Community Calendar

The Works Progress Administration (later changed to Work Projects Administration or, WPA) carried out many public works projects (many still visible today); however, the smaller projects were just as effective. Federal Project Number One consisted of 5 separate divisions/projects employing artists, musicians, actors and actresses, historians, researchers, and writers, to name a few. The Federal Art Project, Federal Music Project, Federal Theater Project, Federal Writers Project, and the Historical Records Survey contributed to the success of the WPA and to the employment record of the US. In this presentation, Ann Staley, CG, CGL, FNGS will provide information on each division/project and their contributions; however, the focus will mainly be on the last two – the Federal Writers Project, and the Historical Records Survey and some of the publications and inventories they created.

Attendance Options: In person at the Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, MO or Zoom for OGS members. Members will receive a Zoom link by email or find the link at ozarksgs.org>programs. Members must login for access.

Slow Viewing is a supportive practice for anyone who wants to develop their skills of interpretation, observation, and discussing art. Guests spend an hour carefully observing and speaking about the works on view, resulting in a deeper understanding of how they and others relate to the artwork and to each other.

Slow Viewing is free and open to the public. Slow Viewing is facilitated by artist and educator Shauna LeAnn Smith and requires no specialized art historical or art interpretation knowledge. Individual sessions will be held at various community locations. Space per site may be limited so pre-registration is required.

Slow Viewing with Springfield Regional Arts Council: The Best of Missouri Hands Exhibition, The Creamery Arts Center
Thursday, July 16, 2026, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Slow Viewing with Evangel University: Spring by Denton Highfield, Lawrence and Alletha Barnett Fine Arts Center
Thursday, August 20, 2026, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Slow Viewing with Missouri State University: Crossroads, Brick City Gallery
Thursday, September 17, 2026, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Slow Viewing with Missouri State University: Biennial Faculty Exhibition, Robert & Margaret Carolla Arts Exhibition Center
Thursday, October 22, 2026, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Slow Viewing takes a hiatus November-December 2026 and will return in January 2027. Please check back for updates, schedule, and registration information.

Creative Connection Workshops

These are two-hour drop-in art making activities for all ages. Projects will utilize simple art supplies and encourage playful and creative use of materials to create projects inspired by selected pieces from the Springfield Art Museum’s Permanent Collection.

Free and open to the public, but we encourage pre-registration to accommodate space and supplies. Register for Creative Connection Workshops here.

Thursday, October 29 from 3 PM to 5PM: Landscape Collages - Create your own fall landscape collage inspired by works from the Museum's collection. This is a free-drop in event and open to all ages; supplies are provided. Held at The Library Station Frisco Room. 2535 N Kansas Expressway. Register for workshop here.

The Anti-Horse Thief Association (AHTA) wasn’t just a frontier vigilance group — it was a full‑blown community crime‑fighting network complete with officers, bylaws, dues, and dramatic pursuit reports. In this lively, true‑crime‑flavored session, OGS members Annette Crafton Corbell and Linda Stout explore how the AHTA operated, who joined, who they chased, and what their records reveal about everyday life on the frontier. Whether your ancestors were members, suspects, or innocent bystanders, the AHTA offers a unique window into frontier justice and the stories that shaped our families.

Attendance Options: In person at The Library Center or by Zoom.  Members will receive a Zoom link by email or find the link at ozarksgs.org > programs. Members must login for access.