Fresh Gallery – First Friday Art Walk – Springfield, MO

First Friday is right around the corner for April, 2016.  At Fresh Gallery, we normally like to highlight an artist during the First Friday festivities.  This month, we are doing something fun and exciting.  We are featuring area artists who have graced our gallery with their work!
Fresh Gallery is thrilled to host our annual Open Juried Show and Competition.  This is a juried competition that was opened to all artists 18 years of age and older in the region.  Each artist could submit up to two entries in oil, acrylic, watercolor, mixed media, pastels, photography, textiles, ceramics, wood, sculpture or jewelry.  Works submitted would have been created in the last three years, so all works on display are “Fresh!”

Along with an opportunity to display work in one of the area’s leading art galleries, prizes will be awarded.  Best of Show will receive a cash award, as well as a Featured Artist exhibit opportunity in Fresh Gallery in 2017.  The awards will be given out during the First Friday Art Walk festivities, along with a reception.  The show will be on display until April, 28, 2016.

This year’s exciting event is sponsored by National Art Shop, TCI, Midwest Frame, Bedford Photo, and Farris Mortgage.  The judges are Weber Warren from National Art Shop, Camille Fly Dautrich from the Springfield News-Leader, and Leon Van Weelden from Fresh Gallery.  Fresh is proud and grateful to have area businesses and individuals support the competition.  Without their assistance, this event would not be possible.

Our 2015 Best of Show winner was Dr. Janet Jordan.  After appearing in our competition, Dr. Jordan decided to go through our application process and is now a part of our gallery full time.  While a competition of this nature offers awards and prizes, it can also open doors in the area.  Consider the possibilities of showing work in a gallery year round.  Our Fresh Members can attest to how many different and exciting opportunities present themselves during the course of any year in Springfield.

“Surface Tension” by Dr. Janet Jordan.

First Friday marks the beginning of this exceptional exhibit.  Please take the time to stop by during the Art Walk on April 1, 2016 from 6pm to 10pm and meet our talented artists as well as the entrants to the competition.  Fresh Gallery is located at 400 W Walnut St in downtown Springfield.  We are on the corner of Walnut and Campbell.  See you there!
In addition to the First Friday Art Walk festivities, Fresh Gallery is also a part of Second Saturdays in downtown on April 9, 2016.  This is just another wonderful opportunity to meet some of the artists of Fresh.  As always, shop local and support the area’s artists.
Any artist wishing information on becoming a part of this exciting endeavor may contact Fresh Gallery at (417) 862-9300, visit our website at www.freshgallery.org, or find us on Facebook.