Buy unique holiday gifts while you enjoy an art stroll across downtown Dec. 2 at First Friday Art Walk.
First Friday Art Walk is a monthly effort in which galleries and businesses line up arts-related events across downtown Springfield. The public is encouraged to walk downtown and pop into many of the galleries in what organizers call a “self-guided tour.”
Sip and shop at Art Museum, Fresh Gallery
The Springfield Regional Arts Council presents its $100 and Under Art Market, hosted this year at the Springfield Art Museum. This is your chance to support local artists while finding one-of-a-kind gifts. The market will be open 5-8 p.m. and feature a cash bar for First Friday Art Walk.
You can also sip and shop at Fresh Gallery, located two blocks north of Park Central Square. There will be hot cider, mulled wine and a performance by soprano Cara Ellman. Friends of Fresh Memberships will be on sale for $50, giving your loved ones a 10 percent discount on purchases year-round as well as invitations to private events.
Live music is on the agenda at Formed: An Artist Collective as well. Browse work from more than 40 local artists while you enjoy the sounds of Tony Menown at Formed’s “A Downtown Christmas” celebration.
Shopping for those who don't love art
Shopping for someone who isn’t an art lover? Check out the new seasonal candles from American Heritage at J.L. Long Traders. These candles are made in Springfield and the scents are inspired by the Ozarks.
You can also find new and used books at BookMarx, which is featuring two exhibits from artist and chef HJ Schumer. One is a collection of newer abstract and multimedia works, the other is called Area 417. It features works with Schumer’s take on local life and landmarks like The World’s Largest Fork, Gailey’s, The Gillioz and more.
Evening includes fun for the family
The Downtown Church will host its First Friday Art Walk Party, with live jazz music and Christmas carols. There will also be cookie decorating, popcorn, coffee and hot chocolate.
Join Missouri State University’s international students at the Jim D. Morris Center for International Programs (301 S. Jefferson Ave.) to learn about New Years’ traditions from around the world. Students will be on hand to show and tell how they bring luck, wealth, health and prosperity into each new year.
Other venues for December’s First Friday Art Walk include:
- Best of Luck Beer Hall, 313-B S. Jefferson Ave.
- Brick City Galleries, 215 W. Mill
- Carolla Arts Exhibition Center, 326 N. Boonville
- Hold Fast Brewing, 235 N. Kimbrough Ave.
- Obelisk Home, 214 W. Phelps, Suite 101
- Park Central Branch Library, 128 Park Central Square
- Pool Arts Gallery, 900 N. Benton Ave.
- Transformation Gallery & Tattoo, 330 E. Walnut
For more information call 417-862-2787 or visit the First Friday Art Walk website.
