Image by Gordon Johnson from Pixabay
The Springfield Area Arts Council is pleased to announce the return of the On My Own Time program in 2021. This biennial visual arts program gives employees of participating organizations, businesses, government agencies, and medical and educational institutions an opportunity to showcase their creativity and accomplishments through artwork completed outside working hours.
Says program coordinator Rosemary Buffington: “On My Own Time is one of the best ways to bring employees together. They learn that those they work with daily also are creative on their own time through artistic endeavors after hours.”
Says Sheila Walk, Arts Council executive director: “It is good for both employers and employees because it reveals so much hidden talent. And it is good for the community to know that so much artistic ability resides here.”
Eligible artwork includes paintings and drawings, fiber and needlework, pottery, photography, jewelry, glass, metal, wood, and paper.
The deadline for organizations to commit to participate is May 14. Each participating organization hosts an In-house Exhibit; those begin on October 1. Judging occurs from October 12 to 21.
Based on a city-wide standard, the artwork from each participating organization will be judged by a panel of specialists and awarded a First, Second, or Third Place. First Place-winning artwork is displayed in the Citywide Exhibit to be held November 3-20, 2021, at the Nelson Family Gallery at 700 North Fourth Street, Springfield.
Arts Council volunteers Rod and Rosemary Buffington are coordinating the 2021 On My Own Time program. For further information about participating in this program, please call or email the Springfield Area Arts Council at 217-753-3519 or programs@springfieldartsco.org.
