George A. Spiva Center for the Arts in Joplin, Mo. is pleased to announce the opening of two exhibits: Spiva’s “57th Annual Membership Show,” presented by Commerce Bank, and “Cotillion: A Début of PSU Student Works.” The exhibits opened to the public Saturday, December 4, and run through Friday, January 14, 2005.

Commerce Bank officials chose the Membership Show from a number of offerings in Spiva’s new corporate sponsorship program. President and CEO Fred Osborn commented, “We’re excited. We believe in supporting the arts and this is a perfect opportunity for us. The Membership Show is an important community event because it features the work of so many local and regional artists. We’re happy to help Spiva present their work.”

Spiva members entered their work in a competitive class, vying for $2200 in cash prizes. Awards were provided by Dr. and Mrs. John Windle, and were presented in separate categories for two-dimensional works (paintings, drawings, prints, photographs) and three-dimensional pieces (sculpture, ceramics, jewelry).

Four memorial awards were also presented: the Barrie Hunt Award for an outstanding work in water media, and three Donna Gilbreth Awards for work by children under the age of 16. Artist Philomene Bennett, who previously has judged entries for the Plaza Art Fair in Kansas City, will act as juror.

Award Winners

Spiva’s second floor Regional Focus Gallery will house Cotillion. “Several PSU faculty members have exhibited at Spiva, but Cotillion is the first exhibition of Pittsburg State University student work in the Joplin area,” Jo Mueller, Spiva director explained.

A range of styles and mediums including painting, printmaking, jewelry, ceramics, photography and commercial art will be represented.

The Membership Show and Cotillion previewed Friday, December 3 at a reception for the artists, their guests, sponsors and Spiva members. Guitarist Joe Leiter will entertain.

Spiva Center for the Arts is located at 3rd and Wall in downtown Joplin. Spiva 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. The center, which is funded through memberships, contributions and grants, is open to the public. There is no charge for admission. Donations are welcome.

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