Our Mission
The Edwardsville Arts Center inspires the lives of youth and the creative spirit of adults through classes, exhibits and cultural events.
WHO WE ARE
For more than 20 years, the Edwardsville Arts Center (EAC) has connected Edwardsville and surrounding communities through meaningful and accessible arts experiences. Founded in 2001 by a group of local artists, the EAC is rooted in the belief that art strengthens communities, sparks dialogue, and enriches everyday life.
Today, the EAC serves local, regional, and national artists while creating opportunities for people of all ages to engage with the arts. Through exhibitions, education, and community-based programming, we provide space for creativity to thrive and for artists and audiences to connect.
Our work is guided by a commitment to access, inclusion, and creative exploration. We support both traditional techniques and contemporary practices, celebrate diverse perspectives, and foster environments where people feel welcome to create, learn, and experience art together.
We carry out this mission through:
Education
Offering classes and workshops for children and adults across a variety of mediums, encouraging creative growth at every stage of life.
Exhibitions
Presenting professional, emerging, and student artwork through a network of satellite galleries located at the Bank of Madison County, Edwardsville City Hall, Edwardsville Public Library, and Glen Carbon Village Hall.
Community Engagement & Events
Bringing hands-on art experiences into the community through programs such as ART-Reach, which partners with local organizations and events to provide accessible, guided art-making opportunities for all ages. We also engage the public through initiatives like the ART East Studio Tour, which invites the community into local artists’ studios to experience the creative process firsthand.
Each September, the EAC produces the Edwardsville Art Fair—a three-day juried event featuring 100 artists, local food vendors, live entertainment, and free children’s art activities, making the arts accessible to thousands of visitors.
In May 2024, the EAC relocated from Edwardsville High School to an interim space at 340 Montclaire Avenue. As we continue to grow, we are laying the groundwork for a future permanent home in downtown Edwardsville that will allow us to expand programs and deepen our impact.
The Edwardsville Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community visual arts organization supported by a small staff and a dedicated network of volunteers. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.