This story is part of the Arts and Culture Reporting Corps, sponsored by the Springfield Regional Arts Council.
Watercolor greeting cards. Embroidered, stained glass, or hand-painted holiday ornaments. Unique handmade jewelry in styles from classic to quirky.
These are just a few of the items you’ll find available this Friday at the $100 & Under Art Market at Springfield Art Museum. The Springfield Regional Arts Council organizes this annual event that gives shoppers a chance to support local artists and find truly one-of-a-kind gift options — all priced below $100. (Jump to the event details here.)
Sarah Abele, SRAC director of marketing and development, expects to see a variety of items and styles from this year’s vetted group of 25 local artists.
“A lot of the artists are bringing holiday-specific items, but don’t expect just a bunch of Santas,” she jokes. “You’ll find gift ideas that you’d want to give any time of the year, along with seasonal items.”
The SRAC has sponsored this event since 2016, helping its member artists sell almost $10,000 in art — with 25 percent going back to the council to support their programs throughout the year. The number of artists doubled this year, prompting a change of venue to the Springfield Art Museum.
Abele says that benefits for participating artists extend beyond sales.
“This can be a stepping stone in professional development for artists, preparing them for bigger shows like Artsfest,” she said.
Unlike that popular outdoor festival, this market allows for cozy browsing indoors.
Three of the vendor artists who will have work in the market gave us a peek inside their process, as well as their perspective on shopping local for the holidays.
Janelle Patterson
Q: How do you describe yourself as an artist?
A: My work is characterized by bright, bold colors and often heavy texture and high detail. I love to work with natural and whimsical subjects like animals, flowers, and landscapes. I utilize color and abstraction to evoke emotions and curiosity from my pieces.
I recently hit my 9th year in business here in Springfield. I was a K-12 art teacher before becoming a professional artist. I’ve loved the adventure of growing my skill set and developing my style over time.
Q: What kinds of pieces are you selling in this market?
A: I’ll have original canvases as well as a selection of functional painted wine glasses and mugs. I’ll have ceramic and canvas ornaments and prints of my larger works available as well.
Q: Why should people shop local art for holiday gifts?
A: Art is one of the most thoughtful gifts that can be given as it’s so personal all the way through, from creation to purchase to the recipient. Our local art community has so many wonderfully gifted individuals creating amazing pieces, and in all types of art, there’s truly something for everyone being made in the Ozarks.
Dawna Middleton
Q: How do you describe yourself as an artist?
A: I am self-taught and seasoned with the influence of a few local artists. I have yet to place myself in a single style. I am still exploring all the possibilities so the next piece is unknown until I am inspired!
Q: What kinds of pieces are you selling in this market?
A: Prints, small canvas paintings, watercolor paintings, gouache paintings, tapestries, coasters and note cards.
Q: Why should people shop local art for holiday gifts?
A: I am honored to be among the vast amount of talented artists in our area. Shopping locally lets us know others see us, support us and love our work. It plants seeds to allow others to explore their artistic abilities. It is the highest compliment when someone falls in love with my artwork so much that they want to purchase it!
Katie March
Q: How do you describe yourself as an artist?
A: A nature-obsessed painter. I feel as though I am still discovering my voice through my painting. Most important to me is the message I want to share with the world: Please honor nature.
Q: What kinds of pieces are you selling in this market?
A: Gifts you will find at my booth will be a few small original works of art, prints of my work and merchandise adorned with my art such as stickers, buttons, greeting cards and bookmarks. I also will offer reusable grocery bags, tote bags and scarves printed with hand-carved stamps.
Q: Why should people shop local art for holiday gifts?
A: I believe creating an opportunity for shoppers to purchase gifts made by creatives helps inspire a more personal and unique gift-giving experience. Buying from creatives directly, you are supporting artist recognition, which is forever challenging in this digital world. Shopping small and local is an excellent way to support your local economy as well.
Want to go?
For an extra arts-filled Friday evening, plan to spend time browsing exhibits while you’re at the museum, where admission is free and parking is available on-site. First Friday Artwalk will also be underway downtown along with festive holiday lights on display.
$100 & Under Art Market
Friday, Dec. 2, 5-8 p.m.
Springfield Art Museum, 1111 E Brookside Dr.
For more information visit the Springfield Regional Arts Council website.
