The Springfield Business Improvement District (SBID) announced today that the popular 6-foot sneaker sculptures known as Art & Soles is moving indoors for the holidays. The 20 painted sneakers will be prominently displayed in the Art & Soles Gallery located at 1391 Main Street, at the corner of Main and Harrison. The space is being donated by the building owner Glenn Edwards to enhance visitors experiences in downtown Springfield and to increase awareness of the building.The Art & Soles Gallery will be open to the public beginning November 17th and staffed by SBID employees and volunteers. Hours are Monday through Friday 10:00am to 4:00pm, Thursdays open until 8:00pm, Saturdays from 10:00am to 2:00pm. In addition to the 20 sneakers, artists will have additional merchandise available for purchase. Branded merchandise will always be available.
SBID Executive Director Don Courtemanche stated, “Our decision to postpone the auctioning of the sneakers was a great one. Now families who are visiting Springfield for the Balloon Parade, the Festival of Trees or a sporting event will be able to see all of the sneakers under one roof, meet our talented local artists, and perhaps attend a workshop or special event. This means one more chapter in a successful public art project.”Art & Soles is a Public Art Project created by a team of volunteers including the Greater Springfield-UMass Amherst Partnership, TSM Design, and the Springfield Business Improvement District, all who share an understanding that public art can change people’s perceptions and understanding of public spaces.
