Art is an important part of the development of any community. Given the challenges of funding for art programs today, Springfield and surrounding communities are fortunate to have the Springfield Art Museum. Its long and proud history dates back to 1926 when the Southwest Missouri Museum Associates (SMMA) organized the Art Study Club. In 1928 that club was incorporated as “Springfield Art Museum” and later deeded the Museum to the City of Springfield. Today, Southwest Missouri Museum Associates exists for the purpose of promoting and supporting the Springfield Art Museum and art in southwest Missouri. To this end, SMMA will present "A Taste of Argentina," which will include lunch, a Fall Fashion Show featuring local merchants, a live and silent auction and entertainment, Argentine style! The event will be held Tuesday November 4 at White River Conference Center at 10:30 am. Reservations are $30 and may be obtained by calling 837-5700. Sonya Wise of SMMA credits one of their committee members with suggesting the "Argentina" theme for this fundraiser. "And it's been fun to explore." Springfield Art Museum Assistant Director Merritt Giles will be one of four men joining some twenty female models during the Fall Fashion Show. "Last year I was serving wine, so this year they've recruited me for the fashion show."
The Museum Shop inside the Springfield Art Museum, 1111 E. Brookside Drive next to Phelps Grove Park, will host a Holiday Open House Friday and Saturday Nov. 7 and 8 from 10:00am-5:00pm. Hot cider and cookies will be served along with special sale merchandise. The Museum Shop features gifts and works by local artists. For more information visit www.sgfmuseum.org or call 837-5700.