Years in the Making: The Art of Aldon Addington,
Date/Time
Date(s) - 10/26/2022 - 01/13/2023
12:00 am
Categories
Artspace 304 announces the opening of a regional exhibition, Years in the Making: The Art of
Aldon Addington, that spans three gallery spaces in Southern Illinois. The exhibition features a
retrospective of sculptures and ephemera from Aldon Addington at Artspace 304, John A.
Logan College, and The Corridor Gallery at the Carbondale Civic Center.
Exhibition Schedule
Artspace 304
On View: October 28-January 6
Reception: November 12, 12-3pm
The Corridor Gallery at the Carbondale Civic Center
On View: November 1-January 13
John A. Logan College
On View: October 26-November 30
Reception: November 5, 11am-1pm
Aldon Addington is a renowned sculptor and educator based in Southern Illinois. He taught
sculpture and 3D design at Southern Illinois University Carbondale for thirty-four years. He also
led many hands-on seminars while teaching at the School of Art and Design at SIUC, including
metal sculpture workshops at the Glasgow School of Art in Scotland and the University of
Lapland in Finland.
Since his retirement in 2001, Addington’s sculptural practice has continued to grow. In 2006, he
completed his largest sculpture to date: a house built 9 feet above ground and constructed out
of recycled materials that he shares with his wife, Dona, in Carbondale. His art is represented in
public collections with the Ella Elizabeth Hise Museum of Regional Art, Cedarhurst Center for
the Arts, the Illinois State Museum, and the Sheldon Swope Art Gallery, among others. He has
exhibited throughout the United States and installed sculptures at a range of institutions,
including recent works at the Springfield-Branson International Airport and Unity Point School.
For Addington, the audience plays an important role in interpreting his pieces.
“I consider all of my sculptures to be abstract, non-figurative compositions,” said Addington. “I
hope, however, that they are evocative—that the viewer will explore and contemplate and come
to their own thoughts or conclusions (about the work).”
Years in the Making: The Art of Aldon Addington will be a special exhibition for Artspace 304 in
several ways.
“This is the first of Artspace 304’s exhibitions that will be featured in three gallery spaces,” noted
Chuck Benya, Executive Director of Artspace 304. “We’re excited for our growing partnership
with John A. Logan College and the ability to showcase Aldon’s impressive body of work
throughout the community. It is a fitting close to a successful year celebrating the contributions
to the arts and humanities in our region.”
The receptions held on November 5 and 12 will also recognize several permanent sculptures by
Addington that are installed on the grounds of Artspace 304 and John A. Logan College.
“We are fortunate to receive a sculpture by Aldon Addington that will be featured at the Walnut
Street entrance to Artspace 304 in Carbondale,” said Marsha Ryan, Board President of
Artspace 304. “The sculpture will act as a lasting and ever-welcoming beacon, celebrating the
arts in Southern Illinois.”
Artspace 304 is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12-5 pm. Parking is available in the First
Christian Church parking lot, located on W Monroe St and S University Ave in Carbondale, IL.
For more information on exhibitions and events, please visit artspace304.org.