2700 Carlyle Avenue
Belleville, Illinois
618-222-5278
A great number of community colleges have art collections but only a few have separate facilities for exhibiting the visual arts. Southwestern Illinois College is fortunate to be one of those few. Located on the campus of this Belleville institution is the William and Florence Schmidt Art Center. A lead gift from the William E. Schmidt Charitable Foundation was the impetus behind this 6,800 sq. ft. privately funded art center that opened in 2002 and has over 400 permanent works of art. The permanent collection includes Pre-Columbian Pottery, Greek Stoneware, "Ogoni" Marionettes, photographs, paintings and sculptures by artists including Picasso, Dali, Manet, Delacroix, Cunningham, Adams, Oldenburg, Motherwell, Cristo, Damier, and Close. Open to the public during normal hours are three galleries which feature rotating exhibits that feature themed and individual exhibits as well as pieces of the permanent collection. Many pieces of the permanent collection are displayed in buildings throughout the campus.
The Schmidt Art Center also features a collection of outdoor sculpture consisting of nine works such as Archie Held’s bronze and stainless steel Reach waterfall and Michael Dunbar’s painted steel Astro Treillage. All nine pieces can be viewed on an easy half hour walk using the self-guided SclupTour that takes visitors meandering through the campus. Landscape architect Robert Goetz of St. Louis designed the accompanying garden and many of the natural backdrops of shrubs and greenery for the individual pieces. Details about the SculpTour including a map and additional information can be obtained at the desk inside the Art Center. The Art Center requests that you respect the “Do Not Touch” signs. In addition to exhibiting works of art, the Art Center provides educational programming for students and traveling exhibits. The Schmidt Art Center offers free events on Thursday evening that include lectures, receptions, and movies. A low cost Kids Rule! program is offered on many Saturdays.
UPCOMING EXHIBITS TO BE DETERMINED
Exhibition to be determined
Date to be determined
To be determined.
Visiting the Schmidt Art Center
Visiting Hours
Monday - Tuesday: 9 am - 3 pm
Wednesday: 9 am - 5 pm
Thursdays: 9 am - 8 pm
Friday - Saturday: 11 am - 5 pm
Closed Sunday and school holidays
There is no charge to visit the Schmidt Art Center.
Explore the community of Belleville, Illinois area.
Visit the greatriverroad.com art trail section for more art related attractions and events in the Middle Mississippi River Valley.
The official site of the William and Florence Schmidt Art Center. The official site of the William and Florence Schmidt Art Center site includes the Center's current exhibits and programs, an interactive online version of the Sculptour, detailed driving directions, and more!
