Katie Skaggs, Carl Junction, works on a print during “Monotype Magic!” a printmaking class held recently at Spiva Center for the Arts. Students worked directly on a plate that, when printed, produced cool textures and amazing image surprises!

Now that school is out and the Memorial Day weekend is over, summer is officially here. Before your kids can say “There’s nothing to do!” get hold of a Spiva Center for the Arts summer class schedule and sign them up for fun art classes.

In all, Spiva is offering 36 individual classes on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays during June and July, serving age groups ranging from youngsters 5 and up, through teenagers and adults. Morning classes are held 10am-noon; afternoon classes from 1-3pm. The cost is $15 per session with most materials included.

Spiva’s offerings include printmaking, watercolor, pottery, mask making, and sculpture, with creative projects that can be completed in one or two sessions. Other classes provide a summer-long concentration for students wanting more depth in a certain area.

“We get many requests for drawing lessons,” commented Director Jo Mueller, “so this year’s summer program includes a five-week Sketchbook Drawing class where students gain a more complete experience of visual concepts in each session.” The Thursday afternoon sequence includes line and contour, light and shadow, perspective, shapes and space, and drawing people.

On Thursday mornings, kids can travel around the world experiencing the arts and crafts of other cultures. While “visiting” Mexico, kids will make a round kite that spins and flies. “On tour” in Africa, kids will make a mancala game and learn to play it, too. Then there’s a “trip” to China to make dragon puppets, a “stop” in Australia to make tropical fish inspired by the Great Barrier Reef, and a “swing by” Japan to construct a miniature rice paper screen.

With the Tools for Art exhibit opening at the end of June, July classes will utilize the Main Gallery show to inspire students with classes such as Hard Hat Painting; Nuts, Bolts, & Beads jewelry making; and Washers, Wire, and Widget Mobile fabrication among the many choices.

Weekends are creative adventure time, too, with offerings in ceramics and clay sculpture. Just in time for Father’s Day, kids of all ages can paint a mug and make a card on Saturday morning, June 9, 10am-noon during Dad’s Day Creations.

For a complete schedule of classes, contact Spiva Center for the Arts, 417.623.1083, or visit www.spivaarts.org. Enrollment requires advance registration and prepayment. Spiva is located at 222 West 3rd Street at Wall in Joplin. Payment can be made by mail, and in person and by phone Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, 1–5 p.m. (closed July 4). Cash, check, MasterCard and Visa are accepted.

George A. Spiva Center for the Arts
222 W. 3rd Street
Joplin, Mo 64801
Tel: 417-623-0183
Fax: 417-623-3805