Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Sharp Museum will open “Here We Are,” an exhibition of recent bronze sculptures and paintings by nationally acclaimed sculptor and SIU alumnus Preston Jackson, on December 5, 2025. The show, running through June 26, 2026, features 17 paintings and nine sculptures, including works from Jackson’s public commissions. A separate closing reception on December 12 will highlight local artists Sue Gindlesparger and Nicki Rathert from the Oak Street Art Collective.
The exhibition matters because it celebrates the legacy of a distinguished artist who emerged from SIU’s School of Art and Design, while also amplifying diverse voices in the current cultural moment. Jackson’s career—from professor emeritus at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago to creator of major public monuments—underscores the lasting impact of university art programs. The concurrent showcase of local collective artists further strengthens community ties and supports the region’s art ecosystem.