Artrain USA's current exhibit, Native Views: Influences of Modern Culture, features 70 works by more than 50 Native American artists. Works include Michael J. Parker's 'Fire Dance,' above.
After 5: Artrain USA: Native Views
Eric Olson
Posted online
Springfield's arts patrons hear it coming. They suspect others will get on board.
Artrain USA, a national exhibit traveling in vintage rail cars, is stopping in Springfield this week to showcase Native American art.
The museum, carrying Native Views: Influences of Modern Culture, rolls into town Nov. 14 and pulls out Nov. 19. The rail cars contain 70 works by more than 50 Native American artists exploring the influence of popular culture and commonalities shared by Americans.
Springfield Councilwoman Mary Collette plays conductor on this stop, as board member of Commercial Club, the presenter of Artrain USA in Springfield. She spearheaded Artrain's arrival after becoming familiar with it five years ago.
An opening reception Nov. 15 at Collette's historic Firehouse No. 2 at Commercial Street and Boonville Avenue welcomes the gallery, which will be stationed west of the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge on Commercial - the sight where trains first arrived in Springfield in 1870. Artrain is open to the public for free viewings Nov. 17-18, and school and nonprofit groups will tour it the other days.
Collette says the Artrain concept fits the Springfield community because of its rich heritage in locomotives and its emerging arts culture.
"Trains (changed) Springfield from a rural, agricultural economy," she says. "It's so rich in symbolism in this community."
She expects thousands to turn out for a glimpse of Native American culture.
"I'm learning as I go, too, which is so cool," she says, adding that festivities include American Indian storytelling, chants, drumming, crafts and other performances.
Commercial Club and about a dozen sponsors are covering the $20,000 expense to host Artrain.
"It's an amazing undertaking - a lot of time and a lot of people," Collette says, stopping to thank those who got behind it financially and with in-kind services. "Everybody has taken ownership."
For instance, there is:
• City Utilities' nearly $5,000 in diesel fuel for the trains;
• Hawthorn Park Hotel's catering of the opening reception;
• Springfield-Greene County Park Board's sponsorship to shuttle people between Artrain and the firehouse during the gala;
• the city of Springfield's $5,000 donation;
• Community Foundation of the Ozarks' $2,500 grant; and
• Burlington Northern Santa Fe Foundation's national donation of $7,500 to help get the rail cars to Springfield from Washington, D.C.
Artrain President and CEO Debra Polich will make a special visit to Springfield during the museum's stay.
Artrain USA, dubbed America's Hometown Art Museum, started in 1971, and more than 3 million people have visited the Artrain during its 830 community visits across the nation. Winding down its 24-city 2007 tour, Artrain's next stop is Oklahoma City.
Event Details
What: Artrain USA, an art museum traveling via rail car
Where: West of the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge on Commercial Street
Artrain USA's opening reception is scheduled for 6-9 p.m. Nov. 15 at the historic Firehouse No. 2 at Boonville Avenue and Commercial Street. Tickets are $35 or $250 for a table of eight. For reservations, call (417) 864-7015. Seating is limited. Private gallery viewings go until 8 p.m., when Native American and Wonders of Wildlife employee John Hernandez tells a story at the firehouse.[[In-content Ad]]
A relocation to Nixa from Republic and a rebranding occurred for Aspen Elevated Health; Kuick Noodles LLC opened; and Phelps County Bank launched a new southwest Springfield branch.
