Tales of mysterious creatures have long been part of southern Illinois folklore. Now those legends are finding new life through art exhibits and community festivals celebrating the region’s cryptid culture.
This fall, the Sharp Museum at Southern Illinois University will host “Spooks or Spoofs,” a national juried exhibition centered on cryptids and creatures such as Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster and southern Illinois’ very own Big Muddy Monster.
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The exhibition runs from Aug. 11 through Dec. 21, inviting artists from across the country to submit works inspired by hidden or unknown creatures from folklore and urban legends. All artistic media are eligible except for artificial intelligence-generated images, according to the Sharp Museum.
Lance is the art director and coordinator for the exhibition. They said that they are excited about the exhibition and are expecting a decent turn out.
“I am looking to get a lot of local artists involved because southern Illinois has such a rich history of cryptids with the Big Muddy Monster and such,” Lance said.
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The Big Muddy Monster legend emerged near Murphysboro after residents reported sightings of a large, ape-like creature near the Big Muddy River bottoms. Over the decades, the story has become one of the region’s most recognizable urban legends and a unique part of southern Illinois culture.
The Sharp Museum exhibition aims to tap into that fascination by blending folklore with contemporary art. Artists may submit up to three works for consideration. A requested donation of $5 to $10 will accompany each submission. The exhibition is expected to accept 50 entries.
Additionally, attendees can expect a lecture from cryptozoologist Loren Coleman.
The exhibition arrives as interest in cryptids continues to grow across southern Illinois. On June 20, Murphysboro and the Liberty Theater will host their annual Big Muddy Monster festival celebrating the legendary creature tied to Murphysboro folklore dating back to the 1970s.
The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on 13th Street in Murphysboro.
As cryptid-themed events and art continue appearing throughout the region. Organizers hope the exhibitions and festivals will give artists and community members a chance to engage with the stories and legends that have shaped southern Illinois folklore for generations.
Staff Reporter Yahri Edmond can be reached at [email protected]
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