Teapot by Marv Dahmen

George A. Spiva Center for the Arts has issued a last call for entries for Challenge III: The Teapot Form, the Center’s third annual area artists’ challenge.

The challenges began in 2003 as a way to raise money for both the center and participating artists. Entries are exhibited in Spiva’s main gallery, and are sold to the highest bidder in a silent auction. Proceeds are split 50/50 between the artists and the center.

According to Carl Junction artist M. F. Dahmen, participating in the challenges is a way for him to help support the center and have his work seen at the same time. Dahmen submitted his entry, an 80-lb. welded steel teapot, earlier this week.

“I don’t have a lot of money to give to Spiva, but this is something I can do — I can create something, support the center, have my work shown and have a lot of fun while I’m at it.”

Entries are ranging from huge (Dahmen’s 80-pounder and a collaborative 50-lb. clay teapot taking shape at Carthage High School) to petite (a teapot constructed of tiny bird houses, marbles and palm fronds).

Mueller also expects to see some beautiful, traditional teapots made by area clay artists as well as accomplished two-dimensional representations. “Functional or not, though, anything goes!” she added.

Participating artists are invited to display one or two pieces of their ‘usual’ work in addition to their teapot-themed entries. “This gives area artists an opportunity to exhibit their work in the Main Gallery, which is normally restricted to nationally-known artists,” Mueller said.

Completed entries for Challenge III: The Teapot Form must be submitted by 5 p.m. Friday, March 4. The challenge is open to artists of any age.

The exhibit opens Friday, March 11 with a reception for the artists, their families and Spiva members. The silent auction will conclude Friday, April 8 at 5:00 p.m.

Spiva will open a second exhibit in the Regional Focus Gallery the same evening. Highlights from the Permanent Collection will feature a variety of works that have been donated to Spiva throughout its 57-year history.

The exhibit is being curated by Nick Kyle, Chair of the Art Department at Missouri Southern State University. Visitors can expect to see works by Robert Higgs, Nat Cole and other area artists.

The opening reception for both exhibits will be hosted by the Century Club. Rebecca Luebber and Robert Ensor will entertain.

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

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