FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Springfield, MO. (February 16, 2021) – The Springfield Art Museum is pleased to announce the return of the biennial Four by Four (4x4): 2020 Midwest Invitational Exhibition. The 4x4: 2020 Midwest Invitational Exhibition is being held in 2021 due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020. This exhibition recognizes and encourages artists working in all media who reside in the four-state region of Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Kansas. The exhibit features a body of work by four artists – one from each state. This year's exhibition will include work by Crystal Z. Campbell (Oklahoma), Rebecca Drolen (Arkansas), Rebecca Hackemann (Kansas), and Glyneisha Johnson (Missouri).
This focused exhibition provides an in-depth study of each artist’s work, and a deep, rich conversation about their connection to the region and the placement of their work in the larger context of contemporary art. A juror of awards is selected on a rotating basis from one of the four states – this year’s juror is Maryamsadat Amirvaghefi, Assistant Director of Exhibitions at the University of Arkansas - Fayetteville. Amirvaghefi is tasked with awarding a $3,000 cash prize to one artist for their body of work. This award is meant to propel an artist’s studio practice, providing funds for equipment, study, travel, or other needs that will help them in their career. Previous winners include Sage Dawson (2014, Missouri), Andrew Casto (2016, Kansas), and Dawn Holder (2018, Arkansas). This year’s award will be announced after the exhibition opens on February 27. A catalog of the exhibition will be available to purchase during the exhibit's run.
This iteration of 4x4 presents perspectives on the female body, history, race, family, and politics. These interactions span media including photography, painting, drawing, sculpture, and video. 4x4 is curated by Sarah Buhr, Curator of Art at the Springfield Art Museum. Buhr was previously awarded the Association of Midwest Museum’s Promising Leadership Award due to her advocacy of the best in emerging and under-recognized contemporary artists in the Midwest through the 4x4: Midwest Invitational Exhibition.
PUBLIC PROGRAMS: All public programs and events remain cancelled through April 9, 2021 in accordance with Phase 3C of the City of Springfield, MO Road to Recovery Plan. Face masks are required in accordance with City of Springfield, MO ordinance and social distancing is encouraged.
See the 4x4: Midwest Invitational Exhibition beginning February 27, 2021 through July 27, 2021 in our New Wing Galleries. Financial assistance for this project has been provided by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency. The Springfield Art Museum is located at 1111 East Brookside Drive. Admission is always free. Donations are gratefully accepted.
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The Springfield Art Museum is Springfield, Missouri’s oldest cultural institution, founded in 1928. A department of the City of Springfield, the Museum invites you to connect with the world, your community, and yourself through active engagement with art objects. For more information, please visit www.sgfmuseum.org or contact Joshua Best, Museum Affairs Officer at (417) 874-2859 or jbest@springfieldmo.gov.
