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Our organization began with 12 individuals dedicated to the promotion and
encouragement of artists. It is our belief that all artists, regardless of skill levels, should have the same
promotional opportunities. We have a diverse membership, consisting of beginners who have not yet achieved
their full artistic potential to those who have been professional artists for many years -- all receive equal billing
and opportunities. We believe this encourages the less experienced to show their work in public (which can be
very scary) and furthers the careers of the seasoned professionals. This also works to the public's advantage
by giving our shows an interesting variety and gives the collector the opportunity to choose the work of an "up
and comer" or a more establised artist. Truly a win-win situation!

We offer our members several educational opportunties, such as workshops, films, classes, plein air painting,
gallery trips and,of course, interaction with other artists.

We are a very active group, with a multitude of promotional opportunities for our members. We have an average
of 13 show opportunities per year. Some are shows that we host, some are shows that other organizations
have offered to host for us - such as the Springfield Nature Center and the Springfield Library Center. In
addition, we participate in many city sponsored events, such as the Duck Race and Art Walk. We have two
traditional annual events. Each June we have "Art in the Park" in co-operation with Ozark Parks Dept. This is
beautiful outdoor show on the bank of the Finley River. The members all gather for a lunch time cook-out in the
park - we have a great time with lots of good food. This event, as with many of our events, receives
newspaper and television coverage! The other event is the Christmas party - not promotional, just fun - one year
we even had a professional belly dancing troupe as entertainment!

Virtually since our inception we have operated a public,cooperative gallery for our members. This July we
opened a beautifully renovated, 3,500 sq. ft. gallery in Ozark, MO. Please go to Gallery Page for details. Soon, on
this website, we hope to offer a virtual gallery. So put us on your favorites list and check back
often to see what's new!

From the original 12 charter members we have grown to a membership of over 50! With the new members,
have come some new ideas, such as the Finley River Art Travelers. This is a group of members who travel
together to art events and galleries around the country. In October, they went to Oklahoma to the Philbrook and
Gilcrease Art Museums and in the spring a trip is planned for Santa Fe! Trips are open to all members that wish
to go.

Well folks, that is our story. All in all, it is a fun group to belong to. If you would like more info or you would like to
join us -- please, go to contacts page for details and we will send you a membership form. Hope to here from
you soon!