"Guardian," Courtesy/Robert and Shana ParkeHarrison

Internationally acclaimed photographers Robert and Shana ParkeHarrison will present a public lecture, “Art from Collaboration,” at 2 p.m., Sunday, February 27 at Cornell Auditorium, located in Matthews Hall on the campus of Missouri Southern State University (MSSU).

The ParkeHarrisons will be in Joplin to judge entries for PhotoSpiva 2005, the national photography competition sponsored annually by Spiva Center for the Arts. PhotoSpiva 2005 will be on exhibit at the center April 15 through May 20.

"The ParkeHarrisons’ work is fascinating, and both of them are dynamic presenters," Spiva director Jo Mueller said. “It’s not unusual for them to speak to standing-room-only crowds. We’ve scheduled the lecture at MSSU to be able to accommodate everyone who wants to attend.”

Their works are included in numerous collections including the Whitney Museum of American Art (NYC), San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, The Art Institute of Chicago and the International Museum of Photography at George Eastman House. WGBH television in Boston produced a documentary about the couple, which aired in 2004 as part of the PBS series, Art Close Up.

The ParkeHarrisons use elaborate props, multiple negatives, and antiquated photographic processes to fabricate narrative photographs in which Robert portrays a universal ‘everyman,’ often at odds with technology, his surroundings, or even himself.

The ParkeHarrisons will discuss the evolution of their images, inspirations for the work, and the collaborative process that is fundamental to the creation of their art. Admission to the event is by voluntary contribution. Reservations are requested.

For information or to make reservations, please contact Spiva, 417-623-0183.

Financial assistance for the Jurors’ Lecture and PhotoSpiva 2005 has been provided by the Freeman Johnson Trust and the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.

www.parkeharrison.com

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 p.m.

PhotoSpiva

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