Some of the most famous images of North American birds are coming to Spiva this week. John James Audubon spent most of his life exploring a still largely unmapped United States producing naturalistic, life-sized depictions of every bird in North America.

Birds of a Feather, an exhibit of original Audubon lithographs from the collection of MSSU professors Cliff Toliver and Holly McSpadden, opens in Spiva’s Regional Gallery on Saturday, March 8. The exhibit is sponsored by Janet Garvin and Rick Spicer, with additional assistance from the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.

Special Event

The public is invited to attend “Art in the Afternoon with Audubon,” Sunday, March 9 at 2 p.m. Toliver will discuss the art and life of John James Audubon during a slide presentation in Spiva’s Main Gallery.

Toliver will talk about some of the 500 bird images that Audubon produced and investigate why these images still have such an impact. Chris Pistole will share the spotlight, appearing in character and 19th century costume” as the artist himself, recounting Audubon’s adventures on his search for birds to paint.

“We in Joplin are fortunate to live where we can still observe and interact with many varieties of wild living creatures. Audubon's legacy, demanding respect for the other-than-human natural world, continues to inspire conservationists and naturalists, as well as lovers of representative arts,” Toliver said.

Listeners will gather in the Main Gallery surrounded by birdhouses created for Spiva’s recent area artists‚ challenge and the bird-inspired artwork featured in High Flying Fabrications, the Center’s current Main Gallery exhibit.

“Audubon in the Afternoon with Audubon” is open to the public. Admission is by voluntary contribution. Spiva asks that attendees make reservations to ensure adequate seating is available. Reservations may be made by phone (417.623.0183) or e-mail spiva@spivaarts.org

Spiva is located at the corner of Third and Wall in downtown Joplin. Galleries and Gift Shop are open to the public Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. The Center is closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission to the Galleries is by voluntary contribution with a suggested contribution of $2 per adult and $1 for students and school aged children.

Spiva Center for the Arts is located at 3rd and Wall in downtown Joplin. The center, which is funded through memberships, contributions and grants, is open to the public. There is no set fee for admission; contributions are encouraged.

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