Springfield Art Association
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Past Exhibitions

M. G. Nelson Family

2022
Sangamon Watercolor Society Annual Exhibit
September 30 - October 29

Works by the members of the local watercolor society.
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Making Our History: Artists Render Lincoln's Legacies
August 11 - September 18

Over the past year, twenty Illinois artists have been in a virtual residency with the UIS Center for Lincoln Studies to create twenty original artworks on Lincoln’s legacies under the guidance of Professors Graham A. Peck and Brytton Bjorngaard. The art will be exhibited at UIS Visual Arts Gallery, the Springfield Art Association and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library.  ​The exhibit will showcase original paintings, sculptures, prints, photography, virtual reality, conceptual and video art. 

body, language
December 9- December 22
Alissa Ohashi has been in residence with us since August, exploring sculptural applications in papermaking, ceramics, and mixed media for installation. Experience this work in progress.
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No Place to Show
July 15 - August 6

In response to the Illinois State Fair eliminating the professional artist exhibition and competition, the Springfield Art Association created an exhibition alternative for Illinois professional artists to showcase their work.
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​When We Were Three
November 4- November 26

Paintings and mixed media by New York artist Melinda Stickney Gibson, New Mexico artist Kim Goldfarb, and Springfield artist Michael Houser

Dissonant Harmony:  A Life in Art featuring Sally Elliott
June 3 - July 9

Elliott is a Boulder-based painter with an illustrious career spanning over 4 decades.  She was a founding member of the Front Range Women in the Visual Arts in 1987.  She has been a visiting artist and lecturer at several colleges and universities across the Unites States.  From 1999 to 2011 Elliott was on the Drawing and Painting faculty at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and received professor of the year in 2006.
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The Liturgical and Sacred Art Exhibit
April 20 - May 28

The Liturgical and Sacred Art Exhibit at Springfield Art Association is part of the biennial interfaith Liturgical Arts Festival of Springfield. It is a nationwide juried art exhibition. Liturgical arts are all the ways people connect with the Divine through creativity and beauty in the visual arts, in all mediums. The festival is inspired by the beautiful diversity of faith traditions within our own community. LAFS programs are accessible to those of any faith or none. Videos of exhibit here!

Illinois Prairie Pastel Society's Pastel Perspectives
March 2-April 9
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Members of the IPPS will have over 70 works on display in their annual exhibition
Central Illinois Scholastic Competition
January 29 - February 26

The winners of the Mid-Central Illinois Region of Scholastic Art and Writing art competition will be on display in the M.G. Nelson Family Gallery during open hours. The show features art work from students in grades 7-12 from a variety of schools across central Illinois.
Art is Exceptional
January 5-26

Artworks by District 186 Special Education Students
Sangamon Watercolor Society Annual Members Exhibition
September 30-October 29

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Attend a closing reception on October 28, from 5 -7:30 PM where members of the Springfield Poets and Writers will read pieces they have written, inspired by the paintings of this show. FREE and open to the public. Refreshments provided.

2021
Unwrap the Collective
November 10 - December 23
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The juried artists of the SAA Collective present their annual holiday show located in two galleries, the SAA Collective on 105 N 5th Street and the M.G. Nelson Family Gallery on SAA Main Campus at 700 N 4th Street.  In addition to fine art, patrons can shop for holiday decor, gifts, and more!  Visit both galleries to fill up your stamp card to be entered to win holiday baskets filled with items from the show!
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On My Own Time
Nov 3 - Nov 20

A biennial visual arts program sponsored by the Springfield Area  Arts Council with the purpose to help local businesses, state agencies, and educational and medical institutions identify and celebrate the artistic talents of the people they employ.
Sangamon Watercolor Society Annual Exhibit
Oct 1 - Oct 30

Works by the members of the local Watercolor Society​
Annual 6x6 Art Raffle
Sept 16 - 23

Explore a wall filled with stunning miniature artworks created by local artists during the 6 x 6 Art Raffle! Artists of all ages, all skill levels, and all media were invited to create work on 6x6 inch canvases provided by the gallery or made their own 3D creations.
Homegrown:   Made at the SAA
Aug 6 - Sept 11

The primary purpose of this exhibition is to showcase the achievements of our students, skills of our instructors, and offer the public a glimpse of what can be created in our studios. Artworks in glass, ceramics, painting, and mixed media will all be represented!
Conversations Beyond Language:  Paintings by Dimitri Pavlotsky
April 30 - June 4

This exhibition includes 40 paintings by Chicago-based artist, Dimitri Pavlotsky.  Learn more about Pavlotsky here.
Illinois Prairie Pastel Society's Pastel Perspectives
March 5-April 17
​

Members of the IPPS will have over 70 works on display in their annual exhibition
Scholastic Art Awards Exhibition
January 30- February 27

The winners of the Mid-Central Illinois Region of Scholastic Art and Writing art competition will be on display in the M.G. Nelson Family Gallery during open hours.
The show features art work from students in grades 7-12 from a variety of schools across central Illinois.
2020
Annual Juried Artist Exhibition
November 14- January 16

SAA Collective Juried Artists display their works and holiday items in both M.G Nelson Family Gallery and the SAA Collective on 105 North 5th Street.
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6x6(x6) Art Exhibition and Raffle
November 5 - November 12
Winners announced virtually on November 12 at 7 PM.


Adult and Youth Artists donated 2d and 3d 6x6x6 artworks that were displayed and/or raffled. 
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Sponsored by: Exciting Windows! by Susan Day
Sangamon Watercolor Society Annual Exhibit
October 5 - October 31

Works by the members of the local Watercolor Society​
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Sacred & Liturgical Art Exhibit
September 3 - September 26
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This exhibit is held in conjunction with the Liturgical Arts Festival in Springfield!
True Believer
July 6 - August 29

Tale of the Kid's Comic Class & The Comic Art of William Norris
Illinois Prairie Pastel Society Annual Member's Exhibition
Mar 10 - June 27
New works by the members of the local pastel society.​

Central Illinois Scholastic Competition
January 26- February 21
This annual exhibition features the top award winning works by high school and junior high students from across central Illinois.  Top winners from this competition go on to compete at the national level.

Art is Exceptional
February 24-March 7
Art is Exceptional will feature the work of District 186 Special Education students
​

Illinois Prairie Pastel Society Annual Member's Exhibition
March 10- June 27
New works by the members of the local Pastel Society
2019
Facing Homelessness
January 3- 24​
The SAA, in cooperation with Helping Hands Shelter, is proud to open this moving exhibition, which will be on display through January 24.
This portrait exhibition documents the stories, trials, and innovations for survival of homeless men of Springfield. At the reception, some of the artists who created the portraits will be discussing their experiences while working with the clients of the shelter.
Faux Real
November 30-December 21
Mixed media pieces by artists Anna Kell. Kell is an associate professor of Art and Art History at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA
On My Own Time
November 6 - 23
On My Own is a biennial citywide program where businesses and offices hold internal art exhibitions and competitions for their employees.  The winner from those shows are assembled in a final exhibition and competition at the SAA.
​

Sangamon Watercolor Society Annual Member's Exhibition
October 4 - 26

Works by the members of the local Watercolor Society​
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Art as Advocacy: Promoting Equity and Social Justice for Women
National Juried Exhibition
September 6 - 28

In the spirit of the women’s movement that began in the late 1970’s in the United States, the exhibition will showcase work that reflects the evolution of the position of women in society and the arts from then, to today. A look at what has changed, what struggles still exist, and where we go from here.  
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Exhibition support has been provided by:  Prairie Center Against Sexual Assault, Richards and Stehman, Heartland Credit Union, United Community Bank, Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Jane Locascio Broker/Partner at The Real Estate Group, Sarah Anderson, Irene Boyer, Polly Poskin, Ruthann Mazrim, Evelyn Thomas, and Bernie White-Hatcher.

Women's Art Alliance: The First 10 Years
July 11 - August 29
A look back at the history of the Woman's Art Alliance, now the SAA Collective, in its first 10 years. Works by many of the over 70 women who exhibited in the first 10 years of the organization will have artwork on display in both the M.G. Nelson Family Gallery and the SAA Collectivegallery.

Exhibition support has been provided by:  Prairie Center Against Sexual Assault, Richards and Stehman, Heartland Credit Union, United Community Bank, Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Jane Locascio Broker/Partner at The Real Estate Group, Sarah Anderson, Irene Boyer, Polly Poskin, Ruthann Mazrim, Evelyn Thomas, Bernie White-Hatcher and Thomas and Suzann Spada.
What Art Feels Like
curated by Rosemary Buffington, representing the Educational Center for the Visually Impaired

June 1 - 29, 2019
www.edcentervi.org 
Participants have the opportunity to touch original works of art. This inclusive exhibition includes sculpture, ceramics, paper, fiber, painting, wood and wall pieces that participants can experience through touch and sound. The wall text and labels in the gallery are accessible through large-print versions, Braille, and GPS activated audio tours provided by Sensible Innovations
 .
Constructed Comfort
works by Jessica Bingham and Carrie Gillan

May 3 - 25, 2019

Pathways to Watercolor
by Sandy Meyer, Robert Mejer, and Rod Buffington
April 5 - 27, 2019
Guest Curated by Rod Buffinton
​
Illinois Prairie Pastel Society Annual Member's Exhibition
March 3 - 30, 2019
New works by the members of the local Pastel Society
​

Central Illinois Scholastic Competition
January 27 - February 21, 2019
This annual exhibition features the top award winning works by high school students from across central Illinois.
​
Art is Exceptional
January 5 - 25, 2019
Artwork created by SPS 186 students with special needs
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2018
GLASS!
November 30 - December 22, 2018
This is an exhibition featuring glass work by many regional artists. 
Fragmented Remains
November 2 - 24, 2018
This is an exhibition featuring local artist Corrin Artwork-Corrin Smithson McWhirter the recipient of the Springfield Area Arts Council Rosie Richmond Artist Advancement Award showing along side award-winning Michigan based artist Nicole Maury.
Sangamon Watercolor Society Annual Exhibition
October 3 - 27, 2018
​
​
Vachel Lindsay: Poet, Artist, Visionary
September 7 - 27
This is a collaborative exhibit between the Springfield Art Association, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the Vachel Lindsay Association, the Sangamon Valley Collection of the Lincoln Library, the Illinois State Museum, and the Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site
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Shapes of Influence 2018
Juried by Simon Levin
 August 3 - September 1, 2018

Juried By Simon Levin
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Starring Springfield:
Through the Eyes of John Starr Stewart
July 13 - 28, 2018

Curated by Curtis Mann, Stephanie Martin, and Sarah Adams.

Botanical Musings
MFA Exhibition of Jamie Kemp
June 18 - 30, 2018

This exhibition of beautifully researched botanicals includes a history of cotton and an original board game that utilizes botanicals for both good and evil, healing and murder.
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​The New Golden Book Art Competition
June 8 - 16, 2018
In partnership with the works by the Illinois Bicentennial Coordinating Committee of Springfield.
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Liturgical & Sacred Art
April 27 - May 26, 2018
Best of Show: Felicia Olin
First Place: Susan Gaylord
​Second Place: Laurie Wohl
Third Place: Dennis McGeary

Pastel Perspectives
Works by the Illinois Prairie Pastel Society

April 11 - 21, 2018

Illinois Times Cover Art Exhibition
April 6, 2018

​Artist-In-Residence Exhibition
March 2 - 31, 2018
Back from the Dead   - Ginger Lukas
Contempt For A Thin Fever  - Rob Thomson
Head Like A Stone
  - Gene Tanta

​Mid Central IL Scholastic Art Awards
January 28 - February 22, 2018

​Art is Exceptional: Celebrating Student Artist of SPS 186
January 5 - 25, 2018

2017

Consulting a Harvestman: Painting and Cut Paper Installations by Sarah Nguyen 
December 1 - 22, 2017

Morphology - Sculpture by Benjamin Lowder 
November 3 - 25, 2017

On My Own Time
October 23 - 30, 2017

Program run by the Springfield Area Arts Council
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Sangamon Watercolor Society Annual Exhibition
October 6 - 20, 2017

Paintings by Lyubov Momot
September 1 - 30, 2017

Curated by Rosina Neginsky
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Speaking in Decay
August 4 - 26, 2017

curated by Robert Mazrim and Corrin Smithson McWhirter
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​​

Living with Modernism: Mid-Century Decorative Art
June 2 – July 22, 2017

Curated by Anthony Rubano
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Borrowed and Shared: Matthew Litteken and Camille Silverman
May 5-27, 2017

Illinois Prairie Pastel Society Annual Exhibition 
April 7 - April 29, 2017

Shifting Sands Part 2: Springfield’s Architectural Legacy
​ March 10 – April 1, 2017

Curated by Erika Holst, Curtis Mann, and Stephanie Martin
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Through A Jewish Lens 
February 27 - March 6, 2017

presented by The Jewish Federation of Springfield, Illinois
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Central Illinois Scholastic Competition 
January 29 – February 24, 2017

Creative Life Outside the Classroom 
January 6 – 25, 2017

We invited ALL area art teachers, no grade or school restrictions, to submit one work of art for the exhibition. It’s goal was to share what those who teach and inspire others create in their creative practice.

2016

On My Own Time 
December 2 - 22

presented by Springfield Area Arts Council
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Petrolia: Kathleen Thum 
November 4 - 25

Watercolor Society Annual Members Exhibition
October 7 - 29

with judge and visiting artist Donna Jill Witty
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Ebb & Flow
September 9 - October 1

An exhibition of Hand Papermaking and Installation work by Megan Singleton & May Babcock
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Shapes of Influence National Ceramics Exhibition, guest juror Erin Furimsky
August 5 - September 3

Lisa Marie Barber, Lindsey Beasley, Gary Beaumont, Casey Beck, Jill Birschbach, Sally Brogden, Robert Bruch, Jim Budde, Brian Christensen, Shenny Cruces, Audry Deal-McEver, Paula Diaz-Sylvester, Christine Dokolasa, Yewen Dong, Ben Grazzini, Mary Harden, Hugh Henderson, Jason Hess, Lauren Kearns, Lucien Koonce, Emily Loehle, Robert Lorenz, John Masello, Hannah Meredith, Matthew Mitros, April Noble, Helen Otterson, Rosalinda Post-Lucas, Mike Rand, Don Reynolds, Gina Robbins, Kazuma Sambe, Lauren Sandler, JoAnn Schnabel, Suzanne Sidebottom,Karen Swyler, Joan Ulrich, Mark Walnock, Mieke Zuiderweg
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A Culture of Images Photography Exhibition, guest juror Chris Faust
July 8 - 30

featuring: Lance Armour, Jody Berns, RL Boston, Larry Braun, David Brodsky, Sabrina DeTurk, Sara Drower, Rebecca Ebben, Molly Edwards, Vincent Ferrari, DeAnna Foran, Rebecca Groynom, Sara Haig, Michael Kinble, Jacqueline LeBlanc, Brian MacKenzie, Michelle Mitchell, Jennifer Park, Kanthy Peng, Christopher Priebe, Sara Risley, Rachel Sanfilippo, Kathryn Scott, Sanfdee Soloway, Joseph Stout, Drew Walker 
First Place: DeAnna Foran for Surf Series A&B
Second Place: Vincent Ferrari for Hangin’
Third Place: Jennifer Park for Blurry Outlook

Night Fishing Show, guest curator Michael Houser
June 6 - July 2

featuring Kim H. Goldfarb, Jarrod Whitenmeyer, Ruthann Mazrim, Robert Mazrim, Megan Stroech, Mathias Schergen, Traci Looksey Somers, Bill Baker, and Michael Houser​

Sacred and Liturgical Festival National Juried Show 
April 30 – May 28

featuring Rosemarie Adcock, Carol Alleman, Wendy Allen, Vera Angelico, David Beker, Karen Bennett, Sutton Betti, Teresa Blatt, Jeff Boshart, Karen Boshart, Sara Braswell, Beverly Brekke-Bailey, Laura Carpenter, Delinda Chapman, Sally Chapman, Anna Chupa, Rebecca Connell, Donna Davies, Kelly Dawson, Georgann DeMille, Andy Denney, Valerie Deveraux, Olga Dytyniak, Susan Entin, Debi Lynn Fendley, Bin Feng, Debra Fitzsimmons, Lois Gaylord, Carson Grubaugh, Emma Hadzi Antich, Joyce Watkins King, Judith Larzelere, Melissa Lovingood, Joanna Madloch, Janine Manheim, Sophia Mason, Suzanne Mauro, Alexandra Miller, Dennis Morris, Christine Niswonger, Sara Nordling, Felicia Olin, John-Brian Paprock, Anne Patterson, Elizabeth Porcel, PD Rearick, Mathias Schergen, Steven Schroeder, Carol Shahbaz, Claire Simon, Diane Singler, Cora Smith, Daren Smith, Emily Stevens, David Terrar, Kathy Thaden, Suzanne Thompson, Bonita Van Moorlehem, Jeane Vogel, Kat Warwick, Laurie Wohl, Naomi Woolsey, and Xiong Xuan

Illinois Prairie Pastel Society 10th Anniversary Exhibition
April 18 - 25  

Albert Krehbiel
March 3- April 9

Central Illinois Scholastic Art Competition
January 28 – February 26

Shifting Sands: Springfield's Architectural Legacy 
January 8 - 27

an overview of lost architectural treasures
2015

Under the Influence
November 21 – December 19

SAA Student + Faculty Exhibition

Illinois Prairie Pastel Society
October 30 – November 13

Sangamon Valley Watercolor Society
October 8 – 24

Bound by Tradition, Unbound by Choice: Contemporary Artists Books
September 4 – October 2

National invitational exhibition curated by Betsy Dollar
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Here and Not Here
August 7 – 28

DEMO Project Collaboration, featuring Cody Arnall, Edward Kelley, and Megan Stroech
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Allons-y
July 3 – 31

Ceramics by CJ Niehaus and Rob Boryk

Jeff Boshart and His Odd Spaces
June 5 – 27

Sacred to the Memory: 19th Century Mourning Artifacts
May 1 – 30

Artifacts provided by Timothy J. Krause of Carl Sandberg College. Shown in conjunction with the Lincoln Funeral Reenactment.
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Along the Water: Impressions of Lake Springfield at 80
April 10 – 26

Invitational exhibition curated by Robert Mazrim and Erin Svendsen. Featuring Amanda Arnett, Amanda Greive, Bernie Hatcher, John Hayes, Corrin Smithson McWhirter, Robert Mazrim, Ruthann Mazrim, Dennis Morris, Ginny Lee, Erin Svendsen, and Jeff Williams.
​

Pro-Text Addendum
March 6 – April 3

Citywide collaboration of artworks using text, also exhibiting at the Illinois State Museum, University of Illinois Springfield, and Lincoln Land Community College, featuring Brytton Bjorngaard, Stan Bly, L. Shayne Brantley, Betsy Dollar, Shane Harris, Allison Lacher, Ruthann Mazrim, Michael Miller, Terry Rathje, Jeff Robinson, Brian Sullivan, Kevin Veara and Thom Whalen.

Central Illinois Scholastic Art Competition
January 25 – February 28

Down From the Attic: Curiosities from the Permanent Collection
January 7 – 22

2014

Annual Holiday Hall Art and Craft Sale
November 22 – December 19

Illinois Prairie Pastel Society
November 1 – 15​

Sangamon Valley Watercolor Society
October 10 – 25

On the Prairie
September 12 – October 4

Featuring bronzes by Marshall Mitchell and paintings by Joe Hindley
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Shapes of Influence
July 18 – September 9

National juried exhibition of contemporary ceramics, juried by Harris Deller
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McKinny-Hall Indian Lithographs
July 2 – July 12

Thomas McKeeney & James Hall 1836 -1844 from the collection of Richard and Ann Hart
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Multiple Impression
June 6 – July 2 ​

National juried exhibition of contemporary printmaking
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Sacred and Liturgical Festival National Juried Show 
May 2 – 24

Trigger: New Work by UIS Art Faculty
April 4 – 25

Featuring Brytton Bjorngaard, Shane Harris, Tim Kowalczyk, Allison Lacher, Mike Miller, Michael Prault, Megan Rigoni-McCormic, Jeff Robinson, and Clay Stalter
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Nocturne
March 5 – 28

Installation by Kathleen Scott

Central Illinois Scholastic Art Competition
January 25 – February 28

M.G. Nelson Family Gallery Reveal
January 8

2013

Sangamon Watercolor Society
October 8 – 19

Hidden in Plain Sight: The Material Life of Early Springfield
August 31 – October 5

Curated by Erika Holst
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Sacrosanct: A Collaborative Soul Signature
July 26 – August 24

Featuring Amanda Grieve and Thom Whalen
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Charlie Houska
June 28 – July 20

Jean Poklop, Career Retrospective
May 25 – June 22

Botanicals
April 26 – March 18

Regional juried exhibition
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10 x 10 = 100
April 20

Centennial Celebration Exhibition, invitational exhibition, and auction​
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Rendered in Black & White
March 28 – April 17

It’s Complicated
March 2 – 25

Featuring Jim Edgecomb, Felicia Olin, Adam Perschbacher, Ryan Sponsler, and Mary Tumulty​

Central Illinois Scholastic Arts Competition
January 26 – February 22

Stories Behind the Faces
January 5 – 25

Curated by Erika Holst, featuring portraits from the SAA permanent collection and nine guest artists
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2012

​Annual Holiday Hall Art and Craft Sale

Sangamon Watercolor Society

Vasily Myazin Retrospective

featuring painting
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Paul Riemer Retrospective

featuring sculpture
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In the Genes, work by multiple generations of Springfield’s creative families

Curated by Betsy Dollar
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SAA Permanent Collection 1930-60

Curated by Erika Holst
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Liturgical & Sacred Art national juried exhibition 

MacClernand Elementary School group exhibition 

Illinois Prairie Pastel Society 

Matthew Schultz – Mandalas: Attempting the Divine 

Central Illinois Scholastic Arts Competition 

​Reviving the Past: The Restoration and Conservation of Edwards Place and its Collections

Curated by Erika Holst
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2011

​Annual Holiday Hall Art and Craft Sale

Sangamon Watercolor Society

PULP: Fact, Fiction & Fantasy, handmade paper art

Curated by Betsy Dollar
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​Play Ball: the art of America’s favorite pastime

Curated by Rod Buffington
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Liturgical & Sacred Art Juried Festival

​Urban Views: Two perspectives of the same landscape

Featuring photography by Chris Faust and Michael Shapiro

​Central Illinois Scholastic Arts Competition

photos of the M. G. Nelson Family Gallery on Flickr

SAA Collective

2022
Unwrap the Collective
November 16 - December 22
​
The juried artists of the SAA Collective present their ever popular annual holiday art show.  In addition to fine art, patrons can shop for holiday décor, jewelry, one-of-a-kind gifts, greeting cards, and more at the lowest price points of the year! 
​
Annual 6x6 Art Raffle
November 3 - November 10

Explore a wall filled with stunning miniature artworks created by local artists during the 6 x 6 Art Raffle! Artists of all ages, all skill levels, and all media were invited to create work on 6x6 inch canvases provided by the gallery or made their own 3D creations.
​

Fused and Focused
May 11 - July 7
An exhibition of Kilnformed Glass Vessels by Jim Scheller and Fine Art Photography by John Muchow.

Reset
March 11 - May 5

Beautiful jewelry by Meghan Tippy Reese and fantastic watercolor paintings by Cookie Ferratier are featured in the SAA Collective's brand new featured space.  For the artists, Reset represented the return to creativity following the Covid-19 pandemic.  View this show online on Artsy!
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Positive Energy
July 13 - September 1

Mary Ellen Strack exhibits large acrylic paintings inspired by nature and its positive effects on the self during her travels.
Sponsored by: 
​The Leber Family, 
In Memory of Jed Leber
Bernie White Hatcher and John Hatcher
Heartland Credit Union

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Made to Create
January 12 - March 3

Scott Day and David Ross will kick off the return to featured shows at the SAA Collective during their exhibition, Made To Create!  Both having life experiences with cancer treatment, Scott and David reflect with gratitude to living life to the fullest by expressing themselves through photography and ceramic art.  View this show online on Artsy!
Turning Color
September 7 - November 3
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The juried artists of the SAA Collective present their ever popular annual holiday art show.  In addition to fine art, patrons can shop for holiday décor, jewelry, one-of-a-kind gifts, greeting cards, and more at the lowest price points of the year! 
6x6 Art Raffle
November 3 - November 10
Explore a wall filled with stunning miniature artworks created by local artists during the 6 x 6 Art Raffle. Artists of all ages, all skill levels, and all media were invited to create work on 6x6 inch canvases provided by the gallery or made their own 3D creations.

​
Turning Color
September 7 - November 2

Woodturning by Dan Chevalier and mixed media paintings by Joan Burmeister kick off the fall months at the SAA Collective.  Exploring compositions with circular movement and design through two dimensional and three dimensional perspectives unite these two artists inside of our featured space. 
 
2021
Unwrap the Collective
November 10 - December 23
​
The juried artists of the SAA Collective present their annual holiday show located in two galleries, the SAA Collective on 105 N 5th Street and the M.G. Nelson Family Gallery on SAA Main Campus at 700 N 4th Street.  In addition to fine art, patrons can shop for holiday decor, gifts, and more!  Visit both galleries to fill up your stamp card to be entered to win holiday baskets filled with items from the show!
​
Reflective Rhythms
September 1 - November 4

Our juried artists come together to "reflect" with their current artworks as the exhibition takes us through the fall months of 2021. View this show online on Artsy!
Sizzlin' at 105°
June 9 - August 26

Things are getting hot at the SAA Collective at "105" North 5th Street!  Experience the sizzle all summer long through the local art made by local artists! View this show online on Artsy!
Fresh Produce
April 7 - June 3
SAA Collective juried artists freshly produced artworks from their home studios to present in this vibrant, spring exhibition titled, "Fresh Produce." View this show online on Artsy!
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Contemplative Expressions
January 20- April 1

Our juried artist members from across central Illinois are represented in our new gallery space inside of the Broadwell Building on 5th and Washington.  Painting, photography, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry  and mixed media are all represented for viewers to enjoy. View this show online on Artsy!
2020
Annual Juried Artist Exhibition
November 14- January 16

SAA Collective Juried Artists display their works and holiday items in both M.G Nelson Family Gallery and the SAA Collective on 105 North 5th Street.
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Seasonal Shift Online Exhibition
October 5- October 31

An online exhibition of artworks created by juried artists as fall turns to winter.  This online exhibition is featured on Artsy.
Quarantine Collective Online Exhibition
July 14- September 19

Our juried artists create at home during the COVID-19 Pandemic.  This online exhibition is featured on Artsy.
Go Figure!
March 13- April 30

A National Juried Exhibition of works in all media utilizing the human figure. You can view this show on Artsy!
ALIVE to Interpretation
January 17 - March 5
 
Paintings by Rick Taylor and Gene Tanta alongside woodwork and ceramics by Roland Folse.  View this show online on Artsy!

Sponsored by Roland Folse
Exhibition support has been provided by Thomas and Suzann Spada


2019
SAA Collective Members Exhibition
November 1 - December 21, 2019
The gallery will be filled with new works by all the SAA Collective artists.
6x6(x6) Art Exhibition and Raffle
Event Night: Thursday, October 17, 6 - 8 PM

Sponsored by: Exciting Windows! by Susan Day
​
About Becoming
featuring E Vern Taylor, Tracey Maras, and Danny Brikshavana
September 6 - October 24, 2019

Exhibition support has been provided by: Becky Lober Hendricks Realtor, Studio 6 Hair Salon, and Thomas and Suzann Spada
The Women's Art Alliance:  The First Ten Years
July 11 - August 29
​A celebration of the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Women’s Art Alliance (WAA) that will include a 2 gallery exhibition featuring the artwork of the women who powered this organization through its first decade. The exhibition will be held at both the SAA Collective and the M.G. Nelson Family Gallery​. 

Exhibition support has been provided by: Prairie Center Against Sexual Assault, Richards and Stehman, Heartland Credit Union, United Community Bank, Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Jane Locascio Broker/Partner at The Real Estate Group, Sarah Anderson, Irene Boyer, Polly Poskin, Ruthann Mazrim, Evelyn Thomas, Bernie White-Hatcher and Thomas and Suzann Spada.
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​​Praxis
May 10 - June 27, 2019
Sponsored by Thomas and Susann Spada
Featuring Thom Whalen and Kevin Veara
​ 
herFlag ​by Marylin Artus            
June 12
​2020 Marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution. 36 States ratified it into law. To celebrate, Marilyn Artus will travel the path of ratification and collaborate with a female artist in all 36 states. Come celebrate women's history and see the sewing of Judith Mayer's Illinois stripe onto her flag.
​
Crepusculum            
March 15 - May 2, 2019
Featuring Joe Ciaccio, Mehr Tumulty, and Leslie Stalter
​
Inhabited
January 18 - March 7, 2019
Sponsored by Brandt Consolidated Inc.
Featuring Skyler McGee, Rich Larimore, and Kate Worman-Becker
2018
SAA Collective Members Exhibition
November 7 - December 22, 2018
The gallery will be filled with new works by all the SAA Collective artists.

Opening Minds Through Art (OMA)
November 9, 2018
OMA is a Scripps intergenerational art program for people with dementia that is aimed at promoting their social engagement, autonomy, and dignity through the experience of creative self-expression.
Jed Leber Memorial Exhibiton
November 8, 2018
The SAA Collective will host a one-night memorial exhibition to honor and remember artist Jed Leber, a friend and ally to the Springfield visual arts community. In addition to the one-night exhibition of Jed’s work in the SAA Collective, his work will also be featured at the SAA Collective BackDOOR Gallery throughout November and December.
Redefining
September 7 - November 1, 2018
Featuring Dick Folse, Bob Dixon, and Sheri Ramsey

Sponsored by Debra Nickelson Smith & J Chris Smith, Ellis Arjmand & Family and Don & Sheri Ramsey
​Exhibition Support Provided by The Taylor Family and Tom & Suzann Spada
In Black and White: Art Meets Writing Juried Exhibition
August 3 - 30, 2018
Devoid of color but full of content, Artists and writers will be partnered  for a unique exhibition in black and white.
A print catalog will be created of this exhibition.
Read the prose here.

Juror's Artist Awards
First: Dong Kyu Kim for American Stitches #5
Second: Kristina Aas for Pelt IV
Third: Brad Venable for Infectious
 
Juror's Writer Awards
First: Thea Chesley for Cyprinus Carpio
         (Based on Carpe by Earle Smith)
Second: Mark Russillo for Unfettered Access
                (Based on Communication by Jacomijn Steen’)
Third: Thea Chesley for It Is
           (Based on It Is by Bernie White Hatcher)

Images of Illinois Photography Contest 2018
July 5  - 29, 2018
in partnership with the Illinois Times and Sponsored by CherryBerry Springfield, PSC Digital, and microPOWER Computer Systems.
​Exhibition Support Provided by Tom and Suzann Spada

Click here for more information and results
​
Persons of Interest
May 11  - June 28, 2018
Featuring Michelle Smith and Phil Locascio
Reception included a display from the Bonsai Society of Springfield​
​
Ambience
March 9  - May 3, 2018
​featuring David Brodsky, John Hayes, and Gary Beaumont
Exhibition Support provided by Gregory P. Sgro​​
​
Paperworks
January 12 – March 1, 2018
​featuring Joan Burmeister, Carolyn Owen Sommer, and Teri Zee
​Sponsored by Don and Carole Walton
​
2017

LARGE WORKS / small works
December 12 - 22, 2017

Holiday Best Gifts Sale
November 21 - December 22, 2017

Pedestrian
October 20 - December 7, 2017

Featuring Bernie White Hatcher and Adam G. Perschbacher
Sponsored by H&S Builders, INC, and Brown, Hay & Stephens, LLP
​

Works in Wood
October 20 – November 17

​Featuring Springfield's Local Wood Worker and Wood Turner Clubs
​

Layers
August 25 –October 12, 2017

Featuring Katherine Pippin Pauley, Debra Nickelson Smith, and Rosalinda Post-Lucas
Sponsored by H.D. Smith Foundation
​

6x6(x6) Exhibition and Raffle
September 20 – October 7, 2017

ART: The Exhibition
August 1 - 19, 2017

Featuring M. Tumulty, Corrin Smithson McWhirter, Ruthann Mzarin, Rick Taylor, Bernie White Hatcher, and Adam G. Perschbacher
Partnership with the Hoogland Center for the Arts
exploring the white painting
​

Inspired by the Gardens: Lincoln Memorial Gardens Beyond 75 Years
July 6 - August 19, 2017

​Images of Illinois Photo Contest 2017
July 6- 29, 2017 

In Partnership with the Illinois Times 
Sponsored by CherryBerry Springfield, MicroPower, and PSC Digital
​

​Seen + Felt
​May 5 – June 29, 2017 

Featuring Delinda Chapman, Mary Frances, and Mary Ellen Strack
Sponsored by Scott Morton
​

​Illinois Times Visitor's Guide Cover Art Contest Exhibition 
April 4 - 27, 2017

presented by the Illinois Times
​

PLAY: National Juried Exhibition 
January 13 - March 2, 2017

Juror: Bob Sill, Curator of Art, Illinois State Museum
Regional Best in Show: A La Recherche du Temps Perdu by John Hayes
National Best in Show: "Guess Who" by Tessa Lee Martinez
Featuring Bruce Alves III, Lex Archibald, Piety Choi, Betsy Dollar, Lauren Feret, Cathy J. Ganschinietz, John Hayes, Tessa Martinez, Corrin Smithson McWhirter, Beth Rodgers, and Suzanna Scott


Contrasting Forms 
January 13 - March 2, 2017

Featuring Tracey Maras, Wiley D. Jenkins, and Dan Grossmann
Sponsored by Artistic Images Photography, Studio 6 Styling Salon, and Pat and Phil Wheat
​

2016

LARGE WORK/small work: Members Exhibition 
December 9 - 23, 2016

Testimony: Jane Frey and Bob Leffler 
October 14 - December 1, 2016

Sponsored by Don & Carole Walton with support from Mark & Beth Summer
​

Happenstance: Juried Found Art Sculpture Competition 
October 14 - November 11, 2016

Guest Juror: Jeff Boshart 
Featuring Pam Allen, Amanda Dace, Andrea Ernest, Martha Iler, Jan Kappes, Gene Mialkowski, Rick Noble, Katherine Pippin Pauley, and Torri Thompson
Best in Show: Autographs & Sketches by Andrea Ernest Sheehan
Juror Awards: Disenfranchised by Marta Iler, Maple Driftwood Fish by Rick Noble
Honorable Mention: Wheels of Change by Pam Allen
​

2nd Annual Emerging Artist Exhibition 
August 19 - September 17, 2016

Featuring Immanuel Ahiable, Julie Alessandrini-Costa, Cathy Ganschinietz, Ginger D. Ingoglia, David Ross, and Larry Van Alstine
​

Creative Pathways
August 19 – October 6

Featuring Roland Folse, Colleen“Cookie”Ferratier, and Rita Young
Sponsored by Roland and Hazen Folse
​

Natural Forms
June 24 – August 11

Opening reception in partnership with the Springfield Bonsai Society Featuring Catherine Flynn and Rick Taylor
Sponsored by Stray Dog Press, Inc. and Doug & Ann Dougherty


Translations 
April 29 – June 16

Featuring David Brodsky, Jed Leber, and Corrin Smithson McWhirter
Sponsored by Friends of Corrin and Dr. Daniel Moffett DDS


Images of Illinois Photo Contest Exhibition
March 31 – April 21

Sponsored by Illinois Times, CherryBerry Springfield, PSD Digital, microPOWER Computer Systems, and Exciting Windows! by Susan Day

Joyful Evolutions 
March 4 – April 21

Featuring Mary (Midge) Langfelder, Jim Edwards, and Beverley Brekke-Bailey
Sponsored by Williamsville State Bank & Trust, and The Family of Beverly Brekke-Bailey


refleXions
January 8 - February 25

Featuring Ginny Lee, Greg Walbert, and Brian A. Allen
Sponsored by Illinois Times

Photos of the Collective on Flickr
photos of the Collective Pre 2016 on Flickr
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Edwards Place

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​Springfield, IL 62702
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 SAA Collective

105 N. 5th Street 
Springfield, IL 62701


Wednesday - Saturday 11 AM - 5 PM
​217-544-2787
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Main Office, Studios,
M.G. Nelson Family
Gallery, and Edwards Place
​ 700 North 4th Street
​Springfield, IL 62702
​

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Saturday 10 AM - 3 PM
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office@springfieldart.org
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