County Opens New Springfield Art Association Exhibit

The Sangamon County Board earlier this month hosted an opening reception for a new art exhibit featuring work from Springfield Art Association artists and local painter and glass blower Jason LaBonte.

The exhibit, located on the second floor of the Sangamon County Building in downtown Springfield, was developed in partnership with the Springfield Art Association and brings together work from local artists representing different styles and mediums.

LaBonte works primarily in acrylic painting and glass. The Springfield Art Association describes him as a contemporary abstract expressionist whose work often uses bold color and organic forms. He has worked as a full-time artist since 2016 and has also been involved in teaching glass art through the Springfield Art Association.

His work has previously been featured in Springfield Art Association exhibitions, including a 2025 show that paired his glass pieces with paintings by local artist Pam Hamilton. LaBonte also participates in the association's Art Synergy program, which pairs local artists with community members to create collaborative works.

The combined exhibit at the County Building gives visitors an opportunity to see locally produced artwork while conducting business, attending a meeting or visiting county offices.

The exhibit is part of a larger series of rotating displays that have brought art and local history into the County Building. The second-floor exhibit space was incorporated into renovations to provide an area where local artists, historical organizations and community groups could share their work with the public.

Earlier this year, the County Building featured artwork from members of the Illinois Prairie Pastel Society, stained-glass projects by Morgan Behnke and Springfield Art Association students, and ceramic works by local artist Scott Day. Those exhibits were on display from February through April.

During the spring and summer, the space featured two baseball-related exhibits. "100 Years of Women's Baseball and Softball in Sangamon County" highlighted a century of local women's participation in the sports through historical photographs and other materials. A companion art exhibit featured baseball-themed work by Springfield artist Rod Buffington.

The rotating exhibit program will continue later this year. Beginning in December, artwork selected through the Sangamon County High School Senior Art Competition is scheduled to be displayed in the County Building through February. The competition, organized by the County Board, Sangamon-Menard Regional Office of Education and Springfield Art Association, allows participating high schools to submit two- and three-dimensional work by seniors.

The current exhibit featuring Springfield Art Association artists and LaBonte will remain on display through November and is free and open to the public during regular Sangamon County Building hours.

The County Building is located at 200 S. Ninth St. in Springfield.