"The Death of Black Kettle," acrylic by Gary Adamson

George A. Spiva Center of the Arts is pleased to announce the opening of the 60th Annual Membership Show, presented by Empire District Electric Company. The exhibit opens to the public Saturday, December 1 and runs through Sunday, January 6, 2008.

Spiva members will be vying for $3,000 in cash prizes in the adult and children’s divisions. According to director Jo Mueller, more than 100 artists are expected to participate.

“The Membership Show is Spiva’s most anticipated exhibit of the year. The variety of work, and the enormous amount of talent represented, is exciting and inspiring.” Mike Palmer, Vice President of Empire District’s Commercial Operations concurs, stating that “the wealth of creativity in the Joplin area” led Empire to become involved.

Dr. and Mrs. John Windle, longtime supporters of emerging artists, created the fund for awards. In the adult competition, awards will be presented in separate categories for two-dimensional pieces (paintings, prints, photography, etc.) and three-dimensional works (sculpture, jewelry, furniture, pottery, etc.).

Carthage painter Andy Thomas will judge the 2D Adult Competitive Category. Known mostly for his depictions of the American West and the Civil War, Thomas has won numerous awards. His oil paintings are in private and corporate collections throughout the U.S. Several national parks feature oils depicting Civil War battles, such as Pea Ridge and Prairie Grove, Arkansas, and Wilson’s Creek, Missouri.

Carthage sculptor Bill Snow will judge the 3D Adult Competitive Category. His work ranges from small pieces to monumental bronze and limestone sculptures. Locally, one of Snow’s pieces may be seen at St. John’s Hospital. Known as a skilled craftsman and insightful artist and educator, Snow has gained a wide reputation for his unique interpretation of the world around him.

Awards for work by children under the age of 16 will also be presented. Joplin fiber artist Margaret Roach Wheeler will determine the children’s awards. Wheeler is an internationally known artist whose work is featured in numerous publications and collections. Every participant in the children’s division will be recognized for their effort.

According to Mueller, artists sell numerous pieces during the Membership Show. “Even though items purchased from the exhibit will not be available until the show closes on January 6, holiday shoppers will find delightful, original art and extraordinary gifts in the exhibit. A picture of the piece can always be taken so the lucky recipient can see their new gift of art,” she stated.

Spiva is open to the public Tuesday – Saturday, 10am-5pm, and Sunday, 1–5 p.m. The Center is closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission to the galleries is by voluntary contribution. Suggested donation is $2 per adult and $1 for school aged children.

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


See you at Spiva–where imagination lives!