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

carl's bad designs

Join Carl’s Bad Designs for September’s FFAW to see them showcasing clothing from Carl’s Bad Designs, 201 Trinkets, Bae Savage Vintage, and artwork from local artist Saphira Gale. Additionally, you can shop vintage clothes and handmade jewelry from One World Library. The shop will be open from 5-10 pm for the Art Walk!

drury pool arts gallery

The Drury Pool Arts Gallery will be open for September’s Art Walk from 5-8 pm with "Carry On" by Sharon Harper. You won’t want to miss this show!

brick city gallery

"Artifact" by Matt Moyer mines the artists interest in exploring the creativity, ingenuity and complicated history found in mechanical things. Moyer believes well-used mechanical artifacts contain inherent beauty, creativity and humility that connect them to the people who have worked with them over the years. Catch the show on FFAW from 6-9 pm!

jim d. morris center

Join MSU's international students from 6-8 pm at the Jim D. Morris Center for International Programs as they highlight the entertainment aspects and popular culture of eight fascinating countries: Malaysia, Serbia, Pakistan, Timor-Leste, Uzbekistan, Laos, Japan, Georgia, and Brazil.

the downtown church

Join The Downtown Church from 6-8 pm for a fantastic evening of music, snacks, and kids activities! They will be featuring live jazz from Caduceus – The Doctor's Band, along with popcorn, lemonade, and popsicles. There will also be some fun arts and crafts for kids, best of all it's all FREE!

bookmarx

BookMarx will be open 6-9 pm for the Art Walk, be sure to check out artist Copper Posten’s work along with BookMarx’s wonderful selection of books!

j.l. long traders

Join J.L. Long Traders for September’s Art Walk from 10 am – 9 pm. Check out their wide selection of unique items along with their seasonal Halloween merchandise!

the holland building

The Historic Holland Building on the square in Downtown Springfield is excited to feature local artist Sabrina Perry for September’s FFAW from 6-8 pm.

sculpture walk springfield

Sculpture Walk Springfield is proud to present the next ALLEYSCAPES immersive arts experience: "Moth Vitals" by Nancy Wyllie. The art piece will be projected from sunset to midnight in the ‘backstage alley’ behind the Hotel Vandivort and the Landers Theater (accessible via Robberson Alley).

transformation gallery & tattoo

Transformation Gallery & Tattoo will be open for September'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!

the gillioz theatre

The Gillioz Theatre will feature prints from Julie Blackmon’s work from Ozarks Lyric Opera, "Journeys Through Light and Landscape: An Exploration in Oil" by Michael Kornblum presented by the Two Black Ravens Foundation, activities with MOJO, trivia games hosted by Ozarks Film Foundry, and djembe drumming with Mosaic Arts Collective all from 6-9pm!

carolla arts exhibition center

Featuring work from Stacey Holloway and Steve Snell, "This Land" visual mines the relationship and interplay between the natural world and the lifeforms that inhabit it, exploring what stories they tell about our history. Check out the show at The Carolla Arts Exhibition Center from 6-9 pm!

obelisk home

Join Obelisk Home from 6-10 pm for the opening reception of "Metachrosis" by Annie Donohue. Metachrosis is the ability of some animals to change their color, texture or patterns. Annie often uses paint in the same way these animals do to create or reflect different states of being. Be sure to catch the show during September’s Art Walk!

hotel vandivort

Join Hotel Vandivort for September’s FFAW to see work by featured artist Jennifer Nelson. Her work will be displayed in Hotel Vandivort's Historic Lobby on from 4 - 9 pm, be sure to check it out!

the creamery arts center

Sponsored by The McQueary Family, "Ozarks Icons" invited artists to capture the heart and soul of the Ozarks! Also opening at the SRAC is "Bad Art by Good People." This event partnered local artists with community leaders to create works of art that aim to show that anyone can create art. Catch the shows from 5-7 pm for FFAW!

park central branch library

The Library will be open from 6:30-9 pm featuring work by Alicia Mau with her new exhibit, "Let's Feast." Alicia Mau will also be creating a live painting. Art Talks kicks off at 7 pm with Malena Hemenway presenting "Mark Maggiori: Visual Culture of the America West."

fresh gallery

Fresh Gallery is pleased to announce the "2024 Photography Show!" They will host the opening reception of the exhibition during September’s FFAW from 5:30 - 9 pm, be sure to check it out.

formed: an artist collective

Formed presents artist Mindy Tillery, a contemporary mixed media artist. She creates multi-dimensional works inspired by nature, metaphysics, and sacred geometry. Swing by from 6-9 pm and visit with their artists, enjoy light refreshments and live music by The Bold Deniers.

gailey's breakfast cafe

Join Gailey’s Breakfast Cafe for September’s Art Walk for beautiful art and delicious food! Gailey’s will be featuring art from 5 local artists: Jenny Green, Eric Vaughn, Linda Lee Layton, Sarah Butler, and Mariah Partain. Additionally, they will have their Happy Hour from 2-6pm, with drink and food specials.

forming art studios

Forming Art Studios will host mini astrology readings by Misty Lane for FFAW! Be sure to swing by and chat with their artists between 6:30-8:30 pm.

hold fast brewing

Hold Fast Brewing is thrilled to welcome Allie and Grace for FFAW! Brewery opens at 12 pm with your favorite local brews on tap, Fire Family BBQ starts serving up their delicious eats at 12 pm, and music starts at 7 pm. Your favorite downtown patio is waiting for you!

blue room comedy club

Join the Blue Room Comedy Club to see work by local artist Jeremiah Gill with his 'Blue Comics' series in the side lounge at Blue Room Comedy Club for September’s Art Walk from 6-9 pm.

Coming soon!

There is no official Art Walk in July. Stay tuned to see who will be open for First Friday Art Walk next month!

coming soon!

There is no official Art Walk in July. Stay tuned to see who will be open for First Friday Art Walk next month!

coming soon!

There is no official Art Walk in July. Stay tuned to see who will be open for First Friday Art Walk next month!

coming soon!

There is no official Art Walk in July. 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

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 [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.