M.G. Nelson Gallery

Located on SAA's main campus
700 N 4th St
Gallery Hours:
Monday - Friday 9 AM - 5 PM
Saturday 10 AM - 3 PM
Free and open to the public during these hours.

The M.G. Nelson Family Gallery brings a variety of high-quality visual arts from the traditional to the most contemporary, from a cross the country to Springfield's front door. An average of twelve exhibitions rotate through the gallery each year. These exhibitions represent art from as close as the elementary school across the street and as far away as Russia.

Past Exhibits

2024-25 Exhibition Schedule

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Passages featuring John Hayes
January 8 - 30
Opening Reception:  Friday, January 10:  5:30 - 7:30 PM

This retrospective celebrates the diverse and impactful body of work created by renowned artist John Hayes. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a curated selection of Hayes' most significant pieces, showcasing his unique artistic vision and evolution over the years. ​

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Future 2025 Exhibits: 

Central Illinois Scholastic Competition:  February 2 - 21
Reception:  February 2

Illinois Prairie Pastel Society:  February 28 - March 22
Reception:  March 7

Shapes of Influence:  March 28 - April 26
Reception:  April 11

Seeking and Upward Thermal:  May 2 - 31
Reception:  May 4

Personas:  Juried Portraiture Exhibit:  June 6 - July 30
Reception:  June 13

Statewide:  August 8 - 30
Reception:  August 8

Heritage Exposed:  September 5 - October 4
Reception:  September 5

Sangamon Watercolor Society:  October 8 - November 8
Reception:  October 10

Happy Holiday Trees:  November 14 - 21
Reception:  November 21

Kids Works:  December 1 - 23
​Reception:  December 5