry
Hand-crafted creations: blankets, hand-printed tea towels, stuffed animals, and more
So much more - because these are handcrafted and unique, items rotate
Exhibition Open House: John Havlik
Open House: Southern Illinois Artist John Havlik
At: Artspace Southern Illinois—On the Strip at 607 S. Illinois Ave., Carbondale, IL
FREE—Join us to celebrate the opening of a new exhibition by local artist John Havlik as part of the opening celebration of our newest venue in Carbondale, Artspace Southern Illinois—On the Strip
Watch the Video: John Havlik talking about his art in his words.
“After living for over a decade on thirty acres of native habitat in Southernmost Illinois, I’ve learned that I am a poor land manager but an awesome landlord. My farm is a thriving community of beyond human life. I’ve developed a sense of kinship to these plants and animals that is as strong as any family tie.
These prints are a response to that experience. Art can transform experience into awareness. Here is an awareness of the power of place, expressed in color and line through the craft of digital drawing and giclee printmaking.”
- John Havlik
Life at a glance
“I studied printmaking at SIUE and received my MFA in 1979. I spent my professional career as a graphic designer and illustrator. For 20 years, I was a senior designer at Krannert Center for the Arts at the University of Illinois. During that time, I also taught Design and illustration at Parkland College. I have two children and two grandchildren. I have lived in Johnson County, Illinois, for 15 years. I live with my dog Alfie on 33 acres of woodland and meadow, which I manage for wildlife habitat.”
1970 AA McHenry County College
1972 US Army
1975 BA, Southern Illinois University. Edwardsville
1978 MFA Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville
1978 Illustrator, Designer, Saint Louis, Champaign Urbana
1988 Senior Designer, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Urbana
1998 Adjunct Instructor, Parkland College, Champaign
2011 Moved to Southernmost Illinois
Inklusive Exhibit - On the Strip Arts Center
Community INK Exhibition FREE & Open to the Public
Exhibition
A unique photography exhibition featuring people from throughout Southern Illinois and their personal stories told through tattoo artistry!
Works by SIU Photojournalism students
Exhibitions at 2 Galleries
Check out all the photos at both of our galleries:
304 Cultural Arts Center - 304 W. Walnut St., Carbondale
On the Strip Gallery - 607 S. Illinois St., Carbondale
Inklusive Exhibit - 304 Cultural Arts Center
Community INK Exhibition FREE & Open to the Public
A unique photography exhibition featuring people from throughout Southern Illinois and their personal stories told through tattoo artistry!
Works by SIU Photojournalism students
Exhibitions at 2 Galleries
Check out all the photos at both of our galleries:
304 Cultural Arts Center - 304 W. Walnut St., Carbondale
On the Strip Gallery - 607 S. Illinois St., Carbondale
Carbondale Mini-Mural Project - Artist Submissions
Hey Carbondale—something colorful is coming!
We’re turning the alley walkway between Rips Pizza and Legal Smile into a vibrant outdoor gallery with 8 mini-murals.
Artists—submissions are NOW open!
Love working big? This is your chance to showcase your art in a public space. Full details on the event page. INFO Sessions: Free Mini-mural project and application Zoom meetings: October 4 & 18.
Everyone else—get ready to explore and enjoy a new selfie spot!
Let’s paint our city beautiful—together. Tag an artist who needs to see this!