Exploring Springfield, MO’s Local Art Scene

Springfield, Missouri is a city full of history, culture, and vibrant art. From the galleries of art, to the murals and sculptures, the city has something for everyone to explore and appreciate. This blog post is a guide to the art scene in Springfield, Missouri, featuring twelve unique and exciting ways to take in the culture of the city through the eyes of artists.

Galleries of Art

The first stop on any exploration of the art scene in Springfield is the many galleries located throughout the city. The Springfield Art Museum is one of the most popular galleries in the city, showcasing works from local, national, and international artists. The museum features permanent exhibitions as well as rotating exhibits, giving visitors the opportunity to explore new and exciting works of art. Other galleries in the city include the Obelisk Home Gallery, featuring contemporary works of art, and the Springfield Pottery, which showcases the works of local ceramic artists.

Murals

Springfield is home to a vibrant mural scene, with murals found on many of the city’s buildings. The city’s largest mural is “The Big Picture”, a massive, 350-foot long mural located on the side of the Springfield Parking Garage. The mural was painted by local artist Paul Jackson and features a variety of scenes from Springfield’s history. Other notable murals in the city include “The Great Race”, located on the side of the Springfield Convention Center, and “The Springfield Mural”, located on the side of the Springfield Public Library.

Sculptures

Springfield is also home to a number of sculptures, from the iconic “The Thinker” by Auguste Rodin, located in Phelps Grove Park, to the more modern “The City of Springfield” by John Cushing, located in the heart of downtown. The city also has a number of smaller, more intimate sculptures, such as the “Tribute to the Women of Springfield”, located in the city’s Women’s Park, and “The Soldiers of Springfield”, located in the city’s Veterans Park.

Theatre and Performance Art

The city of Springfield is home to a thriving theatre scene, with a variety of performance art to explore. The Springfield Little Theatre is one of the most popular venues in the city, showcasing performances from local and national touring companies. The theatre also features a variety of classes and workshops, giving visitors the chance to take part in the art of performance. Other popular venues in the city include The Gillioz Theatre, which hosts a variety of concerts and shows, and the Springfield Ballet, which offers performances of classical and modern ballets.

Live Music

Live music is another popular form of entertainment in Springfield, with a variety of venues to explore. The most popular venue in the city is the Gillioz Theatre, which hosts a variety of classical, rock, and pop concerts. The venue also features an outdoor stage, giving visitors the chance to take in the city’s music scene in the great outdoors. Other popular venues in the city include the Outland Ballroom, which hosts a variety of rock and metal concerts, and the Gillioz Center for the Performing Arts, which hosts a variety of classical music performances.

Public Art

Springfield also has a variety of public art to explore, with sculptures, murals, and other works located throughout the city. The most popular public art in the city is the “Springfield Mural”, located on the side of the Springfield Public Library. The mural was painted by local artist Paul Jackson and features a variety of scenes from Springfield’s history. Other public art in the city includes the “Tribute to the Women of Springfield”, located in the city’s Women’s Park, and “The Soldiers of Springfield”, located in the city’s Veterans Park.

Art Festivals and Events

Springfield is home to a variety of art festivals and events throughout the year. The most popular event is the annual Artsfest, which takes place every April. The festival features a variety of local and national artists, as well as performances from local musicians. Other popular art events in the city include the First Friday Art Walk, which takes place on the first Friday of every month, and the Downtown Springfield Art Walk, which takes place every Thursday evening.

Public and Private Art Classes

The city of Springfield also offers a variety of art classes for both public and private institutions. The Springfield Art Museum offers a variety of classes for adults and children, ranging from painting and drawing to sculpture and pottery. Private art classes are also offered at a variety of venues throughout the city, including the Obelisk Home Gallery and the Springfield Pottery.

Art Galleries

In addition to the many galleries located throughout the city, Springfield is home to a number of private art galleries. The Obelisk Home Gallery is one of the most popular galleries in the city, featuring contemporary works from local, national, and international artists. The gallery also hosts a variety of events, from lectures to exhibitions, giving visitors the chance to take in the city’s art scene in a unique setting.

Artist Studios

The city is also home to a number of artist studios, giving visitors the chance to interact with local artists and see their work up close. The studios are located throughout the city, from downtown to the surrounding suburbs, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the city’s art scene in a variety of settings. The studios also offer a variety of classes and workshops, giving visitors the chance to learn from the city’s local artists.

Street Art

Springfield is home to a vibrant street art scene, with murals and graffiti covering the city’s walls. The most popular street art in the city is located in the downtown area, with murals from local artists such as Paul Jackson, Franklin DeHaven, and Mark Ditzenberger. Street art can also be found in the city’s historic neighborhoods, from the murals in the Rountree neighborhood to the graffiti in the Commercial Street district.

Local Artists

Finally, Springfield is home to a vibrant community of local artists, from painters and sculptors to musicians and performers. The city is home to a number of galleries and studios, giving visitors the chance to explore the works of local artists. The city also hosts a variety of art festivals and events throughout the year, giving visitors the chance to meet and interact with local artists.

The Summary

Springfield, Missouri is a city full of culture, history, and vibrant art. From galleries to murals, sculptures to theatre and performance art, the city has something for everyone to explore and appreciate. This blog post is a guide to the art scene in Springfield, Missouri, featuring twelve unique and exciting ways to take in the culture of the city through the eyes of artists. From galleries of art to murals, sculptures to theatre and performance art, live music to public art, art festivals and events to public and private art classes, art galleries to artist studios and street art, and local artists, there are a variety of ways to explore the city’s art scene.