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.
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.
2026 Exhibition Schedule
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2,191,464 Hours of HistoryJuly 6th-31st
Opening Reception: Friday, July 10, 5:30-7:30 PM In honor of the 250th Birthday of the founding of America, we are proud to present the 2,191,464 Hours of History exhibit in the M.G. Nelson Family Gallery! Artists were challenged to pick a moment in American history and create a piece in response. This show promises to be a dynamic and thoughtful look in to our nation’s past! Congrats to our winners: Best of Show – Julie Cowan, “Early Truths”, “Complicated”, and “Ideas as Propositions” First Place – Rachel Weaver Rivera, “The 19th Amendment was Ratified” Second Place – Valerie Fry, “They Call Her Moses” Third Place – Blythe Armstrong, “American Crisis” |
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Statewide: Illinois Artist ShowcaseAugust 7 - August 29
Opening Reception: Friday, August 7, 5:30 - 7:30 PM The Statewide: Illinois Artist Showcase, which debuted in 2022, was originally created in response to the discontinuation of the professional art exhibit at the Illinois State Fair. Open to artists age 21 and older, this showcase celebrates the diversity and creative talent throughout the state. From painting and sculpture to ceramics and mixed media, the work on view reflects the dynamic spirit of Illinois' art scene. |
Future 2026 Exhibits:
Sangamon Watercolor Society, October 5 - 31
Reception: Friday, October 9, 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Happy Holiday Trees, November 16 - 30
Reception: Friday, November 20, 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Made at SAA, December 4 - 23
Reception: Friday, December 4, 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Sangamon Watercolor Society, October 5 - 31
Reception: Friday, October 9, 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Happy Holiday Trees, November 16 - 30
Reception: Friday, November 20, 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Made at SAA, December 4 - 23
Reception: Friday, December 4, 5:30 - 7:30 PM
