Alexia Tignor works on her dragon at "Dragons Be Wee: Dragon Building K-3!" offered May 15 at Spiva Center.

Syndey Holden glues glitter onto her dragon.

A dragon poses for its picture at "Dragons Be Wee: Dragon Building K-3!" offered May 15 at Spiva Center.

Christy Russow poses with her Dragon at "Dragons Be Wee: Dragon Building K-3!"

An afternoon of folk tales and dragons awaits young artists registered for “Dragons Be Wee: Dragon Building K-3!” offered May 15 at George A. Spiva Center for the Arts.

Children currently in kindergarten through grade three are eligible for the one-day event.

“We recently exhibited assemblage art – art created from miscellaneous and found objects – and a big hit from that exhibit was ‘Dragon’ by Missouri artist Rhett Johnson,” Jo Mueller, Spiva’s executive director said.

Johnson’s sculpture has remained at Spiva as the mascot for the program. “Dragon” is approximately 8 feet long and 3 feet high, built of recycled wood and metal. “It’s a very appealing sculpture,” Mueller said. “We think the children will really get a kick out of seeing it.”

More than 550 Joplin third graders had a chance to try their hands at assemblage art at the Center in March. “It (assemblage art) seems to be a natural for children. We’re excited to be able to offer this workshop to even younger children. It should be great fun!”

The young artists will work with cardboard to create individual dragons. Students also are encouraged to bring unique items from home to add to their sculptures.

Seasoned dragon-builders Anne-Marie Gailey and Sam Lewis will teach the class. The two Webb City art instructors have taught many popular children’s classes at Spiva. “We expect the finished dragons to range from one to 3 feet in length. They definitely should be able to ride home in the car!” said Gailey.

The session culminates with a brief reception (including dragon cake) and a viewing of the completed dragons.

“Dragons Be Wee: Dragon Building K-3!” takes place Saturday, May 15, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Center’s second-floor classroom. Cost for the session is $20.00 per child. Pre-registration is required. The workshop is limited to 20 students.

Spiva Center for the Arts is located at 3rd and Wall in downtown Joplin. The 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 p.m.

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