Fallout from the Coronavirus pandemic has permeated every aspect of life, from the essential issues of healthcare, livelihood and safety to more nuanced problems such as the inability of many arts communities to operate as normal. Despite the odds, however, there are many ways to experience and support community arts every day. The majority of arts organizations in Springfield are determined to continue to bring quality work back to the stages, halls and gallery walls in safe and inclusive ways.

When asked in a Twitter poll which arts program or venue they visit most frequently or know most about in Springfield, 63.2 percent of respondents identified Springfield Little Theatre, which operates out of the historic Landers Theatre. It offers live performances this season, including the current show, “Shout! The Mod Musical,” the upcoming “Willy Wonka Jr.” and “Nunsense.” More information and tickets to these shows can be found here.

The second most popular mainstream arts venue according to the poll was the Springfield Art Museum, which 36.8 percent of respondents chose. Drury sophomore Jaden Rodriguez also counted this venue as his go-to in an interview with The Mirror. “My first thoughts are the art museum,” said Rodriguez.

The Springfield Symphony is another important outlet for the arts, yet it surprisingly received no votes in the poll. The symphony, under the direction of conductor Kyle Wiley Pickett, has made a tremendous effort to reach all audiences, including those who wish to stay at home. Aside from this season’s usual lineup, the Springfield Symphony has also hosted a number of virtual events: all 7:30 p.m. concerts are livestreamed and the usual pre-concert discussions have been replaced with a new series of Behind the Baton streams on Facebook Live. The next live and virtual event to take place at the symphony is the upcoming “Russian Dumplings,” featuring works by Glinka and Tchaikovsky; tickets are available here.

Finally, First Friday ArtWalk is still providing opportunities for arts exposure as the community begins to move toward normalcy. This Friday features shows at the Drury University Pool Arts Center, Missouri State University Brick City, Hotel Vandivort and others. “At the ArtWalk you get all of it at once,” said Keandra Jennings, Drury junior. “As an artist, it’s refreshing to see others creating art in the community, especially since the arts have been super affected by the pandemic.”

Anyone interested in attending First Friday ArtWalk can find a full list of destinations and events here.

Article by Kay Wacasey