The Colors of Cambodia

      The Creamery Arts Center, 411 N. Sherman Parkway,  presents the artwork of The Colors of Cambodia, sponsored by John and William Gentry of Positronic Industries Inc. in collaboration with the Springfield Regional Arts Council. The show of artwork by underprivileged children from Siem Reap Province, Cambodia, begins with a private preview auction on Saturday, Oct. 1. It opens to the public with the Oct. 7 Art Walk. William Gentry, an American artist and a businessman, was inspired by the artistic history of Cambodia. Upon discovering that the children of Siem Reap did not have the opportunity to create due to

The Colors of Cambodia

lack of materials, he started the Colors of Cambodia in 2003 to provide these children with art supplies. As the organization grew, Gentry was able to send art teachers to schools in Siem Reap Province, and Colors of Cambodia now teaches art to almost a thousand children every month in seven different schools. (417) 862-ARTS (2787) www.SpringfieldArts.org Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. M-F; closed major holidays

       

One Voice

  Good Girl Art Gallery, 325 E. Walnut St., Ste. 101, presents One Voice, featuring mixed media paintings and video art by Kathie Ryan, plus a reading and book signing for Homegirl, a novel by Ryder Collins, and a Beer Tasting featuring the craft brews of O'Fallon Brewery. Of her art, Kathie says, "Genocide has long been a topic that has both horrified and moved me.  I am constantly striving to understand why human beings feel the need to destroy another group of human beings for whatever reason. But the real question and the one that is inspiring me to create these paintings is WHY do we as a global community tend to ignore genocide?" She adds,  "Rwanda, Guatemala, Sudan, Palestine ... Most people don't even know that there was genocide in Guatemala.  Or that our government trained the army that executed it. These are the things that disturb me to my core.  Now in light of the current atmosphere of hatred and racism in our country, I feel it is more important than ever to open our eyes, minds and hearts to the suffering of others." (417) 865-7055 www.goodgirlartgallery.com Open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. T-Sat

 

       

Open Field by Alishia Brundege

  Hawthorn Galleries Inc., 214 E. Walnut St., is pleased to present the 4th Annual Women Artists of the Midwest Exhibition. The exhibition features new artwork by Alishia Brundege, Jeanne Davis, Lisa Esposito, Lyn Phariss and Louise Thies. In addition, WAM would also like to welcome 2011 inductees Juanita Herrell, Jennifer Linders, and Tricia Courtney. In its fourth year, WAM continues to gain support and recognition for female artists in the Ozarks and

4th Annual Women Artists of the Midwest

throughout the Midwest. By bringing women fine artists together from across the region, WAM seeks to cultivate a strong and vibrant artistic community. The exhibition runs from Oct. 7 to  Nov. 30. Artists' Reception 6-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7. Visit www.WAMidwest.com for more information. (417) 866-6688 www.hawthorngalleries.com Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. T-F; 1-5 p.m. Sat

Play Date by Gavyn Sky

Inveno Health, 429 N. Boonville Ave., asks, Who doesn't need an Escape From Reality every now and then? Come to Inveno Health where Gavyn Sky allows gallery goers to do just that. See incredible art and learn about market-ready medical device innovations from St. John's co-workers in the very same space (Mercy R & D) www.mercyrnd.com  (417) 831-1270.

Art by Morgan Frew

         Obelisk Home at the Inspired Commerce Building, 214 W. Phelps, presents Collocation in Practice: The Art of Morgan Frew. "I strive to visually capture an experience, to discover and translate the life and vitality inherent in what is observed," Morgan says. "I aim to convey a strong sense of place and presence; however a literal transcription is beside the point. I seek to capture a vibrancy that can exist only through the language of painting." (417) 616-6488 www.obeliskhome.com 

Art by Darlene Prater

        Randy Bacon Photography and Figment Art Gallery in the Monarch Art Factory, 600 W. College St., present Featured Artist Darlene Prater, plus the unveiling of New Murals by Springfield Public High School Art Students and a show of New Work by the Artists of Figment. Mixed Media Artist Darlene Prater studied art at MSU and has completed and taught numerous art workshops. Working with jewelry, metal, clay, paper, fiber and hand-built pottery, Darlene has been doing mixed media assemblages for the past 10 years. She always incorporated collage in her paintings, so the transition was natural. "It is exciting and challenging to bring new life to items that others throw away. It has made me look at things in a whole new way. There are very few things that cannot be redeemed. I use everything from eggshells and used coffee filters, to old rusty metal and twigs," says Prater. Both the content and the context of her art are multi-layered. "My goal is to get the viewer involved in

Art by Darlene Prater

conversation whether they agree with the context or not." Also, Hillcrest, Kickapoo, Central, Glendale and Parkview high school art students will unveil their newest creations in Bacon's outside gallery, The Main Street Gallery. Bacon's adjoining gallery, Figment Art Gallery & Culture House, will exhibit new art work by in-house artists Sarah Hurlburt, John Payne, Lane Simmons and Lindsay Breidenbach. (417) 868-8179 www.randybacon.com www.gallerysounds.net Open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. T-F; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat