SPRINGFIELD, Missouri – After nearly a century of service and arts education programs, the Springfield Art Museum is preparing to close its doors for the next three years.
While some may think this looks like an extended vacation, art museum staff say it couldn’t be further from it.
Mitzi Kirkland, a museum board member and art historian at Missouri State University, says the art museum’s renovation will change the way students interact with art.
“We are excited about the new classrooms we will have. Not just classrooms for art courses, but also special study rooms where you can put together a selection of expert materials for students for art history courses, museum studies courses and other history courses,” Kirkland said.
Springfield homeowner finds “buried treasure” in his floors
The Springfield Art Museum will undergo a major renovation over the next three years. Nick Nelson, the museum’s director, says even when the building closes next week, arts programs will continue in Springfield.
“Community engagement is one of our priorities for the next five years and we are very excited to implement this plan while our main building is closed to really engage with citizens,” Nelson said.
The art museum first exhibited his artwork in the EM Wilhoit Building in 1929. Della Wilhoit was a member of the art study club at State Teachers College, now Missouri State University, in 1929. Three years earlier, her husband had built the Wilhoit Building in downtown Springfield.
The Wilhoits donated six rent-free rooms in their building to the museum after it outgrew its first location. The museum hosted solo and dual exhibitions of local artists in the Wilhoit building, as well as an annual competitive exhibition for Ozark artists for eight years.
Facts and fiction about the motorway: Concerned farmers fight their way through the confusion
Nelson says returning here is part of deepening the museum’s roots.
“We are very excited to reconnect with this building and become a part of downtown while having a presence here,” Nelson said.
At today’s open house, it was announced that the campaign has raised $38 million of its $50 million goal. Nelson says reaching that goal will help ensure the future of art in southwest Missouri.
“I just encourage people to come in, enjoy the museum and the art and get involved,” Nelson said. “It’s a wonderful community organization that’s been in our community for over 100 years, and we’re just excited to think about its future.”
The last day for visitors to the museum is Sunday, September 1st. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new art museum will take place in January 2025.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports and streaming video, visit KOLR – OzarksFirst.com.
