Public Displays of Art

There is plenty of PDA to go around when you Discover Downstate. We don’t mean Public Displays of Affection, though. We mean Public Displays of Art! Here are some of the best spots in our region to admire several forms of art.

Venues

Tarble Arts Center, Charleston

Located on Eastern Illinois University’s campus, the Tarble Arts Center has a year-round schedule of changing visual arts exhibitions.

The Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, Lebanon

Located on McKendree University’s campus, the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts brings distinguished speakers, concerts, and performances to the Metro area.

Nostalgia Theater, Flora

This nonprofit organization brings the arts to Flora and the surrounding area.

Salem Community Theater & Cultural Center, Salem

The Salem Community Theatre and Cultural Center hosts live performances and movie screenings.

Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Mt. Vernon

Cedarhurst Center for the Arts has four galleries, an interactive family learning center, and a performance hall. They also host multiple art events throughout the year.

Outdoors

Freedom Rock, Shiloh

This is the first ever Freedom Rock in Illinois painted by Ray Sorensen II and features prominent historical contributions to the area.

Lions, Marshall

It’s easy to see that the community of Marshall is proud of their Lion mascot! Take a scavenger hunt throughout town to find all 40 of Marshall’s beautifully decorated lion statues.

Murals

More and more communities in Downstate Illinois are embracing murals. Some towns have one while others have dozens! Of course, each one makes for a fantastic photo op. Some of our favorite spots to snap a pic are in Albion, Waterloo, and Marshall –these towns each have murals unique to their town history. You’ve got to check them out!

Waterloo Wonderful Mural

Events

Art on the Square, Belleville

This is one of the biggest art events in Downstate Illinois year after year. It is slated for May 19-21 in 2023 and features original work from over 100 artists annually.

Art in the Park and Street Art Fest, Highland

Highland is home to not one but two annual art events: Street Art Fest in September and Art in the Park each October. The Street Art Fest showcases artists who thrive with chalk, and Art in the Park is a weekend full of exhibits, live music, and more!

Art on the Square

Highland Street Art Fest

For more information on the arts throughout our region, go to downstateil.org/Play/Art-and-Theater