Art is a small word that belies the huge impact it has on a community. Art is a language that can connect diverse groups and individuals through both shared experiences and differences. It helps build community pride with cultural identity while introducing new ideas and perspectives. Art even has a role in economic development as cultural events attract tourism, bringing in visitors who help support local businesses and contribute to the local economy.
One of the gems of Springfield’s art scene is the community-based nonprofit Springfield Art Association (SAA). In its goal to support the visual arts, the SAA not only offers art education classes in just about every medium, it also hosts exhibitions and an annual fine art fair.
The SAA Collective at 105 N. Fifth St. in downtown Springfield has two exhibitions that are open through Thursday, Sept. 25. “Confluence” showcases the works of Laura Anderson and Leslie Stalter who are both educators at Lincoln Land Community College and juried artists of the Collective. The exhibition “presents immersive pieces that blur boundaries between organic and manmade forms, inviting viewers into a space that feels both new and strangely familiar.”
Seeking to highlight diverse voices expressed through pastel, acrylic, mixed media, oil and charcoal in works both realistic and abstract, “PLEIADES” presents the bold strength of women artists in the 21st century. Artists Sarah Anderson, Julie Brown, Delinda Chapman, Denise Church, Catherine Flynn, Ruthann Mazrim, and Sheri Ramsey are featured in the exhibit at the SAA Collective.
The “Statewide: Illinois Artist Showcase” exhibit, on display through Aug. 30, celebrates the diversity and creative talent throughout the state by highlighting the work of talented professional artists, aged 21 and older, who are living and working in Illinois. The show is at the SAA’s M. G. Nelson Gallery, 700 N. Fourth St.
Artists from across the country will gather on the lawn of Edwards Place for the SAA’s 37th Annual Edwards Place Fine Art Fair. This art fair is the highlight of the year for the SAA and the weekend-long event includes live music, food and exhibits. It is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 20, and Sunday, Sept. 21, at Edwards Place, 700 N. Fourth St.
“Perceptions of Nature,” a solo watercolor exhibition by Donald Landry, will be on display at the Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., from Sept. 14-29. Landry, a member of the Sangamon Watercolor Society, has been painting for almost 50 years. He says most of his work is of local landscapes in places such as Washington Park, Lincoln Memorial Garden and Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site. The society will host an artist’s reception from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 14.
The Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., is hosting the fifth installation of the annual NOIR art exhibition, “NOIR V: Resilience,” through Tuesday, Sept. 2. The exhibit, curated by Austin Wells and Elijah Miller, features photography, mixed media, oil and acrylic paintings, pastel work and other artworks by Black artists highlighting the theme of resilience. Artists use their work to “celebrate and preserve Black culture, traditions and values, fostering a sense of pride and belonging.”
The Fae Folk Art Collective is a nonprofit organization dedicated to presenting visual, performing and literary arts with fantasy-themed events. With the Fae Folk Art Festival IV: Mythical Creatures the collective hopes to create a safe, Renaissance faire-inspired atmosphere for all ages. Look for an art market, literary area, poetry open mic, costume contest, performances by Capital City Improv, Zwei-Dumm Productions, The Pretty Peculiars and Maverick Moon, plus interactive games, activities for kids and food trucks. It will be held on Saturday, Sept. 6, at Union Square Park, 212 N. Sixth St.
The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 623 E. Adams St., was created in 2011 to “to cultivate and celebrate expressions of multidimensional artists.” The gallery also serves as an art studio, performance venue and arts center. The member group exhibition, “HINTERLANDS,” which is an exploration of the idea of areas beyond city bounds and the “less developed and hard to reach locations,” runs through November. Also ongoing is “Bob Waldmire,” a display of the works of the iconic Route 66 hippie artist. It will be displayed through 2026 in celebration of the route’s 100 anniversary.
Art Spectacular is a festival of art, music and children’s programs. Founded by Rees Carillon Society board member Barb Walker, the art show is a professionally juried fine art and craft show featuring museum-quality works. The participating artists are among the region’s and nation’s most-recognized for their original work in a variety of media. Works of art and crafts range from $50 to $7,500. In addition to a silent auction and gift basket raffle, the event features hourly carillon performances and other performances by local musicians, artist demonstrations, a kids’ art sale and food. The show is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 13, and Sunday, Sept. 14, at the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, 1740 W. Fayette Ave.
Springfield has a living, breathing art community and it never disappoints. We are lucky to have some incredible talent among us and plenty of places in which to experience their work. Give yourself the gift of time to explore the exhibitions and experience how art can connect us.
Related Stories
This article appears in Fall Guide 2025.
