Sharp Museum

08/28/2026

08/28/2026

There’s something magical about the way art makes us see the world differently. 🌎✨

Graduate assistant Jerri couldn’t help but see this live satellite image of the Pacific spinning with six named tropical systems and immediately think of the incredible work in Dawn Murtaugh's quilt exhibition, “As Above, So Below and In Between.”
Dawn’s As above pieces look remarkably like the swirling patterns in this news image—but, to me, the quilts are even more beautiful. 💙🌀🧵

The satellite image captures the power, movement, and mystery of the atmosphere from above. Dawn’s quilt takes those same shapes, textures, colors, and rhythms and transforms them into something we can touch and experience up close. It’s amazing how nature can inspire art, and art can help us see nature in a whole new way. The Pacific is spinning up above… and Dawn’s work reminds us that those same beautiful patterns can find their way into fabric, thread, and imagination.

As above, so below, and in between. 💙🌊🌀🧵
You have a couple of days left to enjoy this exhibit located in the hall of art in the south hall of the Sharp Museum.

08/27/2026

✨ **Priceless Details: Dawn C. Murtaugh’s “So Below”** ✨

Sometimes you have to get a little closer to truly appreciate the art. 📸

**Emma Watychowicz**, an SIU photography student, captures the incredible detail in another piece from **Dawn C. Murtaugh’s *As Above, So Below and In Between* quilt collection**. This close-up reveals the beauty of the recycled fabrics, intricate stitching, layers, and textures—ordinary materials transformed into something that feels truly priceless.

Dawn’s work reminds us that art can be found in unexpected places, and Emma’s photography gives us an opportunity to see those details in a whole new way.

📍 **Hall of Art | South Hall | Sharp Museum**

Be sure to stop by and experience the collection in person before the exhibit ends!

08/26/2026

https://news.siu.edu/2026/08/082526-sius-sharp-museum-exhibition-will-highlight-photographs-by-alumnus-ray-howk.php

The photographic work of an SIU Carbondale alumnus who turned activities on city streets into his own playground will be highlighted in an exhibition starting next month at Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Sharp Museum.

08/26/2026

🏠 **Step Inside the Future | Fuller Futures**

More beautiful photography from **Emma Watychowicz**, an SIU photography student, gives us another extraordinary look at *Fuller Futures*.

This photograph captures **Buckminster Fuller’s dome home with Fuller and his wife inside**, and somehow Emma’s photograph of the photograph makes you feel as though you could actually step inside the home with them. There is something special about seeing history this way—one image can make the past feel surprisingly close.

📸 Emma has an incredible eye for capturing the details and atmosphere of the objects and images in the exhibit.

**Fuller Futures** is still on display in the **South Hall Study Gallery at the Sharp Museum through the end of the month.

08/25/2026

🌸 **A Closer Look at “So Below” | Dawn C. Murtaugh** 🌸

We are loving these beautiful photographs captured by **Emma Watychowicz**, an SIU photography student, highlighting the intricate details of **Dawn C. Murtaugh’s** *As Above, So Below and In Between* quilt collection.

This close-up photograph gives us a whole new appreciation for **“So Below”**—the layers, textures, colors, stitching, and shimmering details invite you to slow down and look a little closer. 📸✨

Dawn’s exhibit is currently on view in the **Hall of Art in South Hall at the Sharp Museum**, but **the exhibit ends this Friday!**

🎉 **Closing Reception**
📅 Friday
⏰ 4:00–6:00 PM

Come see these beautiful works in person before the exhibit closes. And while you're there, take a moment to look closely—you never know what details you might discover!

📸 **Photo by Emma Watychowicz, SIU photography student**

08/21/2026

👻🦶 **SPOOKED OR SPOOFED | A Celebration of Cryptozoology** 🦶👻

It’s officially OPEN! 🎉 Come explore *Spooked or Spoofed*, now on display in **South Hall at the Sharp Museum** from **August 21 through December 11, 2026**!

As for me… I’m definitely **more spoofed than spooked!** 😂 But you’ll have to come see the exhibit for yourself and decide how *you* perceive these mysterious creatures, strange stories, and legendary beasts.

And let me tell you—I had NO idea there were so many different Bigfoots! 🦶👀

There’s even a song called **“The Bigfoot Stump”**… and trust me, you may find yourself singing and dancing your way through the exhibit while learning about cryptozoology. So get ready to **DO THE BIGFOOT STOMP!** 🎶🕺🦶

This has quickly become **one of my favorite exhibits**, and I can’t wait for you to experience it!

🎃 **Halloween Bash Reception:** October 23, 2026
👻 **Exhibit:** August 21–December 11, 2026
📍 **South Hall, Sharp Museum**

So… are you **Spooked or Spoofed?**
Come see for yourself! 👀🦶✨

08/18/2026

✨ **WE’RE BACK!** ✨

The semester is here, and the **Sharp Museum is OPEN!** 🎉

Stop by and experience **Ways to Worship** in the **International Gallery of South Hall**—an exhibit that continues to be **breathtaking, dynamic, and full of energy.**

🌍 There’s plenty to discover, learn, and experience through these powerful works. Come see the exhibit for yourself and take in the beauty, movement, and stories within each piece.

**We’re back. Come visit us!** 👀✨

08/17/2026

🎨 A New Semester, A New Season at the Sharp Museum!

As the semester begins, the Sharp Museum at SIU is excited to welcome students, faculty, staff, and the community with **new exhibits and exciting experiences ahead!**

👻 Spooked or Spoofed is coming to the South Hall, featuring artists and artwork inspired by cryptozoology, the study of creatures whose existence is not scientifically established.

📰 In the North Hall, explore the Tim Atseff Newspaper Exhibit, showcasing a fascinating look at newspaper history and storytelling.

And this is just the beginning! We have interesting exhibits, artist receptions, conversations, and special events* planned throughout the semester. Join us for evening receptions featuring snacks, great conversation, and opportunities to hear artists talk about their work.

📍Come visit the Sharp Museum and see what’s ahead!

Museum Hours:
Tuesday–Friday: 12–4 p.m.
Saturday: 1–4 p.m.

Follow the Sharp Museum page to keep up with upcoming exhibits, receptions, artist talks, and other exciting events!

08/16/2026

The WPA Building Model Exhibit from the Sharp Museum is now on display on the second floor of the Tedrick Welcome Center, in front of the SIU Foundation offices.
The exhibit offers visitors a glimpse into SIU’s history and the legacy of the WPA Building and an invitation to keep up with the exhibits at the Sharp Museum.
Stop by and take a look!