For anyone who has wondered how to deal with a collection of art that will inevitably become part of an estate, a free, informal workshop at Spiva Center for the Arts in Joplin may help.

A panel of three professionals—an art appraiser, a financial advisor and a trust attorney—will offer “Art, Trusts, and Estates: Planned Giving for Artists & Collectors” in the Main Gallery at Spiva Thursday evening, November 16, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Michael S. Bell, curator and art appraiser for Visual Art Access, wants attendees to come prepared with questions about how to plan for the future of their artistic and other assets. “If you’re an artist, how will your heirs know how to value your work or what to do with it? If you’re a collector, does it make sense to sell some of the collection, or leave it to family, or to an institution or organization?”

Lori Smith, a financial consultant with A. G. Edwards & Sons, Inc., is concerned that many people don't realize that "default" plans established by the state "kick in when individuals don't make retirement and estate plans of their own. Most people don’t find these plans satisfactory." Smith encourages people to attend the event to learn about options, ask questions, enjoy the gallery and "have some fun in the process."

Spiva Board Member Sharrock Dermott, an attorney with Blanchard, Robertson, Mitchell & Carter, P.C., will offer an introduction to trusts. Like Smith, who says she meets people “every day that wish they hadn’t waited so long” to start planning, Dermott feels it’s especially important for artists to look to the future, investigate the alternatives, and “begin the process.”

The introduction to art-related estates, trusts and planned giving is free to the public, and reservations are requested. For additional information and to reserve a seat, contact Spiva at 417-623-0183 or e-mail spiva@spivaarts.org

Spiva Center for the Arts is located at Third and Wall in downtown Joplin. Spiva galleries and gift shop are open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sundays, 1–5 p.m. 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


Contact information

Michael S. Bell: 417-621-8577

Lori Smith: 417-624-0600

Sharrock Dermott: 417-623-1515