The 12 x 12 display is being exhibited in the main lobby of Spiva Center through September 17.

Silent bidding began on May 21 for the 2004 12 x 12 Auction, an auction of work by artists to benefit Spiva Center for the Arts.



The work of more than 60 artists is being displayed in the lobby at the Center. Anyone can bid on one or more works during gallery hours, and bids also may be placed online at 4statearts.com The auction closes September 17, Director Jo Mueller said.



This is the seventh annual 12 x 12 Auction. Each artist begins with a piece of plain hardboard, 12 inches by 12 inches, and uses any media to create a work of art. The square foot of support is the only requirement.



"Paint, color pencils, mixed media, collage, photography, pastels, clay, papier mache, all kinds of materials appear in this small format," said Mueller. "You never know exactly what to expect, but you always see innovation and surprises. The 12 x 12 Auction gives artists a summer showcase and bidders the opportunity to acquire an original work of art in a fun way.



When the bidding closes, the ownership of each piece will transfer to the high bidder. All proceeds of the auction go to Spiva Center for the Arts.



Artists who have donated their work to the auction include Susan Adams, Dorothy Alsenz, Atusso, Lara Blankenship, Leloni Boatright, Phyllis Bush, Jim Bray, Lari Clark, Bethany Ann Courtney, Tricia Courtney, Mark A. Cole, Jana Dahmen, Marv Dahmen, Janet Davis, Michele DeSutter, Linda Dishman, Gail Francis, Barb Foley, Bill Fowks, Annabelle Seelye Fuhr, John R. Gray, M Justin Hale, Lisa Hewlett, Kate Hoynacki, Kat Kissel, Robert Kujda, Paige Mashura Lewis, Kd Lowe, Jesse McCormick, Dan McWilliams, Mary Meacham, Hiram Mesa, Pam Miller, Audrey Mitchell, Gordon Mitchell, Jo Mueller, Monica O’Flaherty, Megan Payne, Rebecca Perry, Joe Prater, Debbie Reed, Helen Ryan, Richard Sachan, Carol E. Shipman, Carol Smith, L. Eric Smith, Mary Ann Soerries, Rylee Stovern, Linda S. Teeter, Adele Thompson, John VanBeekum, Margaret Roach Wheeler, Pete Williams, Mark S. Woodin and Maryilyn York and Gary Younger.



Two exhibits that run through June 20 also opened:



People's Lives: A Photographic Celebration of the Human Spirit," by photographer Bill Wright will be in the Main Gallery.



Darral Dishman: A Retrospective will be in the Regional Focus Gallery.



All three exhibits preview at a reception for the artists, Spiva members and guests at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 21. Hosts for the opening reception are The Thai Restaurant and Take-Away Café. Pianist Joel Thomas will entertain.



Spiva Center for the Arts is located at Third and Wall in downtown Joplin. Galleries and gift shop are open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, 1:00 to 5:00. Donations are welcome; there is no charge for admission.

For more information, please call 417-623-0183.

George A. Spiva Center for the Arts
222 W. 3rd Street
Joplin, Mo 64801
Tel: 417-623-0183
Fax: 417-623-3805
www.spivaarts.org

Jo Mueller, Director