(Photo by Antonio Martinez)
August 21, 2025
Saluki Pride mural dedication is Aug. 28
SIU Carbondale faculty and staff are invited to join university and Carbondale Chamber of Commerce officials for a dedication ceremony of the Saluki Pride mural at Moe’s Southwest Grill, 715 N. Giant City Road. The dedication is at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 28.
“This is Saluki Country” is the fourth SIU-themed mural led by the Carbondale Chamber’s Saluki Pride Committee as part of a wider initiative to show Saluki pride in SIU’s hometown, fitting well with the branding and partnerships pillar of the Imagine 2030 strategic plan. This joint venture between the Carbondale Chamber and SIU, recruited Antonio J Martinez, professor of photography/intermedia arts in the College of Arts and Media and celebrated muralist, to paint the murals.
“This Is Saluki Country” was designed by Dylan Chambers, inspired by his time as SIU Dawg Pound president. The mural shows silhouettes of Carbondale landmarks, including Banterra Center, Pulliam Hall and the towers on East Campus.
The Carbondale Chamber of Commerce planned four murals. The first mural was dedicated in October 2022.
Antonio Martinez’s other SIU-themed murals are:
- Saluki intersection – located at the intersection of Illinois Avenue and Mill Street.
- Saluki Compass – on the east side of Mountain Valley Properties, 633 E. Main St.
- Saluki Country Selfie Wall – The Big Chill, 508 S. Illinois Ave.