Past Exhibitions
M. G. Nelson Family2023
Shapes of Influence
April 7 - April 29 A national juried exhibition showcasing the best in contemporary ceramics. Juror: Jennifer Holt Sponsored by Smart Owl Coffee Lasting Impressions
March 3 - April 1 Members of the IPPS will have over 70 works on display in their annual judged membership exhibition. Visiting Judge: Lyn Asselta Central Illinois Scholastic Art Awards
February 5 - February 25 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 6 - January 28 Artworks from District 186 special education students 2022
Sangamon Watercolor Society Annual Exhibit
September 30 - October 29 Works by the members of the local watercolor society. 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. 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. 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. 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 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 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 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! 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. 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. 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 Sacred & Liturgical Art Exhibit
September 3 - September 26 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 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. 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 . 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 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 Shapes of Influence 2018
Juried by Simon Levin August 3 - September 1, 2018 Juried By Simon Levin 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. The New Golden Book Art Competition
June 8 - 16, 2018 In partnership with the works by the Illinois Bicentennial Coordinating Committee of Springfield. 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
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SAA Collective2023
Reflections of Love
March 22 - May 11 Reflections of Love features photography by Gale Myers and ceramics by Elizabeth Thai The objects and images presented here are a reflection of what we, individually, love about our life. Collectively, they express our wish to elevate the smallest of perspectives. We look forward to inspiring you to shine a light on what you value. Embracing Light January 18 - March 16 The first featured show of 2023, Embracing Light features pastel paintings by Tracey Maras and ceramics by Colleen Halford. This is the quiet season when we become immersed in the stillness and silence of short days and long nights. Leading us to seek movement, color and light. Embracing Light is our endeavor to capture and share that essence. 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! 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 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 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! 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. 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. 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. 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
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