Big In Japan

Name: Big In Japan
Start: 2026-06-20T17:00:00-05:00
Location: 305 State St. , Alton, IL, United States, Illinois 62002

Schedule

Sat, 20 Jun, 2026 at 05:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

305 State St. , Alton, IL, United States, Illinois 62002 | Alton, IL

BIG IN JAPAN: A pop icon series by Mila Duffy
Mooneyham Art proudly announces BIG IN JAPAN, a bold new exhibition by the dynamic visual artist Mila Duffy, opening Saturday, June 20th from 5–9 PM. The reception will feature a live performance by Psychedelic Symphony, whose atmospheric, experimental soundscapes will transform the gallery into a multi sensory psychedelic experience. This event is free and open to the public, continuing Mooneyham Art’s mission of making art accessible to all.
ABOUT THE SHOW:
BIG IN JAPAN is a portrait driven series celebrating artists, performers, and cultural figures who have lived fearless, influential, and creatively uncompromising lives often outside the mainstream spotlight. Many of the portraits honor individuals who exist in the underground, the overlooked, the cult followed, and the quietly legendary.
One of the featured works in the exhibition is a portrait of Tom Waits, the iconic musician whose gravel voiced storytelling and outsider mystique have shaped generations of artists. Waits famously has a song titled “Big in Japan,” and the exhibition title pays tribute to him and others like him, artists whose impact is profound even when they are not in the limelight.
Duffy’s series captures the rawness, humor, grit, and humanity of these underground legends, offering a vibrant and emotionally charged visual experience.
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Mila Duffy is an expressive painter known for her bold color palettes, textured surfaces, and loose line work. Her work explores identity, transformation, and the intuitive landscapes of the inner world.
Beyond her studio practice, Duffy is a familiar creative force in the region. She is locally known for her live performances at Morrison’s Irish Pub, where her charisma and artistic presence have made her a standout entertainer. She also hosts popular Paint & Sip and open mic events at Bubby & Sissy's, fostering creativity and community in an accessible, welcoming environment.
Before stepping back into fine art, Duffy worked as a footwear designer, blending functional design with artistic expression. Her freelance portfolio includes professional race car driver T shirt jerseys, showcasing her versatility and ability to translate artistic vision into wearable designs.
EVENT DETAILS
Opening Reception:
Saturday, June 20th, 2026
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Live Music: Psychedelic Symphony
Admission: Free
Location:
Mooneyham Art
305 State Street
Alton, IL 62002
ABOUT MOONEYHAM ART:
Mooneyham Art is a premier contemporary gallery and creative hub representing more than 30 artists, ranging from regional creators to internationally recognized and celebrity artists.
Built on a foundation of accessibility, the gallery is committed to making art available to everyone, not just collectors, insiders, or the rich.
Proudly edgy, unconventional, and clearly “the strange ones,” Mooneyham Art breaks the mold of the traditional gallery experience. While the gallery embraces boldness and experimentation, every exhibition is carefully curated, maintaining a high standard of artistic excellence. This balance of authenticity and refinement has positioned Mooneyham Art as one of Southern Illinois’ leading galleries.
In addition to featured exhibitions, you will see a selection of work from Mooneyham’s curated resident artists:
Jeff Vaughn, Natalie Welborn, Rhonda Willman, Marty McKay, Craig Downs, Stephen Scordias, Jon Ross-Mooneyham, Jay Thompson, David Bailey, Derek” DEEK” Diedricksen, David Bailey, Jamie Geragosian, Joe Bova Conti, Candice Fulton, Jill Haack, Melissa Lavitt, Natalie Emmons, Cathy Dudley, Christy Motsinger, Ryan Scordias, Mindy Nickel, Jen Rulo, Tonnetta Fredrickson, Mike Williams, Yoonis Skully, Metal Priestess, Mike Nickel, Judy Ferris Edwards, Kaylin Gauthier, Jenna Muscarella and more!
Visitors will find an eclectic and expertly curated selection of:
• Fine handmade jewelry
• One of a kind pottery
• Pop art and contemporary works
• Sculpture
• Art of antiquity
• International and celebrity featured pieces
LEADERSHIP & CURATION:
Charles Mooneyham
Artist, Curator and Author | Owner of Mooneyham Art:
Nationally recognized for his surrealist-pop creations and community-driven exhibitions, Charles curates Mooneyham Art as both a gallery and creative incubator. His work challenges perspectives while his exhibitions elevate artists, foster dialogue, and encourage meaningful community connection.
Stephen Scordias
Artist & Co-Curator | Owner of ScorART:
Supporting the curatorial vision is Stephen Scordias, bringing over 30 years of award-winning experience as an artist alongside two decades of administrative leadership at the university level. His approach emphasizes thoughtful presentation, artistic connection, and cultivating spaces where creativity and community intersect.
Mindy Nickel
Artist & Gallery Coordinator | Owner of Stay Weird Crochet:
An integral part of the gallery’s heartbeat, Mindy Nickel brings a thoughtful and creative perspective, strong attention to detail, and a deep care for both artists and visitors. Mindy supports the gallery by shaping both the experience and voice of Mooneyham Art while fostering meaningful connection throughout the community.
Together, Mooneyham, Scordias, and Nickel cultivate a space where art is not only seen, but felt, lived, and shared.
Mooneyham Art continues to serve as a cultural anchor in downtown Alton, a place where creativity thrives, community gathers, and art remains accessible and gatekeeping ends.
“I can think of no better way to lift a community than through the empowerment of art.” -Charles Mooneyham
PRESS CONTACT:
Charles Mooneyham
[email protected]
(618) 598-6090
MooneyhamArt.com