Artspace 304 in Carbondale will open its "Teacher/Maker" exhibit Friday, Aug. 5.
Featuring work from 15 regional educators, "Teacher/Maker" is a juried exhibition that aims to showcase K-12 teachers who also identify as artists and/or makers. An opening reception will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 5.
In June and July, Artspace 304 hosted an open call for K-12 teachers in southern Illinois to submit 2D, 3D, and multimedia works. Submissions ranged from artisan chairs and instruments to paintings, quilts, ceramics, and collage.
"We're excited to celebrate the hardworking educators in our community," said Kari Woolsey, assistant director. "The exhibit will be unique for Artspace 304 because it showcases such diverse artistic practices."
"Teacher/Maker" presents works from Amber Akes, Levi Biedermann, Jeremy Crawford (Juror), Sara DeNeal, Lisa Janssen, Kristin Jones, Shirley Krienert, Jen Meroe Kennedy, Ashley Dawn Priddy, Jeremy Robbins, Marie Samuel, Joshua Shearer, Nathan Talley, Lea Heller, and Courtney Vincent. Participating artists teach in Anna, Carbondale, Cobden, Eldorado, Harrisburg, Marion, Murphysboro and Wolf Lake.
The exhibition will be juried by Jeremy Crawford, an art teacher at Cobden High School. Crawford has taught in Cobden since 2016 and was awarded the School of Distinction honor in 2022 by the Illinois Art Education Association for his work in the classroom and community.
Crawford will determine best in show, second place and third place, which will be announced at the reception on Aug. 5. Cash prizes will be awarded to the three winning artists.
"Teacher/Maker" will be on view at Artspace 304's Main Gallery Aug. 5 to Sept. 2. For more information on exhibitions and events, visit the website at artspace304.org.
