Carbondale Chamber, SIU to dedicate fourth Saluki-themed mural

KBSI FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CARBONDALE, Ill., (KBSI) — The Carbondale Chamber of Commerce and Southern Illinois University Carbondale will dedicate the community’s fourth Saluki Pride mural on Thursday.

The event is scheduled for 11 a.m. at Moe’s Southwest Grill, 715 N. Giant City Road.

Titled “This Is Saluki Country,” the mural is part of the Chamber’s Saluki Pride initiative, which showcases SIU spirit throughout Carbondale. The project was led by Antonio J. Martinez, SIU professor of photography/intermedia arts and a muralist, with design by Dylan Chambers, former SIU Dawg Pound president. The artwork features iconic campus and community landmarks, including the Banterra Center, Pulliam Hall and the East Campus towers.

“This mural is a bold statement that Carbondale is Saluki Country,” said William Lo, director of the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce. “It celebrates our shared pride in SIU and strengthens the bond between the university and community.”

The Saluki Pride mural series began in 2022 and includes three other works: Saluki Intersection at Illinois Avenue and Mill Street, Saluki Compass at 633 E. Main St., and the Saluki Country Selfie Wall at The Big Chill on South Illinois Avenue.

Community members, students, faculty and staff are invited to attend the ceremony.