George A. Spiva
was a local businessman, a philanthropist, and a lover of the arts.He believed opportunities in the arts should be available to all.
His enthusiastic dedication and support were instrumental in providing the Center’s first two homes. Mr. Spiva assisted in procuring the Zellekin House for the first art center and provided funds for the new art building at Missouri Southern State College, the
location of Spiva Art Center's second home.

While his initial support has not continued financially, his beliefs in providing art opportu-nities for the citizens of the community helped to establish the art center. To recognize his financial support during the art center's early years, the current facility has been named in his honor.