Two new art shows open in downtown Springfield on Aug. 4, featuring fiber art and photography, and you can see them both during First Friday Art Walk.
There are 13 venues open for Art Walk, a monthly effort in which galleries and businesses line up arts-related events across downtown. Everyone is encouraged to walk around the neighborhood and pop into galleries in what organizers call a “self-guided tour.”
Venues are open for variable hours between 5 and 10 p.m.
Fiber, photography take center stage at SRAC, Fresh Gallery
The Springfield Regional Arts Council presents “With Every Fiber” at the Creamery Arts Center (411 N. Sherman Parkway). This show is dedicated to fiber arts, fashion, illustration of costume design, costume and wearable art. The opening reception, which includes complimentary refreshments, is from 5-7 p.m.
Artists include Lisa Eggleston and The Daffodil Dye Company. Eggleston is a natural dyer and quilter, using cotton that is hand-dyed with plant matter like pomegranate peels, madder root, black walnut, hibiscus and avocado skin.
Fresh Gallery (401 N. Boonville), meanwhile, debuts its 2023 Fresh Gallery Photography Show during Art Walk. It features some of the best local and regional photographers. You can enjoy the artist reception and award ceremony from 6-9 p.m. If you can’t make it to First Friday Art Walk, you’ll have more chances to see the show. It will be open through Aug. 31.
Hotel Vandivort, Obelisk Home present solo shows
Deana Markus is the featured artist at Hotel Vandivort (305 E. Walnut St.). This self-taught artist has been seriously creating art since 2011. She uses colored pencils, oils, acrylics, watercolors, ink, charcoal and pastels in her work, which will be on display in the hotel's lobby.
“I find it thrilling to create paintings of beautiful objects and the natural world that reach out and touch my soul,” Markus said in a press release. “I began by using colored pencil and enjoy that medium immensely. As I began to develop my personal style I found I needed additional medium to express what my spirit wants to share.”
Kurt Caddy also uses several mediums in his art. His show “(see) to (SEE)” is on display at Obelsik Home (214 W. Phelps St., Suite 101). There you’ll find paintings, raku-fired pottery, kintsugi bowls and live-edge furniture.
“(Caddy) employs the use of rich color and deep texture to create works of art that draw the viewer into a deeper aesthetic experience brimming with beauty, wonder, and, on occasion, mystery,” a press release reads.
Enjoy live music at Formed: An Artist Collective, the Downtown Church
The August featured artist at Formed: An Artist Collective (210 E. Walnut St.) is Alicia Mau. You can enjoy her work — and refreshments — while listening to music from Tony Menown from 6-9 p.m. Mau is a Springfield-based mixed media artist inspired by nature and the human form, with a desire to work as eco-friendly as possible.
“If she’s not in a river or flea market searching for her next piece to create something new, she’s painting live at weddings, events and shows,” a press release said.
There will also be live music at the Downtown Church (413 E. Walnut St.), which is making its return to First Friday Art Walk. The Springfield Community Jazz Ensemble will entertain the crowds while they enjoy popcorn, lemonade and kids’ activities from 6-8 p.m.
Other venues for August’s First Friday Art Walk are:
- Brick City Gallery, 215 W. Mill St.
- BookMarx, 325 E. Walnut St., Ste. 101
- Carolla Arts Exhibition Center, 326 N. Boonville
- Hold Fast Brewing, 235 N. Kimbrough Ave.
- J.L. Long Traders, 318 W. Walnut St.
- Park Central Branch Library, 128 Park Central Square
- Transformation Gallery & Tattoo, 330 E. Walnut St.
For more information, visit the official First Friday Art Walk website, or find them on Facebook.
