Where to browse and buy
DEMO Project – This alternative gallery is actually a small cottage on the grounds of the Springfield Art Association which took its name from the fact that it was originally slated for demolition. Now a fixture of the local contemporary fine arts scene, DEMO showcases site-specific exhibits, often by a single artist. These can range from painting and sculpture to unique installations, and participating artists are sometimes local, sometimes from elsewhere throughout the country. Hours are by appointment or 1-4 p.m. Saturdays following opening receptions. 732 N. Fourth St., 217-206-6506.
Gallery 1227 - Gallery1227 is a showcase for periodically announced exhibits featuring Springfield photographers Lou Fremgen, Tom Handy, James Hawker and John Record, collectively known as Next Friday. 1227 S. Pasfield Ave., Springfield. http://www. gallery1227.com/#
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.
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.
Out of Africa Heritage Center – The Out of Africa Heritage Center describes itself as focusing on “increasing the visibility of African-American arts and culture” while “creating the proper climate to nurture quality visual and performing arts programming.” The center hosts weekly youth-oriented after-school activities for kids on Mondays and Wednesdays along with adultoriented workshops, musical performances and wine events. 422 E. Monroe St. (in the Art Mart), Springfield. 678-851-8888. http://www.heritageofafrica.org.
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.
Prairie House Custom Frames and Gallery – As its name indicates, Prairie House Custom Frames and Gallery is a frame shop which also acts as an exhibition space, mainly concentrating on Springfield artists. The store plays host to several exhibits per year and past artists have included George Colin, William Crook and Janet Kueber Sgro. Admission is free, Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.- 5:30 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., closed Sundays, 2833 S. Sixth Street, Southern View. 217-523-4415. http://www. prairiehouseframes.com/index.html
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 fine arts and crafts, exhibiting a unique blend of wall art, jewelry, clothing, furniture and home accessories, ceramics, art glass, quilts, photography and more. 214 S. Sixth St., Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., 217-753-0262. www. bluedoorart.com.
The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space– This artist-run co-op has seasonal one-night shows of members’ most recent paintings and sculptures. The gallery exhibits will also occa sionally feature guest artists from out of town. 711 S 5th St Springfield, Hours: Fri. 12 p.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.- 6.p.m., 801-810-9278.www.thepharmacygallery.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: 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.
