Local Artist Craig Rhodes Featured in Exhibition at Artspace Southern Illinois, Reception 2/28
Date/Time
Date(s) - 02/28/2026 - 03/15/2026
12:00 am
Location
ArtSpace 304
Categories
The Golden Mean: The Ceramic Language of Craig Rhodes
Public Reception: Saturday, February 28, 12:00–2:00 PM
Carbondale, IL — Artspace Southern Illinois is pleased to announce The Golden Mean: The Ceramic Language of Craig Rhodes, a feature exhibition honoring the five‑decade career of master ceramic artist Craig Rhodes. A public reception with the artist will be held on Saturday, February 28, from noon to 2:00 PM.
Rhodes, a resident of Brookport, Illinois, has long been recognized as a defining voice in the ceramic arts of Southern Illinois and the lower Midwest. Working from his studio near the Shawnee National Forest, he creates expressive vessels and sculptural forms shaped by layered slip designs, reduction‑fired glazes, and gestural surfaces inspired by natural movement and pattern.
A rare combination of technical skill, improvisation, and a deep connection to landscape, Rhodes’s work—guided by notable educators such as Fred Shepard, Wayne Bates, Harris Deller, and John Hasegawa—contributes to a strong tradition of Midwestern ceramic innovation while maintaining a uniquely individual style.
The exhibition brings together works that reflect Rhodes’s lifelong exploration of clay and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of form and surface. Each piece reveals the physicality, risk‑taking, and meditative focus that define his practice.
“Craig’s ceramic language is the result of decades of experimentation, curiosity, and devotion to his craft,” says Chuck Benya, EdD, CEO & Executive Director of Artspace Southern Illinois. “We are honored to present an exhibition that celebrates both his career and his enduring impact on our region.”
EXHIBITION DETAILS
Title: The Golden Mean: The Ceramic Language of Craig Rhodes
Reception: Saturday, February 28, 12:00–2:00 PM
Location: Artspace Southern Illinois, Carbondale, IL
Exhibition Dates: Exhibition runs through March 15
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Craig Rhodes is a master ceramicist whose work spans more than five decades. His vessels and sculptural forms are distinguished by unorthodox techniques, layered and carved surfaces, and rhythmic patterns inspired by the natural world.
ABOUT ARTSPACE SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
Artspace Southern Illinois supports artists, audiences, and creative communities throughout the region by presenting exhibitions, residencies, and programs that elevate artistic voices and expand access to contemporary arts experiences. Based in Carbondale, Artspace Southern Illinois is committed to fostering dialogue, creativity, and cultural vitality across Southern Illinois.
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Chuck Benya, EdD, MPP, EMBA
CEO & Executive Director
Artspace Southern Illinois
304 W. Walnut Street
Carbondale, IL 62901
618-457-5100