If you are looking for a spectacular backdrop for your next photo op, to explore the art scene, or are just curious to see updates in Carbondale, you need to visit the murals. Most of these are new within the last few years and should definitely make your list of things to visit on your next trip to Carbondale. If you live here and haven’t taken the time to see them in person, I recommend adding them to your things to visit this summer.
SI Pawn location (217 W. Walnut St.)
“Now and Then” recognizes the types of trains that have passed through Carbondale. Whether carrying coal, grain, or passengers, the railroad continues to be an active mode of transportation in the region. This mural was painted by Candace Lyon in 2022.
Chicago Hotdogs and More location (903 S. Illinois Ave.)
“Shawnee Labyrinth” is inspired by nocturnal animals seen around Southern Illinois. You’ll immediately notice the White Tail Deer and Luna Moth. The labyrinth design is a reference to the maze that sits across from the wall. The galaxy of stars and two eclipses represent the two solar eclipses that happened over Carbondale in 2017 and 2024. Antonio Martínez created this mural in 2023.
Wallace Building location (317 E. Main)
This mural features Daniel Brush, founder of Carbondale, General John A. Logan, who helped make Memorial Day a national holiday, and Calvin Scott, a local legend, playing his beloved bugle. The artwork is directly across from Woodlawn Cemetery and honors Carbondale’s history, paying tribute to some of the city’s most influential figures. Christine DeShazo painted this mural in 2023.
Eurma Hayes Center (441 E. Willow St.)
This mural is a beautiful tribute to Eurma Hayes, the founder of the center. According to Explore Carbondale, Hayes was a dedicated community activist who spent her life giving back. This center offers important services like childcare and literacy programs, plus it’s a hub for community events and a welcoming workspace. Maddie Dieters created the mural in 2023.
Future Lost Forest Coffeehouse & Pub (520 S. Illinois Ave.)
“Wild Rabbits” is a representation of the 2024 solar eclipse, but instead of the moon, the artist used local coneflowers. Brook Yandle painted the mural in 2024 and said she chose “the foliage and wildlife of southern Illinois, not only to highlight our beautiful landscape but to also consider the difficult journeys that lead many of us here.”
The Island Building (713 S. University Ave.)
This mural was created in 2024 by Project Human X. Marquez Scoggin designed it for a contest, and his design was picked by the owner, Pat York, along with unanimous approval from all the yoga instructors at True Nature Holistic Arts.
Saluki Mural (718 S. Illinois Ave.)
The Saluki Mural is on The Strip and in close proximity to the SIU campus, making it a perfect backdrop for photos. Antonio Martinez and a group of student volunteers created the mural in 2022.
Mountain Valley Properties (633 E. Main St.)
Another eclipse-inspired mural can be viewed driving into Carbondale on Route 13. This mural was created by Antonio Martinez, Dalton Brown, and student volunteers in 2022.
Big Chill location (508 S. Illinois Ave.)
If you have been to the Carbondale Dairy Queen (now known as the Big Chill) then you know there is plenty of space for posing for pictures. This mural is a collaboration between SIU, the Carbondale Chamber Saluki Pride Committee, and Antonio Martinez.
Carbondale Public Library location (405 W. Main St.)
This mural shows a bookshelf filled with important books picked by the community. It was made in 2024 by Maddie Deiters and her team, including Deanna Deiters and Jamarr McZeke. Library Director Jennifer Robertson said that it really highlights the history of the Brush Building and reminds people that this space is still part of the library.
Artspace 304 (304 W. Walnut St.)
“The World Through Bucky’s Eyes” was created in honor of the late Buckminster Fuller. The mural brings together graphs and sketches from his notebooks with his famous geometric shapes. Maddie Deiters painted the mural in 2023. Fun Fact: The Special Collections Research Center at SIU has Fuller’s personal library of more than 3000 volumes.
Alley behind La Unica/Castle Perilous (200 W. Main St.)
This mural is a picture of Buckminster Fuller, who is famously known for inventing the geodesic dome. The artist is Beth Koehler and it was painted in 2022.
Dona Camila location (100 W. Jackson St.)
This artwork can be found on the east-facing wall of Dona Camila restaurant. This mural was created over two decades ago by Jared Davey and Esteban del Valle.
Slabz Indoor Skate Park location (609 S. Illinois Ave.)
This colorful mural has much inspiration behind the art. Artist Antonio Martinez explains his inspiration as a memory of the sky during the 2017 solar eclipse, the legacy of the Bucky Dome, and the natural environment. Martinez says the owl represents wisdom earned through tough times, guided by creativity, social awareness, and intuition. The six orbs that rotate around the ellipse are a reference to the atomic number of Carbon on the periodic table and a nod to Carbondale’s namesake. Martinez painted the mural in 2023.
These artists are extremely talented and deserve so much recognition. I highly recommend checking out all of these murals in Carbondale and even taking some pictures there, as seeing them in person made me feel extremely honored to be a part of the SIU/Carbondale community. Antonio Martinez teaches mural painting to art students right here at SIU. These also give great backdrops for Homecoming or Commencement pictures. Taking a look at them may even inspire you to paint one yourself!
