If you’ve got a passion for the arts, you’ll feel right at home in Springfield, Missouri. The Queen City boasts a vibrant creative community, with one-of-a-kind places to view, purchase, and even express your own perspective through visual art. Two of the city’s most celebrated art events, First Friday Art Walk and Artsfest, are perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in this thriving artistic culture.
First Friday Art Walk
Head downtown once a month for one of Springfield’s most exciting and accessible art experiences, First Friday Art Walk. Held on the first Friday of every month from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., this community event transforms the
downtown area into a hub of creativity and inspiration. During the event, local businesses, galleries, and cafes open their doors to the public, showcasing a wide range of visual art by regional and local artists.
- Participating Venues: Art can be found in diverse venues, from traditional galleries to non-traditional spaces like restaurants and retail shops.
- Live Demonstrations: Many artists offer live demonstrations of their craft, giving you an insider’s look at how works are created.
- Meet the Artists: Engage directly with the artists, ask questions, and learn about the inspiration behind their pieces.
- Live Music and Entertainment: Beyond the visual art, First Friday Art Walk often includes live music and interactive art activities.
- Family-Friendly: The event is free to attend and perfect for families, couples, or anyone interested in Springfield’s artistic scene.
- Map & Guide: Each month features a map that highlights the participating venues and events, ensuring you don’t miss any must-see exhibitions or performances.
- Supporting the Arts: Proceeds from Artsfest go towards supporting the Springfield Regional Arts Council, ensuring that Springfield’s art scene continues to thrive.
Artsfest is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a weekend filled with creativity, entertainment, and community spirit. It’s a must-visit event whether you’re looking to purchase one-of-a-kind art pieces or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
In addition to these beloved Springfield traditions, our city is home to numerous galleries and exhibitions that make it easy to experience the arts year-round. Whether it’s exploring outdoor sculptures, attending gallery shows, or joining local art classes, Springfield’s creative community offers a wealth of artistic experiences for everyone.
First Friday Art Walk is a fantastic way to explore the city’s creative talent, with something new to discover each month. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or just looking for a fun night out, this event brings the community together to celebrate art in all its forms.
Artsfest on Walnut Street
If you’re seeking a larger-scale celebration of the arts, Artsfest on Walnut Street is the place to be. Every May, this two-day festival transforms historic Walnut Street into a lively outdoor gallery, showcasing the work of over 100 artists from across the country. Artsfest is one of Southwest Missouri’s largest outdoor art festivals and a beloved Springfield tradition that has taken place for over 40 years.
- Artisans from All Over: From painters and sculptors to jewelry makers, photographers, and woodworkers, Artsfest features a wide variety of art forms, offering something for every taste and budget.
- Live Entertainment: The event isn’t just about visual arts; attendees can enjoy live performances, including local musicians, theater groups, and dance troupes on multiple stages throughout the festival.
- Hands-On Art Activities: Get creative with interactive art stations for both children and adults, where you can try your hand at painting, drawing, or even pottery.
- Food and Drinks: Artsfest wouldn’t be complete without delicious food vendors, offering everything from festival favorites to gourmet treats, making it a day-long event for the entire family.
- Award-Winning Event: Recognized as one of the top art festivals in the region, Artsfest attracts thousands of visitors every year, helping to support local and national artists.
#1: Springfield Art Museum
1111 Brookside Drive, Springfield
With a permanent collection of over 10,000 works, the Springfield Art Museum offers multiple ways for all ages to engage with the arts. Special collections include watercolor, art of the Midwest and printmaking, along with textiles and pottery from Europe, Asia and the Americas. Founded in 1928, the museum hosts numerous exhibits and events throughout the year and offers engaging art classes for youth and adults.
#2 Sculpture Walk Springfield
In and near Downtown Springfield
A museum without walls is the core principle behind Sculpture Walk Springfield. Public art plays a major role in rejuvenating our community spaces. Each year brings a brand new, juried collection of more than 20 sculptures in a wide variety of colors, shapes and materials. Sculptures remain in place from April through March of the following year. Perhaps the best part of all is you can enjoy your very own free, self-guided tour at any time, day or night!
#3: Pool Art Center Gallery at Drury University
940 North Clay Avenue, Springfield
Located on the first floor of the Pool Art Center on the Drury campus, this gallery features works in a variety of media by regional, national and international artists. It also showcases APEX Senior Projects by Fine Art and Graphic & Digital Design majors every year in May. Exhibits are free and open to the public.
#4: MSU Brick City Gallery
IDEA Commons, 215 West Mill Street, Springfield.
Located in the downtown campus of Missouri State University, the Brick City Gallery includes professional exhibitions along with student artwork. The gallery enriches the academic and cultural experience by expanding awareness of and accessibility to the arts. Exhibitions and programming emphasize trends in contemporary art and the significance of art to our society and culture.
#5: Finley River Gallery in Ozark
100 East Elm Street, Ozark.
Located on the south side of the square in downtown Ozark, the Finley River Gallery supports talented local artists in Southwest Missouri. It’s a great place to enjoy the range of creativity our region has to offer, with art shows open to the public throughout the year. They also host art competitions and offer classes for those who are interested in developing their own creative skills.
#6: Formed Gallery
210 East Walnut Street, Suite 100, Springfield.
This downtown gallery displays work from local artists using a variety of media. With an emphasis on promoting the careers of emerging artists, it’s an inclusive place for artists to exhibit and sell their work. Art education opportunities for all ages are available through a variety of workshops and classes.
#7: Fresh Gallery
401 North Boonville, Springfield.
This cooperative gallery is home to over 20 juried members who are local artists right here in the Springfield community. Member specialties include painting, jewelry, sculptures, pottery, mixed media, woodworking, glass and photography. The gallery hosts special events and art classes, and a Friends of Fresh membership entitles you to a 10% discount on works of art and other special benefits.
#8: Hawthorn Galleries
214 East Walnut Street, Springfield.
Established 1981, this two-level exhibition space showcases an ever-changing collection from local and nationally renowned artists. Featured works include paintings, prints, sculpture, glass and handmade jewelry. They also host rotating exhibitions by featured artists.
#9: Hyde Gallery
1121 South Glenstone Avenue, Springfield
After 30 years in business in downtown Springfield, Hyde Gallery relocated to Glenstone Avenue in 2021. Owner Jan Hyde is one of about 20 artists who showcase their work. The gallery is known for its landscape and abstract paintings, as well as sculptures in bronze, clay, glass and wood.
#10: The OH Gallery
214 West Phelps Street, Suite 101, Springfield.
This leading art gallery in Southwest Missouri is part of renowned interior design firm and retail store Obelisk Home. It offers a wide array of local art and is a participant in First Friday Art Walk. Local art features prominently in design projects, and artists’ newest works are showcased both in-store and on social media.
#11: Springfield Pottery
416 South Campbell Avenue, Springfield
This community clay center and fine craft gallery features work by owners Jennifer and Nathan Falter along with regional and national artists. Styles include raku, salt fired, wood fired, crystalline, pit fired, majolica, porcelain and more. Other pieces include jewelry, wood, photography, woven fibers and printmaking. The gallery hosts special exhibitions throughout the year along with classes for ages 16 and older, with no experience necessary.
#12: Waverly House Gifts & Gallery
2031 South Waverly, Springfield
This longtime fine art destination is also well-known for contemporary American craft and its year-round Christmas room. Waverly features works by regional and national artists including watercolor, oil, pastel, ceramics, wood, jewelry, mixed media, sculpture and fiber art. The upstairs gallery hosts new exhibitions regularly including juried invitational shows throughout the year.
Want to learn more about all the Springfield area has to offer? Download our free Relocation Guide today!
