Silent bidding began May 27 in the 2005 12 x 12 Auction, an auction of work by artists to benefit Spiva Center for the Arts.

The work of 63 artists will be displayed in the lobby at the Center. Anyone can bid on one or more works during gallery hours, and bids also may be placed online at www.spivaarts.org . The auction closes September 8, director Jo Mueller said.

The Joplin Globe is the official sponsor of the 12 x 12 Auction. “Last year the Globe’s sponsorship made it possible for us to take the auction online. They’ve been very active partners in helping us develop our internet presence. And it’s exciting for the artists because people from around the country are bidding on their work,” Mueller commented.

Each artist begins with a piece of plain hardboard, 12 inches by 12 inches, and uses any media to create a work of art. The square foot of support is the only requirement.

"Paint, color pencils, mixed media, collage, photography, pastels, clay, papier maché—all kinds of materials appear in this small format," said Mueller. "You never know what to expect, and there are always great surprises.”

The 12 x 12 Auction gives artists a summer showcase and bidders the opportunity to acquire an original work of art in fun way. When the bidding closes, the ownership of each piece will transfer to the high bidder. All proceeds of the auction support Spiva’s programming.

Artists who donated their work to the 2005 auction include David Alsenz, Dorothy Alsenz, Attuso, Kevin Bowman, Jim Bray, Tricia Courtney, Tom DeCleene, Linda Dishman, Tucker Fenix, Bill Fowks, Ruth Ann Gentile, Justin Hale, Joy Hensley, Susan Howard, Jessica Johnson, Brad Kleindl, Jane Kleindl, Ann Leach, Paige Lewis, Mary Meacham, Hiram Mesa, James E. Miller, Wendy Milliman, Audrey Mitchell, Margie Moss, Mark Norris, Bill Perry, Debbie Reed, Donna Roberts, Helen Ryan, Russell B. Ryan, Richard Sachan, Mary Ann Soerries, Megan Whited, Randy Wright (Joplin); Carol Adamec, Tyler Boatright, Mark Cole, Jana Dahmen, M. F. Dahmen and Linda S. Teeter (Carl Junction); Jesse McCormick (Carterville); Daria Jackson, Nick Kyle, Paige Lewis and Andy Thomas (Carthage); Dan McWilliams (Jasper); Carol E. Shipman (Monett); Terri Balden (Mt. Vernon); Maryellen Pitts (Neosho); Verneil Roper (Sarcoxie); Leloni Boatright, Andrea Brown, Rebecca Perry and Rylee Stovern (Webb City). Out of state artists include Suzi Higgs Harrison (Anthem, AZ); Theresa Rankin and Stan Weaver (Galena, KS); Terry Nowell, Rhona Shand and Andy Super (Pittsburg, KS); Janet Davis and John VanBeekum (Miami Shores, FL).

As the bidding began, two other exhibits opened. "Subjects and Objects," sculpture and drawings by Alabama artist Casey Downing, Jr., in the Main Gallery. Linda Teeter: Photoscapes is featured in the Regional Focus Gallery. Both exhibits run through July 1.

All three exhibits previewed at a reception for the artists, Spiva members and guests at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 27. Leggett & Platt, Inc. is underwriting “Subjects & Objects.” Hosts for the opening reception were Old Town Meat and Deli and Club 1201. Guitarist Tim Snider entertained.

Spiva programs are presented with assistance from the Friends of St. Avips and the Missouri Arts Council, a State agency.

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. Admission is by voluntary contribution.

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

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