For Immediate Release
Contact: Shannon Cay, (417) 862-2787
See contact info for each FFAW venue as well.
[email protected] | www.springfieldarts.org
Learn more about the special events happening in the Downtown Arts District for First Friday Art Walk in May. Venues are open on variable hours between 4:30 pm and 10 pm for the First Friday event on May 2nd. You can also catch them throughout the month during their regular hours.
Obelisk Home
From 6-10 pm is the opening reception of “Between Self and World” by James Eric Richardson in the Main Gallery. In the Lower Level Gallery is “Emerging,” featuring Seniors from Glendale, Kickapoo, and Ozark High Schools.
214 W. Phelps Ste 101
(Sam Evans) [email protected], 417-866-6488
Tues – Fri 10 am – 6 pm, Saturdays 10 am – 5 pm
Hotel Vandivort
Carlea Badolian is the fashion designer behind the brand Carl’s Bad Designs. She studied right here in Springfield at Missouri State University and has shown her work at fashion week across the Midwest. She also opened a shop in downtown Springfield that features her work and that of other local artists. Her designs are rooted in the belief that fashion should not only look good but also do good. With a focus on eco-conscious materials, ethical production, and mindful consumption, she aims to redefine what it means to dress with purpose. She has a passion for history and often draws inspiration from historical silhouettes and materials. Today, she is showcasing her latest collection, “All Tied Up.” A collection inspired by Carlea’s journey as a small business owner, and the inability to keep life and work separate. In her words, “I am my work, and my work is me.” Using reclaimed neckties, this collection represents the entanglement of life, work, and art. Catch the show, open for the First Friday Art Walk, from 4-9 pm.
305 E. Walnut
(Amy Hess) [email protected]
Hotel V Lobby (permanent collection): Open 24/7
The Order: Mon – Sat 5-10 pm, Sundays 5-9 pm
Hold Fast Brewing
May’s First Friday Art Walk at Hold Fast Brewing features the incredible March to August! They are open from 12 pm, with N’Joy Thai Street Food serving up their flavorful dishes starting at 5 pm. Music begins at 7 pm, so bring your friends and make it a night to remember on Springfield’s favorite patio!
235 N. Kimbrough Ave
(Sarah Tweedle) [email protected]
Mon-Thurs 3-9 pm, Fri-Sat 12 pm-11 pm, Sunday 11 am-7 pm
The Gillioz Theatre
First Friday Art Walk takes over the Gillioz on May 2 from 6–9 PM! Two Black Ravens Foundation presents a provocative new show by REDACTED, a fearless force in veteran art and activism. This limited-series exhibition fuses digital media and raw storytelling to challenge perspectives on freedom, service, sacrifice, and the American experience. See it on THETHIRDFLOOR. Enjoy live jazz with MOJO in the gallery from 6:30 to 8:45 PM, exclusive behind-the-scenes film footage from SATO48 in the conference room, and a visit with Ozarks Lyric Opera to learn about their upcoming Jazz Aria concert. Mosaic Arts Collective will feature works by Justin Loudermill on the 2nd floor, and the Gallery Bar will be open, serving premium drinks throughout the night.
325 Park Central E.
(Lauren Slamb) [email protected], (417) 521-7993
Box office open Mon-Fri 10 am-4 pm
Formed: An Artist Collective
Formed Gallery welcomes back artist Rick Atwell for First Friday Art Walk this May!
Join the artist collective on Friday, May 2nd, from 6–9 PM at 210 E Walnut Street in downtown Springfield for a special evening reception celebrating Rick’s return to the gallery.
Rick Atwell’s luminous watercolor paintings are inspired by his years sailing the New England coast and his creative background as a Broadway performer. His work captures peaceful harbors, iconic lighthouses, and the quiet charm of coastal life with rich detail and emotion.
Forming Art Studios will also be open from 6:30–8:30 PM!
Tour the studios, meet the artists, and learn more about the creative space. Artists will be on hand to guide you through their work and share insights.
Formed: An Artist Collective is a multi-artist gallery and retail space, designed to support local artists. Owners Grace Huckfeldt and Laura Ingalsbe’s focus is on creating a one-stop shop for local art. They also offer community support and guidance for emerging artists, whether they are just starting out or focusing on their craft later in their careers. Formed’s goal is to offer a multitude of services, from classroom and studio time, photography assistance, guidance on social media and web design, and online retail needs.
Their current line-up of local artists includes; Lillian Fitzpatrick, Warren Soper, Rusty Leaf Studio, Nancy Brown Dornan, KDurden Art, GlasSensations, Andi Snethern Watercolors, Hammers Crafted Woodworking, The Chromatic Rabbit, Kathleen Day, , Caryn McAdoo, Jana Tyson, Bowls For Breasts, Full Circle Pottery, Gene Wineland, Lucinda Baker, Sam Evans, Janelle Patterson, Misty Lane, Kim Hoskinson, Sherri Davis, Alicia Farris, Dale Boyer, Ariel Jantz, Cheryl Coen, M. Scott Phifer, Ursula Wollenberg, Tiana Aschenbrenner, Teresa Fry Art, Kimono Designs, Terry Nunn Photography, Carolyn Carrigan, Sophie Bryan, Mindy TIllery, Kayleigh Anderson, Linda May Designs, Jodie Sutton, Regina Willard, Andrea Hellman, Kelsie Bethune, Grow For Good, Max Key, Sam Easterly, Ashley Laren Art, Jamie Quirk, O’Neill Blues Leather, Art Untamed LLC, and Waxing Moon Collective.
To exhibit with Formed, please send an email to [email protected]
www.instagram.com/formedgallery
www.facebook.com/formedgallery
www.facebook.com/formingstudios
www.formedgallery.com
Formed: 210 E Walnut
Formed’s Regular Hours: Tues – Sat 10 am-6 pm, Sundays 10 am- 2 pm
Forming: 330 South Ave
Forming’s Regular Hours: FFAW 6-9 pm, or when the artists are in and have their open sign out on the sidewalk!
(Laura Ingalsbe) 417-350-1142, [email protected]
The Carolla Arts Exhibition Center
BFA in Design: The Professional Design Practicum
April 28 – May 9 | First Friday Art Walk: May 2, 6-9 PM
Every semester, the Carolla Arts Exhibition Center is pleased to host an exhibition of work by graduating art and design students. The spring exhibition showcases the talent and skill of students who have spent years developing a design practice that will carry them into their professional careers.
326 N. Boonville
(Jodi McCoy) [email protected]
Mon – Fri 11 am – 6 pm, Saturdays 12 pm – 4 pm
Drury Pool Arts Gallery
Join Drury University at the Drury Pool Arts Center for the opening reception of the APEX Senior Exhibition. You won’t want to miss this show open for FFAW 5-8 pm!
900 N. Benton Avenue
(Rebecca Miller) [email protected]
Mon-Fri 12:30 pm-4:30pm
Transformation Gallery & Tattoo Features Art from Their Staff
Transformation Gallery & Tattoo will be open for May’s Art Walk! They will be open 6 – 9 pm and will be showcasing art by their talented staff – be sure to check it out!
330 E. Walnut
[email protected]
Tue–Sat 9 am6 pmm
BookMarx
This May, BookMarx is having a BOOKSTORE WEDDING, so the owner Joshua Arnett is taking the opportunity to self-indulgently use the space to take a look at how his life has been going so far. A “Joshua Arnett: Midlife Report Card”. He will be assessing and providing a letter grade for years zero to 44 and willl look back at his time as a lovable Wisconsin pastor’s kid, his time as a less lovable Wisconsin punk rock youth, and whatever has happened in the rest of the time he has been alive.
325 E. Walnut St., Ste. 101,
(Josh Amett) [email protected]
Mon-Sat 10:30 am 7 pm
Gailey’s Breakfast Café Features Photographs from the SWMO Camera Club
Join Gailey’s Breakfast Cafe for May’s FFAW to see photography on display from the Southwest Missouri Camera Club along with artwork from Kathleen Day, Gentry Amstutz, and Bella Caskey. They will also have a live musical performance by Andrew Nolan from 6-9 pm and they will be open until 9 pm with Happy Hour Specials from 2-6 pm.
220 E. Walnut St.
(Carol Snyder) [email protected]
Sun – Tue 7 am -3 pmm, Wed – Sat 7 am -9 pmm
Brick City Gallery
BFA in Art Senior Exhibition
April 21 – May 2 | First Friday Art Walk: May 2, 6-9 PM
Every semester, the Brick City Gallery is pleased to host an exhibition of work by graduating students from the Department of Art and Design. The spring exhibition showcases the talent and skill of students who have spent years developing an artistic practice that will carry them into their professional careers.
Brick City Galleries: 215 W. Mill
(Jodi McCoy) [email protected]
Mon – Fri 11 am -6 pmm, Saturdays noon -4 pmm
Park Central Branch Library
The library will be open from 6:30 to 9 pm. The staff will be hosting members of the Visual Artist Alliance of Springfield for the exhibit ’35 Years in the Making’. This exhibit will showcase the talents of multiple artists across various mediums.
128 Park Central Square
(Andrew Mann) [email protected]
Mon – Sat 10 am –6 pmm
The Downtown Church
The Downtown Church is going to have some live jazz, popcorn, lemonade, and kids activities from 6-8 pm. The Downtown Church meets in the middle of rich & poor, young & old, believers & nonbelievers. A place where Christ and the community intersect.
413 E. Walnut St.
(Brian Mattson) [email protected] 417-866-4326
Office hours: Mon-Thu 8am-1pm
Ozarks Tech Arts, Design, & Humanities
Join them for the opening reception of our 2025 Spring semester Student Art Exhibition! The reception will be held at the new (temporary location), at the Mount Carmel Building on the corner of National and Pythian. Artworks from Drawing I, II, Painting I, II, 2D Design, 3D Design, + GDT Photography will be on display. Refreshments will be served! ALL are welcome to celebrate our hardworking and talented students.
1001 E. Chestnut Expy
(Kat Allie) [email protected] or [email protected], (417) 447-8975
Department Events – OTC Fine Arts & Humanities
Monday – Thursday 7:30 am – 5:30 pm, Friday 8 am -4:30 pm
