Suzanne Wilson enjoys Spiva's latest exhibit, “Out of Africa—A Legacy of Inspiration and Change”

Local couple sponsors “Out of Africa” at Spiva Center for the Arts

A life of travel, a collection of African masks and the hope that Joplin kids might see them and be inspired to explore the world led Pedro and Alice Pantoja to sponsor a Joplin art exhibit.


Out of Africa —A Legacy of Inspiration and Change opened Friday, January 28 at George A. Spiva Center for the Arts. The exhibit runs through March 4.

Pantoja traveled extensively throughout Africa from 1975 to 1998 and says he was “fascinated with the continent, their customs and the wild life.”

Several pieces from Pantoja’s collection of masks are included in the exhibit which explores the influence of African art on modern European and American art. In addition to masks, the exhibit features African sculpture and hand-woven textiles as well as African-influenced works by Picasso, Matisse and Miro.

American artists Elizabeth Catlett, Alison Saar, Faith Ringgold and Harlem Renaissance painters Romare Bearden and Jacob Lawrence are also represented.

“This exhibit is an important one for Spiva,” director Jo Mueller said. “It’s the result of a number of organizations and individuals working together to produce something quite special.”

Spiva board member Laura Van Buren curated the exhibit, borrowing work from the permanent collections of MSSU, the Springfield Art Museum and the A. G. Edwards, Inc. Corporate Art Collection, as well as from Pantoja’s personal collection.

“The Pantojas’ enthusiasm for the subject matter and their generous support have made it possible for us to bring this exhibit to Spiva,” Mueller added. “We’ve had corporate and foundation sponsors before, but this is the first family sponsorship we’ve received.”

During the run of the exhibit, Val A. Christensen, Associate Professor of Art at MSSU, will present a gallery talk, The African Influence on Modern Art. The event is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Friday, February 18. The lecture is open to the public. There is no admission fee.

Spiva is also offering Out of Africa: Exploring African Art and Cultures, a five week series of classes for children that begins Saturday, January 29. Taught by Webb City art instructors Anne-Marie Gailey and Sam Lewis, the classes blend the art, music and folktales of Africa with hands-on experience in clay, mixed media, jewelry and textile design.

Students in grades 3 through 8 will create African masks, Masai shields, necklaces and Adinkra cloth. The class fee is $75.00; $60 for Spiva members. Scholarships are available, made possible through a grant from the Ruth I. Kolpin Foundation. Pre-registration is required.

A second exhibit also opens January 28 in Spiva’s second floor Regional Focus Gallery. “YaYa Painters: Watercolors by Karolyn Cleveland, Jana Dahmen, Sue Drennan, and K. D. Lowe” showcases the talent of a group of women who meet weekly to “paint, share and encourage each other.” According to YaYa painter Jana Dahmen, their “artistic leader is Karolyn Cleveland, but she claims we all teach each other.”

“Out of Africa” and “YaYa Painters” previewed Friday, January 28 at a reception for the artists, their guests, sponsors and Spiva members. Blues and folk musician Lem Sheppard will entertain. Debbie Williams, owner of Gateway Creamery, will host the reception.

Spiva Center for the Arts is located at 3rd and Wall in downtown Joplin. Spiva galleries will be closed Monday, January 17 through Thursday, January 27. Spiva offices and gift shop are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Beginning January 29, the galleries and gift shop will be open during regular hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays, 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is by voluntary contribution.

Financial assistance for “Out of Africa” has been provided by Pedro and Alice Pantoja, The Friends of St. Avips and the Missouri Arts Council, a State agency.

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