BEST PUBLIC ART

H.D. Smith Gallery

Hoogland Center for the Arts

420 S. Sixth St., 544-2787

H.D. Smith Gallery finds its home on the first floor of the Hoogland Center for the Arts. This elegant fine arts gallery with light-colored wood floors and soft ample ceiling and window lighting is run by the nonprofit Prairie Art Alliance, an arts gallery and school. Different work by juried central Illinois members is on display every six to eight weeks, according to Janet Seitz Carlson, executive director. You can find a wealth of paintings, jewelry, pottery and more to view or purchase. Public receptions kick off the beginning of each exhibition. Not only is the art top notch, but the hors d’oeurvres at these soirées are scrumptious. Opened in 1996, H.D. Smith Gallery gets its name from national health care company H.D. Smith, founded in Springfield in 1954. PAA also operates Gallery II on the Old State Capitol Plaza. Both spaces are open Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Gallery II 5 p.m.)

Runner-up: Springfield Art Association