Jo Mueller, Spiva Executive Director

George A. Spiva Center for the Arts, 222 W. 3rd Street , Joplin, Mo.

Annual Membership Show

An ornament made by Sharon Beshore is one of the ornaments to be for sale in the annual ornament auction to benefit Spiva Kids.

Holiday open house tour

“You work where? I didn’t know Joplin had an art center. Where is it, at the college?"

Welcome to the world of George A. Spiva Center for the Arts, a leading, but seemingly little-known center for the arts in Southwest Missouri. In 2003, I became the seventh director in the center’s 58-year history.

My life first intersected with Spiva at about age 9, when my mom registered me for painting class on the third floor of the old Zelleken House at Fourth Street and Sergeant Avenue.

The Ozark Artists Guild had purchased the red brick building in 1958 with the aid of George A. Spiva, businessman, philanthropist and lover of the arts. Spiva and members of the guild were united in their vision — the center was founded on the belief that opportunities in the arts should be available to all area citizens.

That same vision carried the center through two moves to larger, more convenient locations.

From 1967 to 1994, the center occupied the art building at Missouri Southern.

For the last 11 years, Spiva Center for the Arts has been located in the Cosgrove Building at the corner of Third Street and Wall Avenue in downtown Joplin.

”I heard you have to be a member to see the exhibits and take classes at Spiva.”

Anyone can visit; anyone can take classes. Everyone is welcome. You don’t have to be a member or an artist to enjoy the center.

When you visit Spiva you’ll find two galleries, classrooms, an art library/meeting room and a gift shop — all of it open to the public. In fact, Spiva has never charged a set admission fee. Contributions are on a voluntary basis, even when the exhibit is as rare as Picasso or as popular as one-of-a-kind vintage motorcycles.

Although the founders were primarily artists, there were plenty of others who joined simply because they understood how important it was for Joplin to have an art center. Our members include people from all walks of life — teachers, moms, dads, kids, psychologists, handymen, businesswomen, writers, librarians, lawyers, plumbers, electricians, college students, a host of dedicated volunteers, and of course, artists.

What’s next at Spiva?

58th Membership Show

Friday, Dec. 2, marks the opening of the center’s 58th Membership Show. Sponsored by Debra and David Humphreys, the 2005 exhibit will feature the work of more than 90 area artists. Both children and adults will vie for prizes provided by Dr. and Mrs. John Windle.

The membership show is as much anticipated for its variety as for the chance to acquire original art by established or up and coming local artists. Every type of medium will be represented, from drawings to weaving, paintings to pottery, artwork created from found objects and everything in between.

Dec. 2 also marks the opening of the Regional Focus Gallery exhibit “Masters in Progress,” current works by MFA students from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. The two exhibits will run through January 13.

2005 Ornament Auction

Opening night is the final night for bidding in the Started in 1997, area artists create and contribute distinctive hand-made holiday ornaments for this generous holiday tradition. All proceeds from the auction benefit the SpivaKids FunFund, a scholarship fund for area children who want to take classes at the center.

Holiday Open House

Spiva is one of six historic buildings on the second holiday open house tour of distinctive public buildings. Check out the architecture; enjoy refreshments and a warm welcome from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. The tour, for anyone who’s curious or wants to explore a bit of Joplin’s history, also includes Joplin City Hall (noon to 3 p.m. only), Scottish Rite Cathedral, John Wise Home, Joplin Museum Complex and Joplin Little Theatre.

Spiva Center for the Arts is located at Third and Wall in downtown Joplin. The Gift Shop and galleries are open to the public Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday 1–5 p.m. Admission is by voluntary contribution.


Learn more about Spiva —
www.spivaarts.org

George A. Spiva Center for the Arts
222 W. 3rd Street
Joplin, Mo 64801
Tel: 417-623-0183
Fax: 417-623-3805