William and Florence Schmidt Art Center

Spanning 6500 square feet, the William and Florence Schmidt Art Center, located on the Belleville campus of Southwestern Illinois College, facilitates visual literacy through exhibitions of art and cultural artifacts while igniting inspiration, imparting knowledge, and fostering connections between the college and the local community.

Throughout the year, the Schmidt Art Center presents an array of exhibits featuring artwork created by established professionals and emerging artists from the metro area and beyond. The center also hosts cultural events, collaborating with professional artists, poets, and musicians. With a collection of over nine hundred works, the Schmidt Art Center holds the most extensive art collection of any two-year college in Illinois, encompassing paintings, photographs, sculptures, and artifacts.

The collection was mostly acquired through private donations and funds from the Illinois Art in Architecture program.

The Schmidt Art Center offers various non-credit courses through the Schmidt Art Center Academy, which invites the community to explore creativity and engage with like-minded individuals. From the captivating lens of digital photography to the intricate threads of sewing to the immersive realms of book clubs and more, it establishes an environment where artistic discovery and connectivity flourish. Check out our class offerings HERE.

Owned by Southwestern Illinois College, The Schmidt operates under its Foundation and may be rented for private events.