Public Defender is a multifaceted art space in downtown Belleville, IL. We feature solo exhibitions, juried shows, experimental programming, and a retail shop for indie comics, zines, and prints.

We sell a curated selection of indie comics and graphic novels in our shop. Email public.defender.art@gmail.com or call us at 314-825-7619 to inquire about specific titles. This is a list of the publishers and distributors we carry.

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

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 below to learn more.

We review zines, indie comics, graphic novels, artist books, 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.

There’s no required quantity for consignment. If you’re unsure, we recommend starting with a smaller batch. We can always reach out for more if your work sells out.

Since items are typically held for at least 6 months, we encourage you to keep enough inventory on hand for other events or sales during that time.

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.

We prefer that each print is protected in a clear poly bag or sleeve. Including a stiff backing (such as chipboard or cardboard) is appreciated, but not required.

If you’re interested in displaying a print in a frame, please let us know in advance. Wall space for hanging work is limited and must be approved prior to delivery.

Unprotected prints are more susceptible to wear from handling. We are not able to reimburse for damage to prints that are submitted without protective packaging.

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

Work may also be mailed to:

Stacie Spaunhorst c/o Public Defender
1624 Carlyle Ave # 424
Belleville, IL 62221

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.

Alisha Porter's exhibition Architectures of the In-Between: The Alchemic Body and Queer Space is in the Front Room. Sheri White's exhibition Transfigured Vessels is in the Martin Room.

Read about Alisha Porter's exhibition on Medium.