Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Sharp Museum is seeking submissions for a national juried exhibition titled "Spooks or Spoofs," focused on cryptid-themed art. The exhibition runs from August 11 through December 21, accepts all media except AI-generated images, and allows up to 50 entries with a $5-$10 donation per submission. The deadline for submissions is July 1, with jury results posted by July 14 and artwork drop-off due by August 11.
This exhibition matters because it engages with the popular and culturally resonant topic of cryptozoology—creatures like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness monster—while providing a platform for artists to explore folklore, mystery, and regional legends. By inviting submissions from across the country and highlighting Illinois-specific cryptids, the museum fosters community interest and creative dialogue around local and national mythologies.