Public Defender is currently accepting submissions for zines and art prints for consignment.

We’re a contemporary art space in downtown Belleville, IL presenting exhibitions, experimental programming, and a curated retail selection of indie comics, zines, and works on paper.

Consignment runs in renewable 6-month terms with a 60/40 split in the artist’s favor. Artists are paid quarterly. Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis.

We have wide tastes, but we’re especially drawn to work that is thoughtful, well-crafted, and original. Experimental projects, political work, handmade editions, underrepresented voices, punk pieces, and the subversive all resonate with us. We love strong ideas and strong execution, whether you’re a new or experienced maker.

Email public.defender.art@gmail.com to submit. Read our FAQs to learn more.

We review zines, indie comics, graphic novels, artist books, chapbooks, and prints. We may also consider other literature- and comics-related work on a case-by-case basis.

We welcome submissions from both emerging and established creators. We do not carry work that promotes hate or targets vulnerable communities.

We have wide tastes, but we’re especially drawn to work that is thoughtful, well-crafted, and original. Experimental projects, political work, handmade editions, underrepresented voices, punk pieces, and the subversive all resonate with us. We love strong ideas and strong execution, whether you’re a new or experienced maker.

• 6-month renewable term
• 60/40 split in the artist’s favor
• Based on your stated retail price
• A written agreement is provided upon acceptance.

Sales are tracked continuously, and payments are issued quarterly (January, April, July, and October).

We can pay by check, EFT, Square Cash, Venmo, or in-person cash pickup.

You set your own prices.

We encourage pricing that covers both your material costs and time. We’re happy to offer guidance based on similar works and what typically moves in our space. Zines often range from $5–$20, with longer or limited-edition works priced higher.

Our goal is to balance accessibility for readers with sustainability for artists.

Our standard consignment period is 6 months. At the end of the term, you may renew or pick up unsold inventory.

We can mail unsold work back at the artist’s expense. We are not responsible for loss or damage during return shipping.

Local artists are encouraged to hand-deliver during retail hours or by appointment.

Work may also be mailed to:

Public Defender
120 W. Washington St. #29
Belleville, IL 62222

Please do not use the storefront address for shipping.

Consigned work is prominently displayed in our retail space, and purchasable during retail hours, exhibitions, and public events.

We periodically feature selected work on our website and social media, and may bring a curated selection to pop-ups or small press fairs. Placement and presentation decisions are made by the gallery to maintain a cohesive and welcoming environment.

Public Defender was founded in 2026 by artist/designer Danny Houk and writer/photographer Stacie Spaunhorst.

We are building a multifaceted art space in Southern Illinois to be a destination for contemporary art, independent publishers, and zine makers alike. We aim to make serious creative work accessible to all.

Public Defender features two art exhibition spaces; a main gallery and an annex gallery. Check back here in May to learn about current and future exhibitions.