Artspace Southern Illinois

10/16/2026

Thanks to our partner, Marion Carnegie Library, along with all the libraries in Southern Illinois that were partners in creating so many incredible events in our region as part of the National Endowment for the Arts Big Read. There's still time to catch an event. Plus, enjoy the new exhibit honoring Harriet Tubman's legacy of Courage and Freedom. And don't miss the final reception. See our events calendar - link in bio.

10/16/2026

Glad to share this National Endowment for the Arts Big Read event at our partner Stinson Memorial Public Library District Join the discussion!

Tomorrow! Join us as we dive into Catherine Clinton’s definitive biography, Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom—a powerful look at an extraordinary American hero. Whether you've read every page or just want to listen in and connect with fellow book lovers, all are welcome!

10/15/2026

On View Now & Reception: Exhibit at the Carbondale Civic Center Corridor Gallery, plus a closing reception for the National Endowment for the Arts Big Read in Southern Illinois. It has been an incredible time with all the events taking place throughout our region and at our partner libraries and John A. Logan College. This exhibition showcases the talent of local artists selected from our Call for Entries. We are excited to celebrate these incredible creatives. Stop by to see the art

Join us for a reception and to celebrate these artists - Tues, Oct. 20 at 5 pm

More details on our NEA Big Read Events page - link in bio or comments below

Celebrating our partner libraries:

The Carbondale Public Library
Herrin City Library
Marion, IL Chamber of Commerce
Sallie Logan Public Library
Stinson Memorial Public Library District

This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. On the web at: https://www.arts.gov/
This project is made possible in part by: Arts Midwest

City of Carbondale Government

10/15/2026

Bioarchaeologist and Southern Illinois University Carbondale faculty, Ryan Campbell, PhD, has spent more than two decades investigating the past, where people lived and places of burial. His work includes restoring the boundaries around sacred spaces and exploring how these rediscovered landscapes offer a unique perspective on how our relationship to sacred spaces can change over time, and how that change can reshape our communities. Join us for a fascinating discussion.

Details - see event page on our website link in bio or in comments below.

10/10/2026

Sharing this National Endowment for the Arts Big Read event . Join the discussion!

10/10/2026

A National Endowment for the Arts Big Read Event in our region. Join the discussion a Sallie Logan Public Library

Please join us on October 16th at 3:00 PM in the Sallie Logan Public Library as we host a Book Discussion on Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom by Catherine Clinton.

This event is part of an educational series in our region sponsored by Artspace Southern Illinois through a grant from The National Endowment for the Arts. If you are interested in learning more about the series, please see the following website for more information: https://www.artspacesouthernillinois.org/eventsc.../big-read

10/06/2026

A don't miss event, Chris Vallillo is an award‑winning singer/songwriter and roots musician who makes the people and places of “unmetropolitan” America come to life in song. With the past 30 years in the rural Midwest, he has a natural affinity for American roots music. A master of finger style and bottleneck slide guitar, this unique performance will weave deep historical research with traditional songs to illuminate the lived experiences, resilience, and cultural history of the Midwest.

Saturday, Oct 10
2 pm
John A. Logan College - O'Niel Auditorium

Proud to present this as part of our National Endowment for the Arts Big Read events in partnership with The Carbondale Public Library Herrin City Library

This project is supported in part by National Endowment for the Arts. On the web at: https://www.arts.gov
This project is made possible in part by: Arts Midwest

Chris Vallillo (music) is co-presented by Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Speakers Bureau

City of Carbondale Government Carbondale Main Street The Southern Illinoisan WPSD-TV Southern Illinois Tourism Marion, IL Chamber of Commerce Carterville Chamber of Commerce WDBX Community Radio for Southern Illinois 91.1fm Carbondale Main Street

10/05/2026

Join us for Songs of the Illinois Freedom Road—October 10 at 2:00 PM at John A. Logan College. Welcoming Chris Vallillo, an award‑winning folk musician and folklorist whose 30+ years of research and performance have shaped the historical understanding of Midwest roots music.

Full details events calendar - NEA Big Read event link in bio and in comments below

Illinois Humanities

09/26/2026

Excited to share this interactive and creative workshop and National Endowment for the Arts Big Read event hosted by our partner The Carbondale Public Library. What are zines? What is their role as a source for marginalized voices throughout history? Get creative and share your own story in a handmade zine.

So many great NEA Big Read events happening throughout our region - see the full listing on our events calendar; link in bio + comments below.

Made possible in part by Arts Midwest

City of Carbondale Government Carbondale Main Street

Mark your calendars! Join us for a brief history of zines and their role as primary sources for marginalized voices throughout history, followed by a hands-on creative workshop to share your own story in a handmade zine! No registration required. For ages 14+

“Zeens” are independently published booklets about anything and everything. They can function as tools for social activism and also serve as outlets for personal stories and experiences that are underrepresented in mainstream publications.

✂Zine Workshop
📅Tuesday, October 6th | 5:30PM-7:00PM
📍Carbondale Public Library
🔗https://carbondalepubliclibrary.org/event/freedom-to-zine-workshop/

This project was supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, Arts Midwest, and Artspace Southern Illinois. This initiative brings together community members, artists, librarians, students, and families to learn, create, and connect around the themes of courage and freedom through Harriet Tubman’s story for the NEA Big Read Project 2026.

09/25/2026

This Saturday! Welcoming Darrel Dexter, author, historian, teacher, speaker, and Illinois Humanities Road Scholar to Sallie Logan Public Library for an engaging exploration of the Underground Railroad in Illinois and how the Illinois Central Railway became integral part of the road to freedom. Pleased to share this partner event as part of the National Endowment for the Arts Big Read events. This presentation shares the story of Freedom Seeker Joseph Rodney.

NEA Big Read events are made possible in part by Arts Midwest

Murphysboro Chamber of Commerce

Don't forget to join us tomorrow at 1:00 PM for the Freedom Seeker on the Illinois Railroad: A Presentation by Darrel Dexter!

The National Endowment for the Arts has partnered with Artspace Southern Illinois to host an educational series across our region, and Sallie Logan Public Library is honored to welcome Darrel Dexter for a discussion surrounding the abolitionists and organizers of the Underground Railroad in Illinois as a part of their series.

We will be distributing a free copy of Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom by Catherine Clinton at this event for the following Book Discussion on October 16th.

Learn more about this important event by visiting the calendar on our website: https://sallieloganlibrary.org/calendar/freedom-seeker-on-the-illinois-railroad-a-presentation-by-darrel-dexter/