Mary Frances Spears - Collecting Stories Through Medicine

Mary Frances Spears is creating an installation out of x-rays, busts, projections, and various other medical items to bring attention to domestic abuse and its consequences. We look forward to seeing this powerful installation being pieced together.  Learn more about the exhibit "Installation Wars" that Mary is participating in along with six other artists.

Adam Perschbacher - Buying Tape

Artist Adam Perschbacher is stocking up on something he uses on a very regular basis - tape.  But he won't be using it to create the straightest of lines with paint this time around.  Visit Gallery II's "Installation Wars" and discover what he has in mind!

Jed Leber - Artists Sign Up for Installation Wars

Prairie Art Alliance artist Jed Leber has agreed to be a part of Gallery II's "Installation Wars" January-February Exhibit.  Learn more about "Installation Wars".  We're excited to see his creation!

Installation Wars - Linda Preps for the Exhibit

Linda is at home creating a large abstract piece ready to be "unrolled."  Here are a few patches of what she's doing!

Learn More About "Installation Wars"

Holidays Around the World Kids Art Contest

The Prairie Art Alliance and Downtown Springfield, Inc. added something a little extra to the Old Capitol Holiday Walks this year... a kids art contest ages 0-18!  A special thank you to Myers Commercial Realty, Inc. for sponsoring the contest and reception.  The reception was held Thursday, December 6th on the prestigious main floor of the Old State Capitol.  Patrons enjoyed cookies and soda and were serenaded by the Hoogland Kids Chorus.  Congratulations to the award winners and all participants.  Everyone received a ribbon. 

Holidays Around the World Kids Art Contest 2012

View photos from the reception.

2012 Holiday Around The World

Children’s Art Contest Winners

Ages 0-5

1^st Place – Addison Jones – “The Star of Christmas”

2^nd Place -  Lydia Cunningham – “Decorated Trees Under the Stars”

3^rd Place – Ciaran Wall – “Family Feast with Aunt visiting from Australia”

Ages 6-9

1^st Place – Matthew Young – “Matthew and his brother Joseph decorating the Christmas Tree”

2^nd Place – Joseph Young – “Joseph Loves Trains – inspired by Polar Express Movie and Holiday Express Train in Roodhouse, IL”

3^rd Place – Vanessa Little – “Watching Christmas Movies”

Ages 10-13

1^st Place – Jayden Graves – “Snowmen & Friends”

2^nd Place – Katie Bilinsky – “Santa Bringing Gifts to Children of the World”

3^rd Place – Mady Schmidt – “Kitty’s Favorite Christmas”

Ages 14-18

1^st Place – Kelsey Harms – “Christmas Angel”

2^nd Place – Molly Sue Check – “Winter Sunrise”

3^rd Place – Haley Limper – “Decorating the Tree with her Mother and listening to Christmas Music”

Dancing with the Stars 2012 - Recap

This past October 13^th, Prairie Art Alliance held its seventh annual premier fundraising event, Dancing with the Starz.  This year’s event was held at the Downtown Springfield Hilton, and was chaired by Teresa Bierman and Barb Granger.  With their endless amount of energy and dedication, along with the efforts of many volunteers, comprised of PAA members and nonmembers, this was one of the most successful events to date.

 

Prior to the event, beginning in August, thirteen dance couples practiced and perfected their dance routines every two weeks at the Ansar Shrine auditorium with the help of the talented dance instructor, Pat Lyttkar, as well as, met individually on their own time to practice.  

The night of the main event, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour, a wonderful live and silent auction, wine wall, dancing and of course dance entertainment by our competing dance couples.  Master of Ceremonies Gus Gordon led the evening seamlessly, along with our three judges Cara Ann (Dr. Mary Ann Rackauskas), Len (Bruce Beeman) and Bruno (Chuck Granger) provided funny and entertaining critiques of all the dancers that participated that evening. 

After three rounds of dancing, the following four Starz; Erica Beeman with dance partner Gene Weiser, Drew Davis with dance partner Jan Smith, Dr. Geoff Bland with dance partner Teresa Becker, and Drs. Tim VanFleet and Korine Vlahos advanced to the final round.  In the end, Drew Davis and his dance partner Jan Smith, walked away with the honor of most votes for the event

Thank you to all the Starz and their dance partners, Teresa Bierman, Barb Granger and the many volunteers that put so much time and energy into the evening, and a big thank you to everyone that made reservations, voted, contributed and supported the event.  Each and every one of you helped make Dancing with Starz a huge success!!!

- by Erica Beeman

To view all photos from the event visit our events page.

Dancing with the Starz 2012!

Check out our video on the Prairie Art Alliance's largest and most exciting fundraiser - Dancing with the Starz!  This year it will be held at the Hilton Springfield on October 13 and Gus Gordon with be our Master of Ceremonies!  Visit www.prairieart.org today to reserve your seats and vote for your favorite Starz!