Artists, supporters, sponsors, and guests packed the house at Spiva Center for the Arts in Joplin on Friday night, December 8. The evening was abuzz with activity, with Spiva artists anxiously awaiting the announcement of prize winners for the 59th Annual Membership Show, bidders vying to pencil in the highest amount on the 12x12 Auction that would end that evening, and everyone enjoying the food provided by Columbia Traders and the guitar music of Tim Snider.

During the Awards Ceremony that evening, Spiva Director Jo Mueller announced that 103 artists had submitted 180 pieces of art to be exhibited. Sponsored by Joplin businesses Upstairs Boutique and Newton’s Jewelry, the 59th Annual “…is the largest Membership Show in Spiva’s history, showcasing the work of artists from Joplin, Carthage, and the four-state region.”

Michael S. Bell, owner of Visual Arts Access, was juror of the Adult Category, and Alice Knepper, adjunct instructor of MSSU and Crowder College–Webb City, judged the Children’s and Youth categories. Together, they were responsible for selecting the awards provided by Spiva, along with $3,000 in cash prizes generously donated by Dr. and Mrs. John C. Windle of Joplin.

In the Adult Competitive category for two-dimensional artwork, Mr. Bell selected a mixed media triptych of layered glass, The Make of Beauty, by Patrick McPheron (Joplin) as the First Place winner. Bill Perry captured Second Place with his large format photograph, The Feeling of Pain. Jeff Legg received Third Place for his oil on panel painting, Red Flyer; and Dustin Miller’s color pencil piece, Missouri Cardinal earned a Merit Award. Bell also recognized 18 artists with Honorable Mentions in this category: Carol Adamec, Karolee Blanchard, Allen Bishop, Diana Bray, Jim Bray, Thomas DeCleene, David Dodson, John Fitzgibbon, Becky Golubski, Gerald A. Johnson, Kim Kissel, Dan McWilliams, Mark Norris, Theresa Rankin, Debbie Reed, Mary Ann Soerries, Linda S. Teeter, and Jeff Youngblood.

In the Adult Competitive category for three-dimensional work, Bell awarded First Place to Gregory Krepps (Pittsburg, Kans.) for his clay piece, White Pinch Pot on Gray Pedestal. An exotic mixed media floor lamp sculpture by Larry Glaze took Second Place, while Third Place went to Margaret Roach Wheeler for her textile piece, Winter Coat. Marv Dahmen’s wall sculpture, Meltdown, received a Merit Award. Mr. Bell was also generous in giving Honorable Mention recognition to several artists working in the three dimensional arts: Daria Claiborne, Jon Fowler, M. Justin Hale, Wendy Milliman, Rebecca Perry, Frank Pishkur, Jessica Allison Sellers, Jack Sours, MarkS. Woodin, and Randy Wright.

Mr. Bell also honored three artists with the Juror’s Recognition Award: Sandra Parrill, for her beadwork, Mother’s Milk; Russell B. Ryan, for Letters, a box made of exotic woods; and clay artist Brent Skinner for Slim-Jim is Lard, a reduction fired piece.

The Barrie Hunt Memorial Award for Outstanding Work by an Emerging Artist in Watermedia went to Brenda Sageng for her watercolor painting, Winged Leaves.

Budding artists under the age of 16 competed for gift certificates and tuition vouchers, with winners determined by juror Alice Knepper.

In the “Youth Competitive” category for ages 12-16, the First Place Award went to Rylee Stovern, age 12, for her photograph Portals. Alex Moreland, age 15, earned Second Place with the acrylic painting, The Envy of a Wingless Soul. Margaret Grills, age 12, submitted a charming stoneware Snowman, which won Third Place; and a pencil drawing of horses entitled Running Wild by Carlee Ballard, age 14, received the Merit Award. John McDermid, age 15, was recognized with an Honorable Mention for his pencil portrait, John Lennon.

Several youngsters ages 11 and under received Donna Gilbreth Memorial Children’s Awards. First Place was won by Zac Moreland, age 10, for an acrylic painting Under the Eyes of the Sun. Broderick Coursey, age 8, took Second Place with Family, a color pencil drawing. The American Eagle, an acrylic painting by eight year old Matt Roberts, earned Third Place; and Bratz Kid, Yazmin, a pencil drawing by Melissa Vrooman, age 11 received a Merit Award.

The evening also offered members and guests a preview of Masters of Illusion, an exhibition by Lee Graham and Everett Underwood. Presented in Spiva’s Regional Focus Gallery, the exhibit is a fascinating presentation of architectural models and interior design details rendered in miniature.

Both the 59th Annual Membership Show and Masters of Illusion continue through January 12, 2007.

Additionally, Friday evening’s event marked the final bidding and conclusion of the 12 x 12 x 2006 Auction of 68 originals donated by Spiva artists which earned $4,775 to support exhibits and programs at the Center.

Spiva Center for the Arts is located at Third and Wall in downtown Joplin. Spiva galleries and this year’s Great Holiday Gift Bazaar are open Tuesday through Saturday 10am–5pm and Sundays 1–5 pm, with the following holiday hours observed: Closed Sunday and Monday, December 24 and 25, December 31, and January 1, 2007.

Spiva Center for the Arts is funded through memberships, contributions, and grants. Admission to the Main Gallery is by voluntary contribution.

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