Southern Missouri Arts Connection Art Center hosts ‘House of Hues’ during August

The Southern Missouri Arts Connection (SMAC) will host a solo exhibit featuring the work of artist Savannah Richardson entitled “House of Hues.” The show will run August 7-29 at the SMAC Art Center, 7 Downing Street, in historic Hollister. 

Savannah Richardson is a painter and graphic artist from Kirbyville. She is the 2025-2026 Artist-In-Residence for SMAC.

Richardson’s large-scale acrylic paintings, each in a monochromatic color palette, are designed to create an atmosphere of varied emotion. Individual paintings in various shades of a single vibrant hue conjure feelings ranging from anger and anxiety to love and happiness. Every artwork also contains a handmade mixed media component such as beaded elements, sculpted areas, felt work, or sequined embellishments. “Ever since I could remember I have enjoyed making artwork no matter the medium, but I have always been drawn to more surrealistic and mixed media art styles,” said Richardson of her work. 

The title, House of Hues, relates to the “sheltered” theme of the exhibit. “The paintings convey the metaphorical idea of something being ‘in a house’ much like our emotions are ‘housed’ within ourselves,” explained Richardson. “A bird cage, a koi pond, nested dolls - all of these depict a home or a shelter for something.” 

A highlight of the show is a repurposed dollhouse functioning as a unique 3D mixed media display with design elements and room colors relevant to each painting in the exhibit. The mindful use of pre-owned, recycled and donated supplies is important to Richardson. “I want these things to be more than single-use, I want to give them another home.”

The opening reception will be on Friday evening, August 7, from 6-9 p.m. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. During the reception, Richardson will speak about her art as well as her SMAC residency. The SMAC Artist -In-Residence program was made possible through an Arts and Culture Grant funded by Springfield Regional Arts Council, The Community Foundation of the Ozarks, and the Musgrave Foundation.

Attendees to the opening reception may view the exhibit, tour the private studios, and enjoy complimentary refreshments. Vintage Paris Coffee kiosk will also be on site.

 Each month during their exhibits, SMAC highlights one of the many local nonprofit organizations that serve the area. This month SMAC is drawing attention to Branson Humane Society whose mission is to aid in the alleviation of distress and suffering of animals, and promote their humane treatment through protection, placement and public education. Branson Humane Society operates an adoption center and two thrift stores.

Visit their website at bransonhumanesociety.com

Southern Missouri Arts Connection (SMAC), a 501(C)(3) nonprofit local center of creativity, art education, innovation and community partnership, strives to improve the quality of life in southern Missouri by connecting individuals with the arts, for the benefit of all.