First Friday Art Walk is a Springfield tradition dating back to the late 90’s that brings hundreds of people to historic downtown to enjoy music, art exhibits, live performances, and demonstrations. As the name suggests, the first Friday of every month, the event provides the opportunity for residents to visit different venues in town to admire the many art displays from local artists and enjoy the atmosphere of each host destination in the community.

In true Springfield fashion, the Walk is also characterized as a grassroots event, meaning it’s established and sponsored by Springfield’s art galleries, art venues, businesses and the arts community. This gives it a more unique, collaborative and friendly atmosphere and allows for a genuine appreciation of the art shown. It’s also why local businesses are more than happy to host the event and consider themselves members.

“We believe art has the capacity to fulfill people,” said Charles and Bridget Koonce, owners of Arts and Letters. “Getting to see new art each month in a group setting is an exciting way to share a visual experience and bring us closer together.”

Arts and Letters has been involved with the Walk since the business opened six months ago, and the Koonces are pleased with the decision to engage with the community in this way. “The walk gives us a chance to interact with people to help explain and share the experience,” they said.

Former Springfield Spotlight feature, Aubrey Prugger of BookMarx, is in agreement. She and co-owner Josh Arnett believe participating in the Walk is a way to support the local community, which is very important to them. “I like to get people who have never done a show to try to provide that opportunity because I know, like with anything, it’s hard to get your foot in the door sometimes,” said Prugger. “So I like to give people that experience.”

BookMarx has hosted artists who have done everything from installations, paintings, photographs, drawings, and “just the whole gambit.” Regardless of the display, however, it’s always a hit. According to Prugger, their busiest nights are Art Walk, which speaks volumes of the support and value the community places on the event.

In a city with such a rich history of art and entertainment, it’s no surprise that the Walk is an integral part of the community culture. Movoto Real Estate explained it best: “Yarn bombers and street artists are always at work here, decorating every square inch of the city they can find. Even parking meters here can be a work of art.”

Don’t forget to take part in the next Walk, which is happening tonight from 6- 10 pm! It’s a particularly special Walk because some members have teamed up to participate in Windows on the Walk, a store window decorating contest benefiting local charities. Participants include members Art Inspired, Rosette Studios: Arts & Letters, Bruno’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar, History Museum on the Square and Park Central Branch Library. You can vote for your favorite by making a donation at that location! In addition, Beyond Studio, a mental health clinic offering art therapy, play therapy, and EMDR therapy, is celebrating its grand opening at Art Walk with an exhibit from their in-house artist.