The Edwardsville Arts Center has announced the opening of the first exhibition in its new gallery space at 246 N. Main St.
This inaugural exhibition celebrates the 100th anniversary of Route 66, the iconic highway that symbolized freedom, travel and the American spirit. Bringing together regional artists working in photography, painting and mixed media, the exhibition offers a contemporary reflection on the legacy and cultural impact of the Mother Road.
Artists featured in the show explore themes of movement, nostalgia, roadside Americana and the evolving landscapes that define communities along Route 66. From striking photographic documentation to imaginative reinterpretations in paint and mixed materials, the exhibition captures both the history and enduring influence of this legendary route.
One of the works on view will be a birthday cake honoring Route 66, created by Alumni Players! members Cynthia Hamilton and Brad Lewis. Lewis built an 8-foot-tall cake with specialized canvas for Hamilton to paint with her favorite Route 66 images, which will be complemented by miniature models of neon signs, cars, cacti and more.
“A centennial celebration is a memorable event and deserves a cake worthy of the occasion,” Alumni Players! president Craig Becker said.
The cake will be on view when the exhibition opens.
The exhibition not only honors a historic anniversary but also signals a new chapter for the Edwardsville Arts Center as it expands its presence in the heart of downtown. The gallery will serve as a hub for exhibitions and community engagement, continuing the organization’s mission to connect people through the arts.
The city of Edwardsville purchased the Main Street building, locally known as the home of Herbie the Hereford, in fall 2025 with the intention of giving the EAC a permanent space.