That's why Perlow opened her gallery downtown, as part of Columbia's developing art community.

"There's more than you can do, or see or take in, in any week," said Marie Hunter of the Office of Cultural Affairs which nominated the city for Missouri's first creative community award. Last week, the State Arts Council picked Columbia as the winner.

City officials hope the growing art community and the award will bring more tourists to Columbia.

"So when someone comes to see a concert, maybe they're filling their gas tank and going out to dinner" added Hunter.

Perlow hopes to see more art businesses like hers.

"We have some really incredible local artists that didn't really get a lot of attention because there wasn't always a great place for them to show," she said.

Downtown is already home to new arts, such as the contemporary ballet.

Gov. Blunt will present Columbia with the Arts Council award in February at the State Capitol.