We would love your testimony!
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What people have said about SAA:
Springfield Art Association is a well-run organization with a perpetual fountain of artistic opportunities suited for children and adults alike. Importantly, all participation levels are welcome, as it should be for the arts! I’ll always think fondly on the 6x6 canvas event. I ended up keeping mine because I left Springfield shortly before the display period. Creating the piece I made really sparked an artistic fire in me when I needed it. Only good things are in store for this organization!
-Haley
My 5 year old loved summer camp this summer. It was his first time going to SAA summer camp. He was a little nervous the first day but came home telling us all about what he did at camp. He couldn’t wait to go back the next day. Everyday he walked right into class ready to create art. He is excited to have a piece in the Kids Art show in a couple months.
I loved SAA summer camp as a kid and enjoy taking classes as an adult. I was excited to send my son to camp this summer. His teacher made the camp so enjoyable.
-Sarah
I have the fondest memories of being dropped off at the SAA studio on Saturday mornings with my childhood best friend for art class. That was over 43 years ago! I remember clay pots being my favorite and my first coil pot sat on my mom's nightstand and held pens for probably 25 years. I wish I still had it today! My memories of SAA classes and camps were so good I enrolled my children in summer art camps too when they were younger. They also enjoyed them very much! Great memories of a happy place to be and my love for art continued to grow as I became an art teacher in my first career!
-Missy
I’m born and raised in Springfield, but spent 35 years in California, with 16 of those years in Palm Springs. It was there that I discovered the Palm Springs International Film Festival and fell in love with it.
I was very excited to hear about our local Molly Schlich Film Series last year and loved all of the films. This year we have our season passes and I even attended the Film Series Preview Party. I am so glad that I did, as I thoroughly enjoyed the short film “Soil and Soul”!
-Marjie
2024 was the first time I participated in SAA Paint The Street. Seeing so many people of all ages having FUN and creating such amazing street art in Downtown Springfield was so inspirational and just the BEST way to enjoy neighbors, friends and this beautiful Capitol city.
ALL DAY SATURDAY SUMMER ART FUN FOR ALL TO NOT MISS!
-Kerry
I love taking classes at the Springfield Art Association. The teachers are accomplished artists and excellent art teachers. Through the Art Association I have learned technique in painting and drawing. I've taken classes that have opened up my creativity and self expression.
Over the years I've watched the Springfield Art Association bring art to the community. Art adds to quality of life and cultural richness. The SAA is a community treasure!
-Cathy
As a parent, I've been thrilled with the experiences my daughter has had at the Springfield Art Association over the years. The summer art camps were always a highlight, offering a wide range of creative activities that have sparked her imagination and developed her artistic skills.
From exploring different media like ceramics and painting to learning to knit, the camps have provided a rich and engaging environment for her artistic growth.
Beyond the summer camps, the SAA has offered wonderful seasonal workshops that have become cherished traditions for our family. The gingerbread house decorating workshop, in particular, has been a festive and fun activity that we look forward to each year. These hands-on experiences have not only nurtured my daughter's creativity but have also given us opportunities to create lasting memories together.
The dedication of the SAA staff and volunteers is evident in the quality of programs they offer each year. The Springfield Art Association has truly enriched our community by providing these valuable opportunities for children to explore and express their creativity.
-Jodi
My husband and I married in November of 1960. I had moved here and met some local people. They invited us to an "opening " at the Art Association. It was our first "outing" as a married couple. We liked the place and the company and joined and have kept a membership ever since. So many years, so many events. . . I still have things I made in classes from classes in the 60s and 70s. Its been a good run!
-Constance
The Molly Schlich Film Festival is a wonderful way to spend a winter. My mother and I have been attending for years now and have seen many fascinating and thought provoking films. It is perfect for the months where there is not much else in the theaters and we look forward to it every year.
-Mike
We love the SAA for its great homeschool art program as well as the summer art camps. Our kids love their teacher Ashlynn!
-Deanna
This summer my two granddaughters will again join hundreds of other children at the SAA for summer camp art classes. This will be their 3rd summer of doing so and they have loved this experience each year, When the schedule was released for this summer once again, we were amazed and impressed by the wonderful array of classes!
So many classes to choose from and the ideas and subjects being offered were outstanding .We are thrilled and excited about summer camp and will be there for many classes! So kudos , shout outs, and thanks for the hard work and planning that went inti this years Summer Camp! Well done!!!
-Janis
For 4-5 years I was a parent volunteer taking the monthly Art Outreach portfolios to present at my daughters' schools. It was so fascinating to watch the kids quiet their minds and study the pieces as we discussed them. Their comments and questions always caused me to look at the piece again through their lenses and interpretations to see something I wasn't seeing or thinking about. It's such a wonderful outreach program and the kids loved it!
-Angie
Scott Day's ceramics class--Intermediate to Advanced Wheel Throwing--is an amazing experience. It is a diverse group of clay people, several who exhibit regularly, and the rest well on their way. It is an enjoyable, highly productive three hours. Scott provides guidance as needed by his students to help each of us evolve. He focuses on the uniqueness of each artist, emphasizing development that is congruent with their established or developing style. I can only compare this class to the workshops that I have attended at Penland and Arrowmont. I highly recommend this class.
-Debra
I have taken several classes at the Springfield Art Association since retiring in '23. Oil painting, acrylics, Brain Art and mixed media so far. Wonderful teachers! Knowledgeable professional artists who also have a knack for bringing out the artist in me. Looking forward to fall classes!
-Cathy
I started taking a stained glass class at the Springfield art Association in order to get out of the house during the winter time, and it turned into a passion. I have been able to create a new stained glass decorations for my optometry office from it!
-Molly
I just want to call out how amazing it's been to learn mosaics and stained glass from Morgan this year. She is patient, so knowledgeable, and ready to jump in and help when needed but also give you the direction when you're truly ready to just try or troubleshoot something on your own. It's been amazing to get her help on my first big stained glass project. I've truly learned so much from her and she is a real asset to the SAA!
-Laura
The Springfield Art Association helped me rediscover my creative voice through ceramic classes, open studios, SAAmplers, and a community that truly supports artistic and personal growth. Volunteering and participating in events has shown me how intentionally SAA brings people together through art. I encourage everyone to explore their offerings and lean into what may interest them!!
-Kennedy
What a wonderful hidden treasure Springfield has in the art association and the Edwards Place. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the cause. We thoroughly enjoyed out tour and will be back. Thank you.
-Chris
The SAA delivers quality art programming throughout the year. My family loves Paint the Street and my kids have enjoyed every art camp they have taken from 5 years old to 18 years old. The do so much to make Springfield a vibrant arts community.
-Leslie
We gifted tickets to an Edwards Place Bourbon Tasting to my sister for her birthday. She has visited many distilleries and enjoyed their tastings, but was very impressed with the Edwards Place Bourbon Tasting commenting that the location was unique. She said the tasting experience rivaled those she's had on the Bourbon Trail. Finishing the evening with the offered homemade desserts concluded an enjoyable evening!
-Thomas
I have taken many classes with Meghan over the years. She is one of the best instructors I have ever had. She is incredibly smart, talented, and has a great sense of humor. I learn something every single class. SAA is lucky to have had her all these years.
-Anna
I took the glass flower class and had no experience in this field at all. The instructor, Mario, was very patient and helped all of us through the steps. He made it very enjoyable and I was glad I signed up for it!
-Nancy
I have taken two beginner stained glass classes at the SAA in the past year. I enjoyed learning how to choose a pattern, colored and textured glass and types of glass. The class is tailored for beginners and you learn something each class from your classmates projects because of the small class size. Morgan is very knowledgeable and encourages and offers feedback that helps make your project uniquely your own. I recommend this beginner class.
-Julia
I love the valuable resources that the Art Association Offers. The classes are amazing. Always many options. The teachers are fantastic, they are professional and talented and knowledgeable. The gallery is always full of new showings. The library on 5th is full. There are so many activities through the year. It’s my pleasure to volunteer and be a part of a great blessing to the community. The OMA program is a great way to bring joy and life to the participants. Thank you for offering these opportunities!
- Levi
-Haley
My 5 year old loved summer camp this summer. It was his first time going to SAA summer camp. He was a little nervous the first day but came home telling us all about what he did at camp. He couldn’t wait to go back the next day. Everyday he walked right into class ready to create art. He is excited to have a piece in the Kids Art show in a couple months.
I loved SAA summer camp as a kid and enjoy taking classes as an adult. I was excited to send my son to camp this summer. His teacher made the camp so enjoyable.
-Sarah
I have the fondest memories of being dropped off at the SAA studio on Saturday mornings with my childhood best friend for art class. That was over 43 years ago! I remember clay pots being my favorite and my first coil pot sat on my mom's nightstand and held pens for probably 25 years. I wish I still had it today! My memories of SAA classes and camps were so good I enrolled my children in summer art camps too when they were younger. They also enjoyed them very much! Great memories of a happy place to be and my love for art continued to grow as I became an art teacher in my first career!
-Missy
I’m born and raised in Springfield, but spent 35 years in California, with 16 of those years in Palm Springs. It was there that I discovered the Palm Springs International Film Festival and fell in love with it.
I was very excited to hear about our local Molly Schlich Film Series last year and loved all of the films. This year we have our season passes and I even attended the Film Series Preview Party. I am so glad that I did, as I thoroughly enjoyed the short film “Soil and Soul”!
-Marjie
2024 was the first time I participated in SAA Paint The Street. Seeing so many people of all ages having FUN and creating such amazing street art in Downtown Springfield was so inspirational and just the BEST way to enjoy neighbors, friends and this beautiful Capitol city.
ALL DAY SATURDAY SUMMER ART FUN FOR ALL TO NOT MISS!
-Kerry
I love taking classes at the Springfield Art Association. The teachers are accomplished artists and excellent art teachers. Through the Art Association I have learned technique in painting and drawing. I've taken classes that have opened up my creativity and self expression.
Over the years I've watched the Springfield Art Association bring art to the community. Art adds to quality of life and cultural richness. The SAA is a community treasure!
-Cathy
As a parent, I've been thrilled with the experiences my daughter has had at the Springfield Art Association over the years. The summer art camps were always a highlight, offering a wide range of creative activities that have sparked her imagination and developed her artistic skills.
From exploring different media like ceramics and painting to learning to knit, the camps have provided a rich and engaging environment for her artistic growth.
Beyond the summer camps, the SAA has offered wonderful seasonal workshops that have become cherished traditions for our family. The gingerbread house decorating workshop, in particular, has been a festive and fun activity that we look forward to each year. These hands-on experiences have not only nurtured my daughter's creativity but have also given us opportunities to create lasting memories together.
The dedication of the SAA staff and volunteers is evident in the quality of programs they offer each year. The Springfield Art Association has truly enriched our community by providing these valuable opportunities for children to explore and express their creativity.
-Jodi
My husband and I married in November of 1960. I had moved here and met some local people. They invited us to an "opening " at the Art Association. It was our first "outing" as a married couple. We liked the place and the company and joined and have kept a membership ever since. So many years, so many events. . . I still have things I made in classes from classes in the 60s and 70s. Its been a good run!
-Constance
The Molly Schlich Film Festival is a wonderful way to spend a winter. My mother and I have been attending for years now and have seen many fascinating and thought provoking films. It is perfect for the months where there is not much else in the theaters and we look forward to it every year.
-Mike
We love the SAA for its great homeschool art program as well as the summer art camps. Our kids love their teacher Ashlynn!
-Deanna
This summer my two granddaughters will again join hundreds of other children at the SAA for summer camp art classes. This will be their 3rd summer of doing so and they have loved this experience each year, When the schedule was released for this summer once again, we were amazed and impressed by the wonderful array of classes!
So many classes to choose from and the ideas and subjects being offered were outstanding .We are thrilled and excited about summer camp and will be there for many classes! So kudos , shout outs, and thanks for the hard work and planning that went inti this years Summer Camp! Well done!!!
-Janis
For 4-5 years I was a parent volunteer taking the monthly Art Outreach portfolios to present at my daughters' schools. It was so fascinating to watch the kids quiet their minds and study the pieces as we discussed them. Their comments and questions always caused me to look at the piece again through their lenses and interpretations to see something I wasn't seeing or thinking about. It's such a wonderful outreach program and the kids loved it!
-Angie
Scott Day's ceramics class--Intermediate to Advanced Wheel Throwing--is an amazing experience. It is a diverse group of clay people, several who exhibit regularly, and the rest well on their way. It is an enjoyable, highly productive three hours. Scott provides guidance as needed by his students to help each of us evolve. He focuses on the uniqueness of each artist, emphasizing development that is congruent with their established or developing style. I can only compare this class to the workshops that I have attended at Penland and Arrowmont. I highly recommend this class.
-Debra
I have taken several classes at the Springfield Art Association since retiring in '23. Oil painting, acrylics, Brain Art and mixed media so far. Wonderful teachers! Knowledgeable professional artists who also have a knack for bringing out the artist in me. Looking forward to fall classes!
-Cathy
I started taking a stained glass class at the Springfield art Association in order to get out of the house during the winter time, and it turned into a passion. I have been able to create a new stained glass decorations for my optometry office from it!
-Molly
I just want to call out how amazing it's been to learn mosaics and stained glass from Morgan this year. She is patient, so knowledgeable, and ready to jump in and help when needed but also give you the direction when you're truly ready to just try or troubleshoot something on your own. It's been amazing to get her help on my first big stained glass project. I've truly learned so much from her and she is a real asset to the SAA!
-Laura
The Springfield Art Association helped me rediscover my creative voice through ceramic classes, open studios, SAAmplers, and a community that truly supports artistic and personal growth. Volunteering and participating in events has shown me how intentionally SAA brings people together through art. I encourage everyone to explore their offerings and lean into what may interest them!!
-Kennedy
What a wonderful hidden treasure Springfield has in the art association and the Edwards Place. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the cause. We thoroughly enjoyed out tour and will be back. Thank you.
-Chris
The SAA delivers quality art programming throughout the year. My family loves Paint the Street and my kids have enjoyed every art camp they have taken from 5 years old to 18 years old. The do so much to make Springfield a vibrant arts community.
-Leslie
We gifted tickets to an Edwards Place Bourbon Tasting to my sister for her birthday. She has visited many distilleries and enjoyed their tastings, but was very impressed with the Edwards Place Bourbon Tasting commenting that the location was unique. She said the tasting experience rivaled those she's had on the Bourbon Trail. Finishing the evening with the offered homemade desserts concluded an enjoyable evening!
-Thomas
I have taken many classes with Meghan over the years. She is one of the best instructors I have ever had. She is incredibly smart, talented, and has a great sense of humor. I learn something every single class. SAA is lucky to have had her all these years.
-Anna
I took the glass flower class and had no experience in this field at all. The instructor, Mario, was very patient and helped all of us through the steps. He made it very enjoyable and I was glad I signed up for it!
-Nancy
I have taken two beginner stained glass classes at the SAA in the past year. I enjoyed learning how to choose a pattern, colored and textured glass and types of glass. The class is tailored for beginners and you learn something each class from your classmates projects because of the small class size. Morgan is very knowledgeable and encourages and offers feedback that helps make your project uniquely your own. I recommend this beginner class.
-Julia
I love the valuable resources that the Art Association Offers. The classes are amazing. Always many options. The teachers are fantastic, they are professional and talented and knowledgeable. The gallery is always full of new showings. The library on 5th is full. There are so many activities through the year. It’s my pleasure to volunteer and be a part of a great blessing to the community. The OMA program is a great way to bring joy and life to the participants. Thank you for offering these opportunities!
- Levi
