Dinosaurs have already invaded Spiva Center for the Arts, and now they’re getting ready to make a move on Main Street.

Based on the popular SpivaKids activity in 2004 when 40 children transformed Main Street windows into a river of whimsical fish, Dinosauring Main Street! should result in a visual treat for people traveling between 3rd and 7th.

On Saturday, June 17, children will gather at the art center for a short class in dinosaur drawing. Children’s book illustrator Richard Courtney will demonstrate the technique, and Spiva’s windows will be the first to be decorated.

Then teams of children armed with brightly colored glass markers will head to Main Street to work their magic. “Dinosauring Main Street! is a great opportunity for community involvement in the arts,” according to Spiva Director Jo Mueller. “The downtown merchants are anxious to see what the children will create, and the children are excited to see their work in such a public place.”

To date, nearly 40 children age 11 and above have signed up to participate. They will be accompanied by adults who will get to add their own touches to the windows. Main Street Joplin is helping underwrite the event, which is being held in conjunction with Spiva’s summer exhibit, DinoStories/DinoArt! The exhibit runs through August 26.

Spiva Center for the Arts is located at Third and Wall in downtown Joplin. Spiva galleries and gift shop are open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am–5pm and Sundays, 1–5pm. Admission to the Main Gallery is by voluntary contribution. Suggested donations are $2 for adults, $1 for students. For additional 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

Spiva…where imagination lives!