Guide to galleries

Where to browse and buy

Artifacts Glass Studio and Gallery - Artifacts specializes in glass and handmade items, all from local artists. Hours: 2-9 p.m. Tues.-Sun., 1107 South Grand Ave. East, Springfield, 217- 303-2244.

The Blue Door – The Blue Door offers an eclectic variety of fine arts and crafts, exhibiting a unique blend of wall art, jewelry, clothing, furniture and home accessories, ceramics, art glass, quilts, photography and more. Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., 214 S. Sixth St., Springfield. 217-753-0262.

H. D. Smith Gallery of the Prairie Art Alliance – The Prairie Art Alliance offers exhibit opportunities, community outreach to special needs groups, classes to the general public and support and development of member artists. Hours: Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 420 S. Sixth St., Springfield. 217-544-2787.

Gallery II of the Prairie Art Alliance – Now in a new location at 2 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, this gallery in the heart of downtown offers members’ works for sale, special exhibits and events on the First Friday of every month, and a hub for local arts and artists. 2 S. Old State Capitol Plaza. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday- Saturday. 217-544-2727.

Fashion Afrique – Sale of authentic African fair trade goods helps to improve the economic status of African villagers and craftsmen, working with mission homes helping children and adults living with AIDS/HIV, promoting justice for African craftsmen by discouraging copied African arts by industrial sweatshops. Hours: Monday 12-6 p.m., Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. and 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday. 414 E. Monroe St., 544-1289.

Illinois State Museum Gift Shop Illinois Artisans Gallery – The Illinois Artisans Program focuses national attention on the rich heritage of the fine crafting that exists in Illinois. The program markets crafts through the Artisans Shop located in the Museum Store at the Illinois State Museum in Springfield. Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 12-5 p.m. 502 S. Spring St., Springfield. 217-782-0979.

The Pharmacy – This is a recently minted artist-run co-op which has already achieved great success across a variety of formats. Member visual artists display their paintings and sculptures at periodic juried gallery shows, but The Pharmacy also presents poetry readings, film festivals, musical performances and other showcases for local talent to strut its stuff. The calendar is ever-changing, but there is always something of interest going on. Visit http://www.thepharmacygallery.com to see what’s happening there now. The Pharmacy Studio, 401 South Grand Avenue West. The Pharmacy Gallery, 1022 S. Pasfield, 217-652- 3273.

RMD Gallery and Framing Studio – Photographers Rob and Michele DeLong, owners, are active in fine art shows. Their gallery and framing studio has placed itself as a premier location for local arts and outstanding custom framing and matting. 210 S. Sixth St., Springfield, 217-525-4006, www.rmdgallery.com.

The Spice of Life – Sisters Stacy Hastings and Leslie Smith opened this gallery to display and sell their own creations of customized jewelry and stained glass, but also to feature the work of other artists from central Illinois and around the world. Included are crafts of Ten Thousand Villages, the free trade network which supports artisans from around the globe. Find pottery, whimsical dolls, handbags, lamps, birdhouses and quilt hangings. 216 S. Sixth St. Hours: 10-5 Mon.-Sat., 217-528-2234.

Robert Morris Gallery – This is an outlet for art education and cultural enrichment for the extended Robert Morris University and the community. Exhibits range from nationally known artists to regional artists and change every 6-8 weeks. 607 E. Adams Street (between Sixth and Seventh streets). Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Studio on 6th – Studio on 6th is an ever-changing co-op in downtown Springfield, hosting the works of more than 50 local artists. 215 S. Sixth St., Springfield. Monday -Friday 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 217-522- 8006.

UIS Visual Arts Gallery – The gallery holds regular exhibits by visiting artists, faculty artists and art students. Gallery events are free and open to public. University of Illinois Springfield, 217-206-6506. Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Winchesters Galleries – Winchesters features fine art and creative framing, 1800 S. MacArthur Boulevard, Springfield, 217-523- 9211. Hours: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday- Friday; Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.