About this Event
Creativity and mental health advocacy are returning once again in an inspiring collaboration between Mooneyham Art, Old Bakery Beer Company, and Centerstone. Alton Art Expo is a groundbreaking exhibition and community gathering that highlights the healing power of artistic expression. The event will take place on Saturday, September 26th from Noon to 7 pm and Sunday, 27th from Noon to 5 pm at The Old Bakery Beer Company, providing an immersive experience where visitors can explore art’s role in mental health awareness and recovery. The event will feature curated collections of art from over 40+ regional artists.
Art has long been a tool for self-expression, resilience, and healing. This event creates a welcoming space for artists and community members to engage in meaningful conversations about well-being, creativity, and personal growth. Through a curated selection of artwork, interactive discussions, and expert-led programming, attendees will gain insight into the intersection of art and mental health.
“Bringing together artists, mental health professionals, and the local community allows us to foster dialogue and break stigmas surrounding mental health,” said Charles Mooneyham, owner at Mooneyham Art. “Art has the power to heal, and we are honored to create a space where people can connect, express, and find support.”
The event was originally conceptualized by Mooneyham Art’s founder and owner Charles Mooneyham and his cocurator Stephen Scordias. This year Mooneyham Art is proud to announce the addition of Mindy Nickel as co-organizer and curator and a new location for the expo and community partner! Last year the event was hosted at The Milton School House.
This year the event will take place at Old Bakery Beer Company, a staple amongst Altons rich and historic topography. Located downtown at 400 Landmark Blvd, Alton IL 62002 A repurposed microbrewery and event space, commandeered for a weekend to feature the metro east’s vibrant hub of artists, entrepreneurs, and wellness practitioners. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore exhibitions featuring local artists, participate in workshops, and hear from experts in the mental health field.
Additionally, Centerstone has agreed that all donations received will stay in the local community to benefit local citizens in need. The artists will get to keep 100% of their sales as Mooneyham Art firmly believes artists should never have to give their work away for free and should always be paid for their work.
In addition, this year’s event will feature a Graphic Art Contest. Last year’s inaugural Expo featured Tom Blood’s “Balloon Picker” painting, which became the face of the event and was published hundreds of times across press, radio, and film, giving the artist extraordinary visibility throughout the region. This year’s selected artist will receive similar widespread exposure, along with an additional opportunity: a complimentary vending booth at the 2026 Alton Art Expo 2, offering direct engagement and exposure with collectors for free.
The contest is open to the public, and anyone 18 years of age or older is eligible to enter. Artists may submit an unlimited number of entries, with a fee of $10 per submission. Each entry must be a different work of art. All entries must be received by the deadline of March 31, 2026.
Vendor Applications and the Contest are now open and can be found on the official Facebook event invite or on MooneyhamArt.com under the Alton Art Expo tab. Vendor applications close June 1st.
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Guests can enter the Alton Art Expo for: Free, with any monetary donation, petfood/supplies, canned good, or any new item of essential need. Join us on Saturday, September 26th from Noon to 7 pm and Sunday, September 27th from Noon to 5 pm at Old Bakery Beer for a weekend of art, conversation, and community support surrounding wellness. For more details, visit https://www.mooneyhamart.com/artexpo
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Old Bakery Beer Company, 400 Landmarks Boulevard, Alton, United States
USD 0.00
