PhotoSpiva 2006, the annual national photography competition sponsored by Spiva Center for the Arts, enjoyed a crowded opening reception Friday evening, April 21.

More than 250 photographers, guests, and Spiva members eagerly perused the 96 photo-based images that comprise the exhibition. Refreshments were provided by Mythos Euro Greek Kuzina of Joplin, and served by staff members of The Joplin Globe. Pianist Clint Newby provided the entertainment.

The highlight of the evening was the revelation of this year's PhotoSpiva winners who shared $2,000 in prizes. Internationally-acclaimed photographer Keith Carter judged the 2006 competition and selected the prize winners from the work of 71 photographers included in the exhibtion.

Making the presentations, Spiva Executive Director Jo Mueller announced that Julie Blackmon of Springfield, Missouri. was the First Place winner for her body of work, three color archival inkjet prints entitled "PC," "Play Group," and "Powerade." Donna Pinckley of Little Rock, Arkansas, took Second Place for "Olivia with Insect Bites;" and Tom Santelli of Delmar, New York was the Third Place winner for his body of work, Untitled (eye box) and Untitled (hand box).

Three photographers were recognized with Honorable Mention awards: Ken Engquist of Wichita, Kansas, for "Florida Landscape #7" and "Florida Landscape #16;" Gloria Baker Feinstein of Kansas City, Missouri, for "Lone Figure;" and Paul Justice of Williamson, West Virginia, for "Pict 4188." Carter also gave Merit Awards to Colin Blakely of Ann Arbor, Michigan, for "The Princess and the Cowboy;" Bailey Kyle Goodall of Joplin, for "Fallen Hero;" and Christopher Schneberger of Chicago for "Measuring Frances." Holly R. Kranker of Frontenac, Kansas, received the Special Juror's Award for "Roma."

View winning entries

Spiva officials established PhotoSpiva as a national competition in 1977. “PhotoSpiva is enjoying its 30th anniversary this year," noted Jo Mueller. "It has become a prestigious event for both amateurs and professionals.”

Coinciding with the 30th anniversary of PhotoSpiva, the Regional Focus Gallery presents Remembering Jim Mueller, an exhibit of 55 photographs by the noted local photographer and PhotoSpiva co-founder.

Funding support for PhotoSpiva 2006 and Remembering Jim Mueller is provided by Leggett and Platt, Incorporated, with additional financial assistance from the Freeman R. Johnson Trust, Friends of St. Avips, and the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency. The exhibits continue through May 26.

Spiva Center for the Arts is located at Third and Wall in downtown Joplin. Spiva galleries and Gallery Gift Shop are open Tuesday through Saturday 10am–5pm and Sundays 1–5 pm. The Center is funded through memberships, contributions, and grants. Admission to the Main Gallery is by voluntary contribution.

For additional information, please call 417.623.0183.
Spiva Center for the Arts is located at 3rd and Wall in downtown Joplin. Spiva galleries and gift shop are open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays, 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is by voluntary contribution.

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