Oak Street Art Collective Members Series

Oak Street Art Collective | Member Series

Oak Street Art is a collective of eight women artists working in different media. Their mission is to nurture connections between art and their community through advocacy, education, and practice.

The collective began after two artist friends, Sue Gindlesparger and Rachel Ensor, discussed creating an art event on Oak Street’s historic brick road. Over the course of a year and the addition of several member artists, the conversation evolved from dreaming to planning to reality.

Oak Street Art Fair is a juried event open to artists making original work. The first Oak Street Art Fair took place on Oak Street’s historic brick road in Murphysboro in April 2016. The one-day fair featured a dozen exhibiting artists, live music, art demonstrations, and food from Pat’s Barbecue. The event attracted numerous visitors and included a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Murphysboro’s Mayor, Will Stephens. Although much has changed over the years, the Art Fair remains a yearly staple of Murphysboro. It continues to shine a light on what people now call the General John A. Logan Historic Arts Neighborhood.

Current members, in alphabetical order:

• Luca Cruzat (co-founder; printmaking)
• Stephanie Dillard (stained glass)
• Sue Gindlesparger (co-founder; metals, jewelry)
• Meagan Majors ( 2025, painting)
• Darby Ortolano (co-founder; ceramics)
• Nicki Rathert (2025, textile)
• Cathy Schmidt (leather)
• Madeline Steimle (fused glass, illustrations) (2022)

In addition to hosting the annual art fair, Oak Street Art members, mostly SIUC alumnae, are deeply engaged in their community by encouraging children to create their own art and offering local artists opportunities to thrive at pop-up sales and gallery shows. Mark your calendar and experience the art, creativity, and community at the 10th anniversary Oak Street Art Fair in April 2026. Be part of the celebration!

Contact them at oakstreetart1@gmail.com

You can also Like/follow their Facebook page (@oakstreetart) or Instagram @oakstreetart1. Also follow hashtags #oakstreetartgroup, #oakstreetartfair, and #oakstreetart.
Oak Street Art headquarters: 401 S. 16th St., Murphysboro, IL 62966