<\/p>\n
Photographer Jeff Bohnert discusses his work that was on display at Alton’s Elysian Gallery during the ArtEast event on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025.\u00a0<\/p>\n
David Blanchette\/The Telegraph<\/p>\n
The large gallery space in Elysian Gallery and Cafe, located at 419 E. Broadway, is being renovated on May 5, 2026, as the business is prepared for its opening in June.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chase Martin\/The Telegraph <\/p>\n
Elysian Gallery<\/a> will close its doors at the Mineral Springs Mall on Sunday, May 10 in preparation for owner Jeff Bohnert\u2019s new and improved concept.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are trying to turn it from an art gallery to a cultural hub for the region,\u201d Bohnert said.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Introducing: Elysian Gallery and Cafe, located at 419 E. Broadway, a space that surrounds locals in art across many mediums and builds community through art-centered events and exhibitions. With comfortable seating, a book nook, and various workspaces, this concept will be a destination instead of a stopping point.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThat was a 500 square-foot space, so we outgrew it instantly,\u201d Bohnert said. \u201cHere, we want to bring more stuff into the community and give people more things to do.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n The front entrance to Elysian Gallery and Cafe, located at 419 E. Broadway, is under construction on May 5, 2026, as the business is prepared for its opening in June.\u00a0<\/p>\n Chase Martin\/The Telegraph <\/p>\n The gallery-caf\u00e9 concept is set to open on June 6 with a grand reopening that includes an art exhibition. This event will introduce the public to the gallery\u2019s newly renovated, pet-friendly gallery and cafe space, which will be filled with art from local students, resident artists, and more.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s going to be a quiet atmosphere that is surrounded by creativity,\u201d Bohnert said. \u201cPeople can expect to come in, see the art, get their coffee, and relax and do whatever work they need to do.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n The business will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday to Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.<\/p>\n Ahead of the grand opening, Elysian Gallery and Cafe will host a soft opening on May 30 in conjunction with Pup Crawl<\/a>, hosted by Alton Main Street.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Elysian Gallery expands in Alton, adds cafe and events<\/p>\n Jeff Bohnert stands inside Elysian Gallery on July 30, 2025. This new art gallery is located inside Mineral Springs Mall at 301 East Broadway and aims to be “safe, inclusive, and diverse.”<\/p>\n Chase Martin\/The Telegraph<\/p>\n With the improved space, both in size and visibility, Bohnert is excited to build on the art gallery he opened in August with his girlfriend, Janel Freeman.<\/p>\n \u201cWe knew that the last spot was a starting point to get our foot in Alton and get recognized,\u201d Bohnert said. \u201cAltonWorks<\/a> is doing all these renovations, and we didn\u2019t want to miss out, so we hopped on this (property).\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n With a larger space right on Broadway, Bohnert will supplement the expansion by adding new offerings and a cafe serving Goshen Coffee<\/a> lattes and espressos. This St. Louis-based coffee roaster will supply the cafe and facilitate the training of four newly hired baristas.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are going to have some of the best coffee in the area,\u201d Bohnert said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n