Alicia Farris’ work has been displayed across the United States and even around the world. This Friday, April 7, you can find it in downtown Springfield during First Friday Art Walk.
A total of eight venues will be open for April’s First Friday Art Walk, a monthly effort in which galleries and businesses line up arts-related events across downtown. The public is encouraged to walk downtown and pop into many of the galleries in what organizers call a “self-guided tour.” Venues are open variable hours between 5 and 10 p.m.
You can see an exhibit of Farris’ watermedia at Formed: An Artist Collective (210 E. Walnut) from 6 to 9 p.m. You’ll also be able to enjoy refreshments and meet Farris herself at the gallery. In the exhibition — titled “Faces, Places and Colorful Spaces” — she is sharing a unique and diverse collection of brand-new works.
Farris has been painting professionally and teaching for more than 20 years. She has taught at Ozarks Technical Community College and has held workshops and classes through the Springfield Regional Arts Council at the Creamery Arts Center. Farris has also taught workshops throughout the country.
Most recently Farris’ work has been featured at the Watercolor West 55th Annual International Exhibition in Newport Beach, Calif.; the Southern Watercolor Society 46th Annual Exhibition in Panama City, Fla.; the 46th International Watermedia Exhibition in Houston, Texas; and the Signature American Watermedia International Exhibition in Fallbrook, Calif.
Internationally, her paintings have been exhibited in Barcelona, Spain and Qingdao, China.
Enjoy two exhibition openings at Obelisk Home
Obelisk Home (214 W. Phelps, Suite 101) will be a busy place, with two exhibitions opening for First Friday Art Walk. The Lower Level Gallery will host the opening reception for an exhibition of works from Ozarks Technical Community College fine art students.
“Perception through Reflection” is a group of works by OTC students in painting, drawing and portfolio development classes. This work explores the traditional categories of portrait and landscape through each artist’s creative lens. The works flow through the spectrum of realism into fantasy and abstraction.
Sarah Gatewood, meanwhile, is exhibiting her collection, “An Abstract Reality,” in Obelisk’s Main Gallery. Live music and complimentary refreshments will be offered from 6 to 10 p.m.
See ‘Cryptid America’ at BookMarx
Chad Woody is the featured artist at BookMarx (325 E. Walnut St., Suite 101). His exhibition “Cryptid America” displays the creation of a tabletop game based on American cryptid folklore.
You’ll see Bigfoot, Moth-man, Jackalopes and other legends turned into underground tribes that you control in the game. Drawings and sculptures show the creation of game cards, meeples, dice and other elements in a game full of pop humor.
Park Central Branch Library hosts One Read exhibition
This year’s One Read selection, from the Springfield-Greene County Library, is “The Seed Keeper,” by Diane Wilson. The library and the Springfield Regional Arts Council have collaborated to feature artworks inspired by that book.
The opening reception is at the Park Central Library Branch from 6:30 to 9 p.m., with the award ceremony at 7:30. Guests will be able to vote for their favorite artwork throughout the evening. The most popular piece will receive the People’s Choice Award. This exhibition will remain up for the month of April.
Other venues for April’s First Friday Art Walk are:
- The Creamery Arts Center, 411 N. Sherman Parkway
- Fresh Gallery, 401 N. Boonville
- Hold Fast Brewing, 235 N. Kimbrough Ave.
- J.L. Long Traders, 318 W. Walnut
For more information on First Friday Art Walk, call 417-862-2787 or visit the organization’s website.
