Where to browse and buy

DEMO Project – This new alternative gallery focuses on current trends in contemporary art. Hours are by appointment or 1-4 p.m. Saturdays following opening receptions. 732 N. Fourth St., 217-206-6506.

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 12-5:30 p.m., Tues.-Fri. 10:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. 414 E. Monroe St., 544-1289. fashionafrique.net.

Illinois State Museum Gift Shop, Illinois Artisans Gallery – The Illinois Artisans Program focuses national attention on the rich heritage of the fi ne 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.

James S. Murray Gallery – Located at Lincoln Land Community College, this gallery displays works of faculty, students and national artists. Hours are 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri. 217-786- 2219. www.llcc.edu/art/JamesSMurrayGallery.

Prairie Art Alliance Gallery in the Hoogland – The Prairie Art Alliance hosts exhibits every 7-8 weeks and free receptions for each exhibit opening. The gallery and gift shop are also open through intermission of theater performances. Hours: Tues.-Sat. 12-7 p.m., 420 S. Sixth St. 217-544-2787. www.prairieart.org.

Springfield Art Association’s M.G. Nelson Family Gallery – SAA’s gallery hosts monthly exhibitions featuring works in all media by artists who are recognized nationally, regionally and locally. Exhibitions range from the traditional to the contemporary, are juried or curated, and draw from a broad range of themes and topics. The gallery is free and open to the public Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 700 N. Fourth Street. 217-523-2631. www.springfieldart.org.

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. Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 217-522-8006.

The Blue Door – The Blue Door offers an eclectic variety of fi ne 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., 217-753-0262. www.bluedoorart.com.

The Pharmacy – This artist-run co-op has periodic one-night shows of members’ paintings and sculptures. The gallery exhibits usually feature guest artists from out of town. Visit www.thepharmacygallery.com. The Pharmacy Studio, 401 South Grand Avenue West. The Pharmacy Gallery, 1022 S. Pasfi eld, 217-652-3273.

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: 11-5 Mon.-Sat., 217-528-2234.

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.

Urban Sassafras – Wall décor, photography, paintings, jewelry and more. Open Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 200 Broadway in historic downtown Springfield. 217-670-2391.

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