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

drury pool arts gallery

Join the Drury Pool Arts Gallery for FFAW to see the "9th Annual Best of the Midwest High School Competitive!" Catch the opening reception during November’s FFAW from 5-8 pm.

j.l. long traders

The "Landers: Biography of a Theater" by local author Kara DeBacker is a chronicle of one of America’s oldest and most storied theaters—The Landers Theater! Proceeds from The Landers: Biography of a Theater will benefit Springfield Little Theatre’s Supported Theatre Experience for Young People of All Abilities. J.L. Long Traders will be open 10 am - 9 pm for FFAW.

fresh gallery

Swing by Fresh Gallery for November’s FFAW to check out their featured artist Farley Lewis. Be sure to check out Farley’s work along with their other gallery artists from 5:30-9 pm!

hold fast brewing

Hold Fast Brewing is thrilled to welcome Buster Davis for FFAW! Brewery opens at 12 pm with your favorite local brews on tap, the food truck starts serving up their delicious eats at 5 pm, and music starts at 7 pm. Your favorite downtown patio is waiting for you!

bookmarx

BookMarx Gallery will feature the work of Pokey Alrutz for November’s Art Walk. Be sure to catch the show for FFAW until 9pm!

the gillioz theatre

Join the Gillioz Theatre for November’s FFAW! Their Gallery Bar will be open! Two Black Ravens Foundation presents a moving collection of photography by veterans, sharing their stories of resilience, creativity, and healing. SATO48 will be on-site, showcasing their work and connecting with local filmmakers. SWMFO is also participating, adding some film trivia!

Brick city gallery

Catch "The Biennial Faculty Exhibition" in the east gallery, showcasing the creative work of MSU’s department’s faculty who exhibit nationally and internationally and represents work from all studio areas. In the west gallery, check out a selection of winning posters from the "4th Block Triennale" showcased at MSU in collaboration with Poster Territory.

gailey's breakfast cafe

Join Gailey’s Breakfast Café for their "$150 and Under" exhibition featuring artists Pam Wilder, Bonnie Schooler, Susan Neese, Meredith Dickerson, Linda Kitchener, Mariah Partain, Linda Layton, Eric Vaughn, Jenny Green, Leisa Rowley, Madison Haines, and Carol Snyder. Catch live music by pianist Cale Goldsberry from 6-9 pm and Happy Hour from 2-6 pm!

be creative

Join BECreative from 6-9 pm for a leftover Halloween Candy and Wine Pairing and to view the Vivid Wing Moth for fall!

jim d. morris center

Join MSU’s International Programs at the Jim D Morris Center from 5-8 pm for the "Tour of the Globe: Cultural Kaleidoscope," a vibrant celebration of diversity where various cultures and communities come together!

park central branch library

Join the Park Central Branch Library from 6:30-9 pm for November’s Art Walk. They will be hosting watercolorist Andi Dean Snethern's exhibit "Starting Over." Art Talks will start at 7 pm with Emery Wilcoxon presenting on "Randy Chitto's Pottery: A Fusion of the Choctaw and American Southwest Cultures."

obelisk home

Join Obelisk Home from 6-10 pm for the opening reception of "From East to West" by Kurt Caddy in their Main Gallery. In their Lower-Level Gallery, view Artist Explorations. This exhibition focuses on the individual collections of three local artists: Sarah Jones, Amy Kalimat, and Jennifer Nelson. 

forming art studios

Join Forming Art Studios every Monday from 10-4 pm, for open studio time for any artist! Stop by on First Friday for their pop up artists; Lavender Cowboy Art, Matt Brown Art, She Sells Sea Shells and chat with their artists from 6:30-8:30 pm!

blue room comedy club

Join Blue Room Comedy Club to see work by local artist Jeremiah Gill with "The Comics Series," a collection of portraits in oils and acrylics. There are originals and prints available! In addition, a portion of the exhibit proceeds will be donated to Arrow Creative Reuse. Catch Jeremiah’s work during FFAW from 6-9 pm.

carl's bad designs

Join Carl’s Bad Designs from 5-10 pm for clothing from Carl’s Bad Designs, 207 Trinkets, and Bae Savage Vintage. 207 will host a charm bar to make your own jewelry from their original artwork charms. Sydney Mayab will be showing their oil paintings, and Saphira Gale will release a zine on mental health and overcoming adversity.

formed: an artist collective

Formed is proud to present MOODS & MELODIES, new art by November featured artist, Alicia Farris. Check out Formed for November’s FFAW from 6-9 pm and visit with their artists, enjoy light refreshments, and live music by The Bold Deniers.

The HOlland building

The Historic Holland Building on the square in Downtown Springfield is excited to feature local artist Kevin Richardson for November's FFAW from 6-8 pm. Please enter the building through the entrance on Park Central E. You can find Kevin's work on the second floor of the building, accessible by stairs or elevator.

hotel vandivort

Hotel Vandivort will be exhibiting artist Janelle Patterson's work for November’s FFAW from 4-9 pm. Be sure to swing by to check out her amazing work!

the creamery arts center

Sponsored by the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, the Springfield Regional Arts Council’s Annual Members’ Show is an exhibit dedicated to highlighting the talent of SRAC Artist Members. Be sure to check out the show between 5-7 pm for November’s Art Walk for wonderful art, live music from Michelle Gillam, and complimentary snacks and refreshments! 

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!

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!

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 [email protected] or 417 862 2787

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 [email protected] :

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 [email protected] 

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 [email protected] 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.

art walk sponsors

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