Joplin, Missouri – April 7, 2006. Most folks visiting Spiva Center for the Arts come to see the art shows, browse the gift shop, or take a class. On Saturday, April 14, dog lovers can come by Spiva and take home a new four-legged friend, too!

In coordination with the Joplin Humane Society and Petfinder.com, Spiva is hosting Adopt a Dog Day, Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm. The event will be held in Spiva’s southside parking lot, accessible off Wall Ave. In case of inclement weather, the event will be indoors in the Spiva lobby.

All pets at Adopt a Dog Day have had their first vaccinations and de-worming. A fee of $50 is payable to the Joplin Humane Society at the time of adoption. Area veterinarians have agreed to provide free physical exams within two working days of adoption to ensure animals are healthy. Animals available for adoption at the Joplin Humane Society can be viewed online at www.petfinder.com.

Adopt a Dog Day is being held in conjunction with Spiva’s current exhibit, Good Dog/Bon Chien, a photographic installation by Michael Peven that features Bandit the Dog, the artist’s family pet. Bandit, an Australian shepherd and malamute mix, was a wandering stray adopted by Peven and his family twelve years ago. Since then, Bandit has been part of a loving home and served as Peven’s model for several photographic projects.

Along with mural-sized photos of Bandit displayed in the Main Gallery, Spiva’s Regional Gallery presents Best in Show, an exhibit of soft sculpture critters by Golden City artists Joe and Monty Sours, and pastel portraits of cats and dogs by Becky Golubski of Pierce City.

Good Dog/Bon Chien continues through Friday, April 20 and Best in Show closes Sunday, April 15. Exhibit sponsors are Pedro and Alice Pantoja and Petfinders.com. Additional support has been provided by the Friends of St. Avips, the Joplin Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.

Spiva Center for the Arts is funded through memberships, contributions, and grants. Admission to the Main Gallery is by voluntary contribution. Spiva galleries and gift shop are open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sunday, 1–5 p.m. The Center is closed Mondays and major holidays.

Spiva Center for the Arts is located at Third and Wall in downtown Joplin. Free parking on southside of building off Wall. 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