About the Springfield Arts Commission

The Springfield Arts Commission was established by the City Council in 1986 at the end of the Centennial Celebration. The Council charged the Commission to encourage the community’s emerging arts groups, and with the creation of the Art Alley, a series of outdoor murals in the downtown neighborhood.

The first Art Alley mural was a small one at 122 Fifth Street, titled It Ain’t Why, it Just Is, painted by artist Alan Cox in 1988. The second mural, at 130 5th Street, titled Bob the Dog Visits the Old Growth, was painted by John R. Swenson in 1989. Each artist was paid $50 and used materials provided by the Commission.

The Commission accomplishes their work through an active, nine-member volunteer citizen board, a modest annual budget, and part-time staff support.

2024 Regular Meetings

2024 Subcommittee Meetings

TBD

City Hall Gallery & Youth Artist Gallery

Located on two walls just outside the entrance to the Springfield Library, City Hall Gallery and the Young Artists Gallery are seen by approximately 3,700 visitors each month. Since 1989, City Hall Gallery has featured monthly shows by regional artists chosen by the Springfield Arts Commission. The Commission issues a public call to artists each year. A new addition to City Hall, the Young Artists Gallery is the only year-round space in Springfield dedicated to showcasing the work of children and young adult artists. The Commission partners with youth-related organizations throughout Lane County to represent the diverse creativity of young people in our community.

2024 City Hall Gallery Exhibits:

December/January: Mayor’s Art Show, SAC winners
January/February: Donald Myers
March: Sarjé Haynes
April: Keith Bennett
May: Melissa Green, Cascades Raptor Center
June: Cindy Ingram
July: Claar, Suiter, Seamster Group
August: Paula Goodbar
September: Ralf Huber
October: Candace Hunter, Sheryl Le Blanc, Sue Redhead
November: Sophia Cromartie December: Erika Wolf
December 2024 – January 2025: Mayor’s Art Show, SAC winners

Springfield Public Art Self-Guided Tour

Springfield Arts Commissioners

Arts Commission Roster:
Meredith Branch, Chair
Uyen-thi Nguyen, Vice Chair
Adam Gutierrez
Nicolas Kauffman
Suzanna Vinson
David Grimes, Secretary
Carolyn Jean Miller
Chris Rohaley
Mindy Linder, City Staff Liaison
Beth Blackwell, City Council Liaison, Ward 4

Contact Arts Commission Liaison Mindy Linder at mlinder@springfield-or.gov, 541-744-3388.

Mailing List

Please join our mailing list for updates on the Springfield Arts Commission’s work and opportunities, including City Hall Gallery calls to artists, Heritage Arts Grant announcements, Commissioner openings and more!