September 20: The Golden Thread Weaves Art, Spirit, and Healing in Alton

Alton’s historic downtown will shimmer with creativity this fall as Mooneyham Art unveils The Golden Thread, a transformative new exhibition opening Saturday, September 20, with a reception from 5 to 9 p.m. Visitors can expect live music from Psychedelic Symphony and complimentary refreshments.

So what is The Golden Thread? The exhibition asks viewers to reflect on the invisible yet powerful connections between time, wellness, nature, and spirit. Drawing inspiration from Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and the symbolism of tarot, The Golden Thread explores the healing energy of artistic creation, the grounding influence of the natural world, and the role of human sexuality in shaping our inner lives.

“Whether through painting, gardening, or simply being present, art has a way of bringing us back to ourselves,” says curator and featured artist Charles Mooneyham. “This show is about celebrating those connections—between self, community, and the Earth.”

Featured Artists

Jill Leslie Haack brings a lush, nature-inspired perspective. Her works—alive with birds, butterflies, botanicals, and water—echo Van Gogh’s reverence for beauty while offering hope and renewal.

Sandra Griffin, a printmaker, author, and illustrator, adds a provocative layer with her Curiously Carnal Tarot series, merging sex-positivity with spiritual exploration.

Charles Mooneyham, surrealist-pop artist and the force behind Mooneyham Art, contributes bold works tackling themes of religion, politics, and environmentalism. His vision anchors the show’s mission to use art as a tool for healing and social change.

Beyond the Exhibition

Mooneyham Art is more than a gallery—it’s a thriving community space. The resident collection includes work from a diverse roster of international, national, and local artists such as Stephen Scordias, Natalie Welborn, Rhonda Willman, Marty McKay, Craig Downs, Jon Ross-Mooneyham, Claudia Ruth, Jay Thompson, Christine Lampe, David Bailey, Derek “DEEK” Diedricksen, Jamie Geragosian, Jen Fisher, Joe Bova Conti, Candice Fulton, and GlamTrash Zodiac, with new pieces arriving weekly.