About the Nonprofit
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For 20+ years the Edwardsville Arts Center fosters awareness of the positive impact of art and creative making on a community by providing opportunities that preserve traditional techniques and inspire contemporary ideas; encourage dialogue while cultivating a sense of community; celebrate ideas and diverse cultures; provide visibility to local artists; encourage the collection of art, and provide an opportunity for expression and engagement.
The EAC is a 501(c)3 non-profit community visual arts organization with a four-person staff and a volunteer base. We serve the District 7 region, including the micropolitan areas of Edwardsville and Glen Carbon, and rural communities of Moro, Midway, Worden, and Hamel. We draw visitors from surrounding rural communities within Madison, Jersey, and St. Clair counties, and St. Louis.
The EAC produces 10-20 free professional and student exhibitions featuring 400+ local, regional, and national professional and student artists annually. Our satellite gallery program is growing a number of public satellite spaces around Edwardsville and Glen Carbon.
Our art education program provides opportunities for people of all ages to engage in creative expression. In 2022, we engaged 2,300+ children and adults in ceramics, drawing, painting, free Saturday children’s art classes, and more. Each year, the EAC awards a $1,000 college art scholarship to a local high school student, up to a $1,000 in financial support to low-income students and pays $30,000 to art instructors. We continue developing partnerships with community organizations and providing additional art opportunities to the public through District 7 and YMCA summer camps, Edwardsville’s Watershed Nature Center, the Edwardsville Children’s Museum, Glen Carbon Heritage Museum, and the Edwardsville and Glen Carbon senior centers.
For nine years, the EAC has coordinated and produced a 3-day outdoor juried arts celebration. The work of approximately 100 talented local, regional, national, and international artists is featured with local performances, live art demonstrations, a children’s art gallery, and food and drink vendors. Located in Edwardsville’s historic City Park, the fair draws 10,000 visitors from around the region, selling $350,000 in artwork. This free, public event continues growing each year.
