First friday art walk

First Friday Art Walk, or the Art Walk for short, is a program of the Springfield Regional Arts Council. Established over 20 years ago, the Art Walk is a free and self-guided program that allows the community to get an insider look at local art, businesses, and galleries! As our name suggests, the Art Walk happens on the First Friday of every month and showcases the art, food, and fun of Downtown Springfield. As an added bonus, most FFAW Members exhibit art for the whole month, so be sure to check out their information for more details!

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VENUE INFOMATION

Gillioz Theatre

Join the Gillioz Theatre as their lobby transforms into the Jazz Cafe' open from 6-9 pm with art, drinks, and treats from Don Tono Mexican Food and Smore-ish Killer Desserts. The THIRD Floor has tours from 6-9 pm of Resident Companies, view art from Two Black Ravens, watch SATO48 shorts screenings, and 2 free guided tours of the Gillioz Theatre at 6:00 & 7:30 pm.

bookmarx

This April, come to BookMarx to explore visions of whimsy and joy with Petyr "Peewee" Cruikshanks's "DREAM WITH EYES WIDE OPEN" gallery. This show includes a collection of paintings, prints, sculptures, and poems full of pieces inspired by nostalgia-tinted dreams, as well as stickers, prints, and short fiction writing available for purchase.

obelisk home

Obelisk Home has two opening receptions from 6-10 pm. In their Main Gallery, they have the opening of "Ozarks" by T.D. Scott and the beginning of their "18th Annual Birdhouse Auction Benefitting Habitat for Humanity." In their Lower Level Gallery, the Glendale Alumni Exhibition will be open and featuring over a dozen artists.

park central branch library

The Park Central Branch Library will be open from 6:30-9 pm for April’s Art Walk. The Southwest Missouri Camera Club members will be exhibiting their show "Flowers." Additionally, Valerie Rippey will be presenting on "Macro Nature Photography" for their Art Talk at 7 pm.

formed: an artist collective

Formed is proud to present artist Andi Snethern. Andi’s passion for watercolor is seen in her bright, lively florals and landscapes. Be sure to stop during FFAW from 6-9 pm and visit with their artists to speak with them about her processes and how they let their creative voice speak, enjoy light refreshments and live music by ACT 3.

Brick city gallery

"Homeland: Photographs from the Anthropocene" explores contemporary approaches to ideas about place and landscape. Featuring work from Ian Campbell, Terra Fondriest, Dana Fritz, and Drew Nikonowicz, the curated works in this exhibition consider different approaches to a central subject. Catch the show from 6-9 pm for April's Art Walk!

hotel vandivort

Join Hotel Vandivort for April’s Art Walk to see work by Kurt Caddy. Be sure to swing by between 5-7 pm in the lobby during FFAW to see his work!

carolla arts exhibition center

The "Annual Juried Student Exhibition" features work from their department’s undergraduate and graduate students. Juried by Kansas City artist Steve Snell, they are excited to continue the legacy of Mark J Hall with the Mark J Hall Best in Show Award, in addition to other monetary awards. Catch the show from 6-9 pm!

sculpture walk springfield

Sculpture Walk Springfield is proud to present the next Alleyscapes experience, Mauricio Sanhueza’s piece, "Sushi 2.0." Catch it projected from sunset to midnight in the ‘backstage alley’ behind the Hotel Vandivort and the Landers Theater (accessible via Robberson Alley).

forming art studios

Forming Art Studios will have a special musical artist this First Friday Art Walk! Tony Menown will be jamming out at the studios from 6:30-8:30 pm. As always, new art by Artists, Laura Ingalsbe, Bobbie Wright, Misty Lane, and Sophie Bryan! Stop by on First Friday for mini astrology readings by Misty Lane from 6-8:30 pm!

the creamery arts center

The SRAC is excited to host the opening reception of "Landscape in Peril: An Environmental Perspective!" This exhibition encouraged artists to reflect on the current state of the natural world, and to consider the impact of human activity on the land, water, and air that sustains us. Join the SRAC at The Creamery Arts Center from 5-7 pm to catch the show during April’s FFAW!

j.l. long traders

J.L. Long Traders will be open 10am - 9pm for April’s Art Walk. They offer unique items ranging from paper products to vintage furniture in “micro-batches.” Small supplies of items they’ve either found and fixed up themselves, sourced from small businesses, or work by local craftsmen. Be sure to go check out their eclectic selection of items for FFAW!

the holland building

Join the Historic Holland Building for FFAW to see artist Janelle Patterson presenting her artwork from 6 - 8 pm on the second floor of the Holland Building on the square. You can enter the lobby at 205 Park Central E. and take the elevator or stairs to the second floor.

fresh gallery

For April’s Art Walk, Fresh Gallery will be hosting their "Annual Juried Art Show." There will be a wine and cheese reception from 6 - 9 pm featuring live music by Mark Ellman. The awards ceremony will begin at 7 pm. The public is invited to attend and view the featured art while meeting some of the artists!

jim d. morris center

Join MSU’s International Programs from 5-7:30 pm at the Jim D. Morris Center for a fun International Game Night as they celebrate the joy of different games from around the world! Students will bring games representative of their countries - whether they be board games, puzzle games, or any other intriguing game they'd like to share. Pizza will also be included!

drury pool arts gallery

Join Drury University at the Drury Pool Arts Gallery for two opening receptions for April’s FFAW! In the main gallery, they will be opening "Celebrating 150 Years: Student Work, Past & Present." Additionally, in the Gallery’s first floor hallway, "Celebrating 150 Years: Study Abroad" will be on display. You won’t want to miss these shows!

hold fast brewing

Hold Fast Brewing couldn't be more excited to welcome back Allie and Grace! You do not want to miss this mother-daughter duo - their powerhouse voices will bring the house down. Music starts at 7 pm, a food truck will be onsite serving up delicious eats, and that local brew you know and love will be flowing all day!

gailey's breakfast cafe

Gailey’s Breakfast Cafe is a popular, nostalgic eatery whipping up traditional American breakfast grub in straightforward digs. They will be open until 9 pm that night and will be featuring local art!

transformation gallery & tattoo

Transformation Gallery & Tattoo will be open for April’s Art Walk! They will be open 6 – 9 pm and will be showcasing art from their talented staff - be sure to check it out!

coming soon!

Stay tuned to see who will be open for First Friday Art Walk next month!

coming soon!

Stay tuned to see who will be open for First Friday Art Walk next month!

coming soon!

Stay tuned to see who will be open for First Friday Art Walk next month!

how to join

Participating businesses must be located within the Downtown Arts District, bounded by Chestnut Expressway to the north, Cherry Street to the south, National Avenue to the east and Grant Avenue to the west; and agree to abide by the terms of the First Friday Art Walk Bylaws.

To View and Print our Application and Bylaws, please click on the links below or contact Claire Utley, FFAW Communications Director at artwalk@springfieldarts.org or 417 862 2787

FFAW MEMBER BENEFITS

FFAW SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS

FFAW APPLICATION

ART WALK BYLAWS

frequently asked questions

General Information

When and where is First Friday Art Walk held?

First Friday Art Walk is held 4:30-10 p.m. the first Friday of each month in locations throughout downtown Springfield, MO.

for artists

I am an artist and I would like to display my work at Art Walk. How do I do that?

All FFAW venues schedule and manage their own showings. You can reach out directly to these businesses/galleries, or to be included on the FFAW Artist Resource for venues to access when scheduling, email the following to artwalk@springfieldarts.org :

3-4 artwork sample images in JPEG format

brief statement about you and your work

preferred contact information

list previously shown local venues (when and where)

website and social links

FFAW venues will contact the artists directly for scheduling.

Is there a way to get information about my art out to the general public?

Yes! By joining the Springfield Regional Arts Council as an Artist member, you get free access to the Artist Registry, where you can post a bio and examples of your work. Art Walk directs members to the Registry on a regular basis when they are seeking artists for upcoming shows. The Artist membership is only $25 a year and includes free admission to SRAC events, such as Artsfest!

Do I need to do anything to prepare my art for display?

All two-dimensional artwork for display should be securely wired for hanging; sawtooth hangers are generally not acceptable. Delicate works should be protected by a frames with glass; some works, such as oil canvases, should not be glassed in as they cannot “breathe,” and paint may adhere to the glass. Three-dimensional works need to be stable enough to stand alone without endangering the viewer. Three-dimensional pieces that hang from the ceiling, such as small sculptures or mobiles, must be securely wired for hanging.

for businesses

How do I participate in Art Walk?

You need to join Art Walk as a member or a sponsor. View the First Friday Art Walk Application or email artwalk@springfieldarts.org

What’s the difference?

Art Walk members must be located in the Downtown Arts District and are required to display original artwork, pay monthly dues, and meet the Art Walk’s promotional deadline the month before any given Art Walk. Art Walk sponsors are not required to be located downtown and do not participate month-to-month.

What are the costs of membership vs. sponsorship?

Members pay a one-time initiation fee of $100 plus a monthly fee that differs depending upon which tier they participate in. For sponsorships, we offer three different levels at varying price points depending on what you want to get out of the program.

Are those the only sponsorship options?

No, we also offer category exclusives – meaning no other business in your category can sponsor as long as you are a sponsor in good standing – as well as presenting sponsorships on a quarterly or yearly basis; these options range from $1,200 to $10,000 annually. Email artwalk@springfieldarts.org for more information.

What is the Downtown Arts District?

The Downtown Arts District is Art Walk’s designated geographic area. It is bounded by Chestnut Expressway to the north, Cherry Street to the south, National Avenue to the East and Grant Avenue to the west. Any business located in those bounds can be an Art Walk member.

I want to join Art Walk as a member, but I don’t know any artists. How do I find people to display in my space?

First and foremost, you should check out the Artist Registry at the Springfield Regional Arts Council, available online at www.SpringfieldArts.org/ArtistRegistry. As a member, you can also access an artist resource listing local artists that would love to participate in FFAW. You can also issue your own call for artists through your website or social media outlets.

I’ve never done an art display before. What do I need to do to make this work?

First, you need to decide what kind of art you want to display. If you want to do two-dimensional art, i.e. paintings, drawings, and other “wall” art, you will need to be able to hang the art securely via wall mounts, display rails, shelves, a hanging system, or easels. If you want to do three-dimensional art, i.e. sculpture or pottery, you will need plenty of floor space and appropriate stands, shelves, or pedestals.

How much art should I display?

That depends primarily on the size of the artwork. If an artist works in large-scale pieces, 4 feet or larger to a side, you might get away with as few as 6 or 8 pieces; however, most artists do not work in large scale. A good display is usually 10 to 15 pieces or more. You need to display enough work that it is 1. worth the artist’s time and effort to transport and hang the art and 2. worth the visitors’ time to come to your location to see it.