Photographer Jeff Bohnert discusses his work that was on display at Alton’s Elysian Gallery during the ArtEast event on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025.
Elysian Gallery will close its doors at the Mineral Springs Mall on Sunday, May 10 in preparation for owner Jeff Bohnert’s new and improved concept.
“We are trying to turn it from an art gallery to a cultural hub for the region,” Bohnert said.
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Introducing: Elysian Gallery and Cafe, located at 419 E. Broadway, a space that surrounds locals in art across many mediums and builds community through art-centered events and exhibitions. With comfortable seating, a book nook, and various workspaces, this concept will be a destination instead of a stopping point.
“That was a 500 square-foot space, so we outgrew it instantly,” Bohnert said. “Here, we want to bring more stuff into the community and give people more things to do.”
The front entrance to Elysian Gallery and Cafe, located at 419 E. Broadway, is under construction on May 5, 2026, as the business is prepared for its opening in June.
The gallery-café concept is set to open on June 6 with a grand reopening that includes an art exhibition. This event will introduce the public to the gallery’s newly renovated, pet-friendly gallery and cafe space, which will be filled with art from local students, resident artists, and more.
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“It’s going to be a quiet atmosphere that is surrounded by creativity,” Bohnert said. “People can expect to come in, see the art, get their coffee, and relax and do whatever work they need to do.”
The business will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday to Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.
Ahead of the grand opening, Elysian Gallery and Cafe will host a soft opening on May 30 in conjunction with Pup Crawl, hosted by Alton Main Street.
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Elysian Gallery expands in Alton, adds cafe and events
Jeff Bohnert stands inside Elysian Gallery on July 30, 2025. This new art gallery is located inside Mineral Springs Mall at 301 East Broadway and aims to be “safe, inclusive, and diverse.”
With the improved space, both in size and visibility, Bohnert is excited to build on the art gallery he opened in August with his girlfriend, Janel Freeman.
“We knew that the last spot was a starting point to get our foot in Alton and get recognized,” Bohnert said. “AltonWorks is doing all these renovations, and we didn’t want to miss out, so we hopped on this (property).”
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With a larger space right on Broadway, Bohnert will supplement the expansion by adding new offerings and a cafe serving Goshen Coffee lattes and espressos. This St. Louis-based coffee roaster will supply the cafe and facilitate the training of four newly hired baristas.
“We are going to have some of the best coffee in the area,” Bohnert said.
This addition joins several others, including upcoming literary showcases and events, local business collaborations, and the hiring of co-curator Isabella Empey.
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“Hopefully next summer we will be able to do kids’ summer programs and things like that,” Bohnert said. “We have a lot of stuff lined up.”
The main space of Elysian Gallery and Cafe, located at 419 E. Broadway, is filled with sunlight on May 5, 2026, as owner Jeff Bohnert enters from the front door.