Capes, costumes and camera flashes filled the Southern Illinois University Student Center this weekend as Saluki Con 2026 brought students and community members together for two days of panels, vendors and celebrity appearances.
The annual convention, held April 18-19 this year, featured a mix of pop culture, science and creative programming, including workshops, anime screenings and a cosplay contest. Attendees moved between rooms for discussions on publishing, voice acting and other topics, while vendor booths lined the Student Center with artwork, collectibles and handmade items.
Actor Henry Thomas, known for his role as Elliott Taylor in “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” appeared as a featured guest during the convention’s evening programming. He also spent time meeting attendees in the student center earlier in the day.
“I’ve never been to this part of the country, so I was excited to drive through the Cahokia area, and it’s just really beautiful here,” Thomas said
Thomas also reflected on his career and growth as an actor.
“In retrospect, it can look very planned out or even easy,” he said. “But especially starting as a child actor, it can be a hurdle. Hollywood tends to put you in a category, and I had to prove that I was talented beyond that.”
He added that events like Saluki Con allow for more personal interaction with attendees.
“You have more time to interact with people at events like this,” Thomas said. “Every convention is different, and you get to meet people from all different walks of life.”
Actress Annabeth Gish, known for roles in “The X-Files” and “Sons of Anarchy,” also appeared as a featured guest. She met with attendees in the student center earlier in the day.
“It’s always really authentic and real,” Gish said. “I have a son who is a freshman in college, so that age group has a soft spot in my heart.”
Gish said her passion for acting continues to come from the impact of the arts.
“I love what the arts can do and how they can reach so many people,” she said.
Beyond celebrity appearances, Saluki Con provided a space for artists and small businesses to share their work with attendees.
Isaac Lee, a self-published comic artist with IHL Studios from Sesser, Illinois, said he returns to Saluki Con each year in part because of his connection to the area.
“I attended school here, and I like the setup and being able to have a different kind of experience with students,” Lee said. “I was born and raised here, so it’s good to come back every year.”
Lee said events like Saluki Con offer important opportunities for artists to connect directly with audiences.
“It’s a place where artists can showcase their work in person without relying on social media,” he said. “For me, it’s also a space where my work feels validated.”
Throughout the weekend, attendees browsed vendor booths, participated in scheduled activities and engaged in panel discussions, creating a steady flow of activity across the Student Center.
For many, the convention offered more than just entertainment, serving as a place where people with shared interests could come together.
Saluki Con continues Sunday with additional panels, workshops and a cosplay contest.
Staff reporter Tay Acree can be reached at [email protected].
