March 03, 2021

Itching for some fresh air? Get yourself Downtown on March 5 for First Friday Artwalk!

This Springfield institution is celebrating its 20th year of great art and great memories, and it’s all free! Check out FFAW’s website for a map of participating venues and read this month’s Art Walk News. Come to our neighborhood Friday evening and visit as many or as few galleries as you want. There’s no wrong way to Artwalk!

Want some more details on First Friday Art Walk? Keep reading!

Something Old

Fresh Gallery opened its doors in 2009. The artist cooperative operates under the guidance of the Springfield Regional Arts Council and gives these artists a place to showcase their works. But don’t go looking for the gallery at the intersection of South Campell and West Walnut.

Instead head north 410 Boonville, right next to Brick City. That’s where Fresh Gallery renovated and opened a new gallery about three times the size of its original location. It’s a bright, open space, perfect for perusing the variety of locally-made art. This month’s featured artist is Jodie Sutton. Her collection of work reflects her journey into encaustic painting.

Need a little more motivation? Fresh Gallery is raffling off a gift basket loaded with more than $200 in goodies from its artists!

Something New

The newest gallery in Downtown Springfield is Formed: An Artist Collective. It’s located at 210 East Walnut, the former home of Crystalline Velvet and our Gailey’s Holiday Pop-Up Shop.

Owners Grace Huckfeldt and Laura Ingalsbe both participated in our Pop-Up Shop and have stuck around to create a space for artists to create and sell their work and, as Springfield emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, teach classes. There are currently 19 artists encompassing a variety of styles and mediums at Formed — paint, clay, woodcarving and more.

This month’s featured artist is Becky White of Rusty Leaf Studio. The self-taught mixed media artist shows off her love of gardening in fiber and encaustic work. Tony Menown will provide live music from 6-9 p.m.

Something Stamped

Get into the spirit of Art Walk’s 20-year celebration with your Passport to Downtown! It’s located in the Art Walk News that is available at every open location. Visit four participating venues, collect a “stamp” from each venue and you’ll receive a token of appreciation for being an Art Walk patron!

A different venue will be featured each month as the location to pick up your prize token. March’s featured venue is The Creamery Arts Center (411 North Sherman Pkwy.), open from 4-8 p.m.

Something Brewed

Check out one of Downtown Springfield’s great patios at Hold Fast Brewing (235 North Kimbrough Ave.). Hold Fast will feed your stomach and your ears, with great brews, food and live music. The Chameleon Cuisine food truck will start serving up its unique culinary treats starting at 5 p.m. Local musician Lyal Strickland will start playing at 7. While you’re there, try Hold Fast’s newest release, Daybreaker Coffee Stout. Hold Fast is open noon-11 p.m. for First Friday Art Walk.

Please note, if you choose to visit a venue, please follow mask ordinances, use sanitization stations and practice physical distancing when possible.