Rainmaker Arts and Entertainment.

Rainmaker Arts and Entertainment. Dave Dardis aka "The Rainmaker" Is a skilled artist who's studio and garden is located on the Makanda Boardwalk.

“From a horse trade, a career was born”
In 1972 I opened up Bullship Leather in Carbondale. My partner and I, set up shop in Southern Illinois, but business dried up in down and we decided to make our way to the open road. The following year, we toured the country hitting renaissance fairs throughout the Midwest. My partner and I were selling our leatherworks to a captive audience, meeting other a

rtists from different realms and mediums. I met a metal smith on this cross country run, and decided to give him some of my leather, for lessons in his craft. He taught me the art that I have practiced for over 40 years. After making my return to Southern Illinois, I purchased a property at the edge of the Makanda Boardwalk, to use as a studio. File13Slowly, my works have made it from my 1 acre garden behind my studio, throughout the country and world, as far away as England. Working mainly with copper in its various forms as a medium, you will see how I capture nature in its raw form. I accept commissioned work, as well as sell many large to small pieces. Come by and visit the studio of my work for yourself, tour my garden maze, all while you view pieces I have put together. Recently, I have put together a gallery next door to my studio, and I am usually on duty 7 days a week.

Old Chevy
08/09/2026

Old Chevy

Chevy truck at the boardwalk.
07/28/2026

Chevy truck at the boardwalk.

Happy Birthday to Sarah Lannom, musician! Custom Rainmaker bracelet from a big supporter!
07/28/2026

Happy Birthday to Sarah Lannom, musician! Custom Rainmaker bracelet from a big supporter!

Tribute from Dave to Bart for 26 years of Bart Day!
07/23/2026

Tribute from Dave to Bart for 26 years of Bart Day!

Hot Rod at the Boardwalk
07/23/2026

Hot Rod at the Boardwalk

Makanda Floods!https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D6rxuRAqW/
07/17/2026

Makanda Floods!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D6rxuRAqW/

Thanks to a generous donation the library recently acquired a small collection of postcards addressed to a teenaged Ruth Anderson (1892-1973) in rural Carbondale. Ruth later married Harry Moye and is buried in Du Quoin. This card from "Lee N." (possibly Robert Lee Nebughr) is postmarked Makanda, November 30, 1910, and says "This is the picture of the high water at Makanda last Spring."
What do you think? Can we identify this as Makanda?

06/29/2026

Vulture Fest!

In Loving MemoryCelebration of Lifeof David Brady aka “Bingo”Sunday, May 24, 20262:00 pm – 4:00 pmRainmaker’s Garden, Ma...
05/21/2026

In Loving Memory

Celebration of Life
of David Brady aka “Bingo”
Sunday, May 24, 2026
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Rainmaker’s Garden, Makanda IL
Please join family and friends as we gather to honor Bingo’s
life with love, remembrance & cherished stories

Bring pictures, musical instruments and side dishes for
a potluck reception

https://www.southerncremation97.com/obituaries/david-brady

A couple more from 4/19 with the Hornworms Marching Band and the Hornworms Choir.
04/22/2026

A couple more from 4/19 with the Hornworms Marching Band and the Hornworms Choir.

Address

530 Makanda Road, PO Box 39
Makanda, IL
62958

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Rainmaker Arts and Entertainment. posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Rainmaker Arts and Entertainment.:

Shortcuts

Share