Alabama artist Casey Downing Jr. polishes one of his sculptures in preparation for Spiva's opening Friday, May 27

Mobile, Alabama sculptor Casey Downing, Jr. is headed west, pulling a trailer full of sculpture and drawings to Joplin for the next exhibit at George A. Spiva Center for the Arts.

Downing's work ranges from enormous public sculptures to small historical busts and can be found in private collections in Seattle, Boston, and Washington, DC and as far away as Maracaibo, Venezuela.

Locally, Leggett and Platt, Inc. is sponsoring Downing?s exhibit, Subjects & Objects.

Dr. Lance Beshore, vice president of government relations at Leggett and Platt commented, We're happy to help Spiva bring Mr. Downing’s work to Joplin. Supporting the arts is one way we give back to the community. Spiva is doing a good job of bringing a variety of work to the area, and we’re excited to be involved.

The exhibit, Subjects & Objects, will feature 27 sculptures‹a mix of contemporary geometric forms, busts, and figurative works in bronze and stainless steel. His drawings include works on paper as well as stainless steel electric drawings.

Downing, who is well-known for his many outdoor sculptures in Mobile and the Southeast, also will offer a slide show and seminar, Making a Living Making Your Art, from 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, May 26. The seminar is open to the public. Reservations and a $5 contribution at the door are requested.

The exhibit opens Friday, May 27 with a reception hosted by Old Town Meat and Deli and Club 1201. Guitarists from J. Timothy Studios in Mt. Vernon will entertain.

Spiva will open two other exhibits the same evening. Linda Teeter: Photoscapes will be featured in the Regional Focus Gallery, and the eighth annual 12 x 12 Auction sponsored by The Joplin Globe, will be displayed in the lobby.

Teeter, an insurance agent from Carterville whose artistic passion is photography, will show new works that feature architectural elements from Italy and New Orleans. She is including a preview of her Americana series as a salute to Memorial Day.

The 12 x 12 Auction is a silent auction of original art created and donated by Spiva members to support the center. Each piece measures just 12 x by 12. Last year’s auction included 65 entries, the largest number in the event?s history. People who wish to participate may bid in person at the center or online at www.spivaarts.org after May 27.

Subjects & Objects and Linda Teeter: Photoscapes will be on display through July 1.

The 12 x 12’s will be on view throughout the summer. Final bidding takes place live at the center September 8.

Spiva Center for the Arts is located at 3rd and Wall in downtown Joplin. Gallery and gift shop hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays, 1 to 5 p.m.

The center, which is funded through memberships, contributions and grants, is open to the public. Admission is by voluntary contribution.

Additional assistance for Spiva programming is provided by Friends of St. Avips and the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.

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