Art Association History

The Springfield Art Association (SAA) has been a leader in promoting and supporting the visual arts in the greater Springfield community for more than 95 years.  Founded in 1909 by local community members, the “Amateur Art Study Club” was formally incorporated in 1913 and presented with the deed to Edwards Place, a 4,200 square foot Italianate mansion which the Club used as its permanent home.  In 1915, the name of the Club was changed to the Springfield Art Association of Edwards Place.

Since 1915, the SAA was expanded into an art center encompassing 7 separate structures on 5 acres of tree-shaded grounds in the heart of historic Enos Park. In addition to maintaining and operating Edwards Place historic home, the Association maintains a Gallery of Art presenting historical and contemporary exhibitions, a School of Art offering classes and workshops year round for youth and adults and the Michael Victor II Art Library offering more than 5,000 art related volumes and periodicals to the public and through the Rolling Prairie inter-library loan system. Annually, the SAA serves more than 94,000 persons with quality visual arts programs and services.

The SAA is governed by a 25 member volunteer Board of Directors and is managed by a professional staff. The SAA is the only visual arts organization of its kind serving Springfield as well as preserving an important part of Springfield’s rich cultural history, Edwards Place historic home.  The SAA offers audiences of all ages and interests a well rounded approach to the visual arts through high quality exhibitions, innovative arts educational programs, library resources and services and unique events such as its annual Edwards Place Fine Art Fair and Beaux Arts Ball.

Mission Statement

The Springfield Art Association (SAA), a community based, non-profit organization*, promotes and supports the visual arts, provides art education opportunities for the greater Springfield area and preserves and interprets historic Edwards Place and the collections of the SAA.

*SAA is a non profit tax exempt organization organized pursuant to IRS code 501(c)(3)

Executive Board

Bronwyn Eves, Board President
Sarah Albrecht, 1st Vice President
Bronwyn Eves, 2nd Vice President
Michelle Steckel, Treasurer
Alison Lacher, Secretary
Ellen Fliss, Past President