Weekly Art Market!
Every Saturday, our community comes alive with the vibrant sights and sounds of the Art Market! From morning until afternoon, local artists and makers gather to showcase their work, offering everything from original paintings and handcrafted jewelry to ceramics, textiles, prints, and more.
The market is more than just shopping—it’s a place to connect with the people behind the art, hear their stories, and support the creativity that makes our region unique. Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind gift, a piece to brighten your home, or simply inspiration, the Saturday Art Market is the perfect spot to spend your weekend.
Come stroll through the booths, enjoy live demonstrations, and discover something new every week. Supporting local art has never been more fun!
Visual Arts / Galleries
Southern Illinois is home to a thriving visual arts scene, where creativity comes to life through local galleries, art walks, exhibitions, and community events. From student showcases and pop-up installations to established galleries featuring regional and national artists, there's always something new to explore. Whether you're an art lover, collector, or curious passerby, the region offers countless opportunities to experience and support the visual arts in a welcoming, inspiring atmosphere.
THE DIGITAL TROMPE L’OEIL IN THE AGE OF AI
The Digital Trompe l’Oeil exhibition presents four artists who use artificial intelligence to create original works of art. Kelly Boesch from Los Angeles has created short videos from the whimsical to the introspective. Damon Davis from St. Louis has an hour movie on what it means for humans to work with artificial intelligence. Jonathan Isaac Jackson from New Orleans has a 30 minute movie on the evolution of cultural stories through the medium of artificial intelligence. Joshua Rowan from Mt. Vernon, IL and St. Louis has created several different genres all exploring the meaning of sense of place.
October 4, 2025 – January 11, 2026
• Exhibit Open: Tuesday – Saturday 10 am to 5 pm & Sunday 1 to 5 pm
• Gallery Admission – Free
Cedarhurst Center for the Arts
2600 Richview Road
Mount Vernon, IL 62864
(618) 242-1236
MEL WATKIN REVOLVING CYCLE: NINE YEARS IN THE MAKING
Mel Watkin from Cobden, IL has created a 46-foot long drawing of nature going through the four seasonal changes. Revolving Cycles took nine years to finish! Watkin was inspired by the 2009 loss of over 3,000 trees in a Derecho in southern Illinois. The storm left massive visual and environmental scars. Watkin wanted “to capture some of their majestic beauty and sheer size in order to infuse hope into a devastating situation.”
October 4, 2025 – January 11, 2026
• Exhibit Open: Tuesday – Saturday 10 am to 5 pm & Sunday 1 to 5 pm
• Gallery Admission – Free
Cedarhurst Center for the Arts
2600 Richview Road
Mount Vernon, IL 62864
(618) 242-1236
“Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites”!
This immersive exhibit originally created by Minnesota Children’s Museum, provides imaginative, book-based experiences for children ages 0 to 8, and models early literacy experiences to parents and other adult caregivers. Storyland transforms three beloved and award-winning picture books – The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter; The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats; and Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill into three-dimensional play and bi-lingual (English and Spanish) learning environments that highlight the six pre-reading skills defined by the Public Library Association and Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association: disposition to read, print awareness, letter knowledge, sound awareness, vocabulary, and narrative skills and comprehension. We welcome all children to explore literacy skills and concepts through imaginative, interactive experiences, and dramatic play.
October 4, 2025 – January 11, 2026
• Exhibit Open: Tuesday – Saturday 10 am to 5 pm & Sunday 1 to 5 pm
• Gallery Admission – Free
Cedarhurst Center for the Arts
2600 Richview Road
Mount Vernon, IL 62864
(618) 242-1236
SHRODE PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION EXHIBIT
The Shrode Photography Competition Exhibition is a juried competition open to artists 18 years of age and older living in southern Illinois south of Interstate 70, including Charleston, IL. Eligible media accepted included photography created with photographic film, and digital images. 304 photographs were entered in this year’s competition from 78 different artists, representing 37 southern Illinois communities! 39 works were accepted representing 32 photographers. We are delighted that so many people in our region are involved in the art of photography and that we are able to offer this challenge. Awards include cash prizes for Best of Show, 1st Place, 2nd Place, 3rd Place and Honorable Mention Certificates.
October 4, 2025 – January 11, 2026
• Exhibit Open: Tuesday – Saturday 10 am to 5 pm & Sunday 1 to 5 pm
• Gallery Admission – Free
Art Chat
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Sunday, January 11 | 3:00 PM
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Regenhardt Gallery at Shrode Art Center with Carrie Stover, Shrode Art Center director
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Free admission– everyone welcome
Cedarhurst Center for the Arts
2600 Richview Road
Mount Vernon, IL 62864
(618) 242-1236
Learn to paint in a beginner friendly environment. This class has step by step instructions. This class is from 1:30pm-4:30pm every Monday.
Monday, November 03, 2025, 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Monday, November 10, 2025, 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Monday, November 17, 2025, 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Little Egypt Arts Association
601 Tower Square Plz
Marion, IL
(618) 998-8530
The Tuesday Fiber group meets from 10 am - noon on the 1st Tuesday of each month. We are a small, open group dedicated to explore a variety of fiber arts with different presentations and projects monthly. Many materials are furnished for a small donation. Those attending are asked to bring scissors, needle & thread and a pen and pencil. Rulers are helpful but not required.
Tuesday, November 04, 2025, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Tuesday, December 02, 2025, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Tuesday, January 06, 2025, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Little Egypt Arts Association
601 Tower Square Plz
Marion, IL
(618) 998-8530
Patrons who have taken a beginning class of crochet and/or knitting or who already know how to crochet and knit are welcome! This group is not for beginners. Attendees must have a library card in good standing with the Illinois Heartland Library System. This group meets on the first Tuesday of each month from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Please call 242-6322 ext. 2 to register.
Tuesday, November 04, 2025, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday, December 02, 2025, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday, January 06, 2025, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
C.E. Brehm Memorial Public Library
101 South 7th Street
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
Making your own shirts, hats, bags and more can become super simple with this beginner friendly Circut Group. This makes the perfect gift for the holidays! This group meets from 6pm-8pm on the 1st Tuesday of every month.
Tuesday, November 04, 2025, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday, December 02, 2025, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Little Egypt Arts Association
601 Tower Square Plz
Marion, IL
(618) 998-8530
Calling all fiction enthusiasts and aspiring writers! Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting your journey into fiction, CPL’s monthly Adult Fiction Writers’ Workshop is open to all experience levels and all genres. Let your imagination run wild and your stories come to life! Join us every 1st Wednesday, 6-7:30PM.
Wednesday, November 05, 2025, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Wednesday, December 03, 2025, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Carbondale Public Library
405 W Main St
Carbondale, IL
(618) 457-0354
Create your very own junk journal using a variety of provided scrap and leftover materials (or bring your own materials). A journal to use as your base is provided. Each month will have a new theme. To register, call 618-242-6322, ext. 4.
Thursday, November 06, 2025, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Thursday, December 04, 2025, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
C.E. Brehm Memorial Public Library
101 South 7th Street
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
Want to be a jack of all trades? Join us for our Friday Night Paints. In this class you will learn acrylic, oil, and watercolor. This class meets on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Friday of every month.
Friday, November 07, 2025
Friday, November 14, 2025
Friday, November 21, 2025
Little Egypt Arts Association
601 Tower Square Plz
Marion, IL
(618) 998-8530
Have a passion for writing, but it needs a little help? Meet with like minded people dedicated to growing their writing abilities. This group meets on the 2nd Tuesday from 6pm-8pm and the 4th Tuesday from 1:30pm-2:30pm.
Tuesday, November 11, 2025, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday, December 09, 2025, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Little Egypt Arts Association
601 Tower Square Plz
Marion, IL
(618) 998-8530
Homemade crafts make your loved ones feel special. Learn how to make intricate seasonal cards and papercrafts. This group meets from 12:30pm-2:30pm on the 2nd Wednesday of every month.
Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Wednesday, December 10, 2025, 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Little Egypt Arts Association
601 Tower Square Plz
Marion, IL
(618) 998-8530
The ALPS camera club meets the second Thursday every month at 6:00 PM and has informative presentations about photography. The members also get to show their latest photographs. The camera club also goes on exciting photo treks all around the tri-state area with knowledgeable photographers in the field willing to assist you.
Thursday, November 13, 2025, 6:00 PM
Thursday, December 11, 2025, 6:00 PM
Little Egypt Arts Association
601 Tower Square Plz
Marion, IL
(618) 998-8530
Holiday themed art exhibit and gifts.
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Little Egypt Arts Association
601 Tower Square Plz
Marion, IL
(618) 998-8530
This group is for the young artists in your life. 7-11 year old's are welcome to join our youth art group. This group will provide your artist with a good foundation to grow their art skills. This group meets from 1pm-3pm on 3rd Friday of every month.
Friday, November 21, 2025, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Friday, December 19, 2025, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Friday, January 16, 2026, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Friday, February 20, 2026, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Little Egypt Arts Association
601 Tower Square Plz
Marion, IL
(618) 998-8530
This group is for the young artists in your life. 7-11 year old's are welcome to join our youth art group. This group will provide your artist with a good foundation to grow their art skills. This group meets from 1pm-3pm on 3rd Friday of every month.
Friday, November 21, 2025, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Friday, December 19, 2025, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Friday, January 16, 2026, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Friday, February 20, 2026, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Little Egypt Arts Association
601 Tower Square Plz
Marion, IL
(618) 998-8530
The Lights: An exhibition of holiday magic returns for a third year of dazzling delight. Bring your festive spirit and experience new light displays, engaging activities, and the merriest of memories. Capture the fun at photo stations placed along the walking route – just don’t eat the Candy Land display! There are plenty of other treats available anyway. Roast s’mores at the fire pits or stay warm with a hot cocoa (adults can add an extra kick!) as you savor the sparkle and cheer. Grab your friends and family – maybe a scarf and some mittens too. You don’t want to miss your chance to take in the twinkle and make your own magical memories at The Lights.
November 22, 2025 - December 28, 2025
Tickets go on sale November 01, 2025!
Cedarhurst Center for the Arts
2600 Richview Road
Mount Vernon, IL 62864
(618) 242-1236
Karaoke/Open Mic & Paint at Lexy's Art Room
*Every Wednesday!*
Until November 5th
Lexy's Art Room
828 East Main Street, Suite A and B
Carbondale, IL
This stained-glass class is as beginner friendly to advance as you'd like it to be depending on the piece you choose. She shows you how to cut glass, what tools are used, how to grind the edges of glass, add foil to the glass and how to solder the pieces together. Learn to make stained glass from beginning to end with the help of our skilled teacher. Like painting but interested in stained glass? Make beautiful, shattered glass piece that can be painted first and then accent the paint with shattered glass or do your own arranging of the shattered glass into a design.
Class time & dates vary.
Little Egypt Arts Association
601 Tower Square Plz
Marion, IL
(618) 998-8530