The George A. Spiva Center for the Arts will open four new exhibitions on October 24 at its location inside the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, 212 W. Seventh St. in Joplin. The fall lineup features a broad spectrum of artistic expression, highlighting regional artists, painters beginning their careers, and the nationally recognized work of Carthage-based artist Andy Thomas.
Opening receptions for all four exhibitions are scheduled for Friday, Oct. 23, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The reception is free for Spiva members and for artists with work on display. The exhibitions will run through December, with specific closing dates varying by show.
One of the highlights of the new season is "Andy Thomas: The Artful Journey," presented by Sharon and Lance Beshore and Leggett & Platt. The opening reception is sponsored by Dot Willcoxon. This exhibition, running from Oct. 24 through Dec. 31, features paintings by Thomas, an artist known for his narrative approach to Western art, American history, wildlife, and scenes from everyday life. Thomas, often called "The Storyteller," has built a nationally recognized career over more than three decades, emphasizing movement, emotion, and historical detail in his works. His collection includes depictions of the American West and the Civil War, alongside wildlife encounters and family gatherings. Thomas was inducted into the C.M. Russell Museum's Skull Society of Artists in 2013, and his art is represented in significant collections including the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, the Gilcrease Museum, and the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art. Regionally, his paintings can be seen at the Civil War Museum in Carthage and the History Museum on the Square in Springfield. Paige Mock, Spiva’s marketing and impact strategist, noted the exhibition spans different periods of Thomas' career and includes various mediums such as pen and ink, watercolor, and oil painting, allowing visitors to see "both epic battle scenes and historical pieces."
An artist talk with Andy Thomas is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 8, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. This program, part of Spiva's Second Sundays at Spiva initiative, offers visitors an opportunity to hear from the artist directly about his career and the inspiration behind his exhibition. During Second Sundays, the galleries are open from 1 to 4 p.m. A suggested donation of $10 will support the center's programming.
The 79th Joy Spiva Cragin Membership Show, presented by Liberty, will run from Oct. 24 through Dec. 18. This annual showcase, one of the center's original exhibitions, celebrates the work of more than 100 area artists. The show features a wide array of mediums including ceramics, watercolor, wood, oil painting, metal, photography, and mixed media. Awards will be presented for both two-dimensional and three-dimensional works in adult and youth categories. Mock commented that the membership show is a favorite due to the diverse submissions each year, stating, "We just love to see all this unexpected work." The exhibition intentionally avoids a set theme or medium, allowing members to present pieces that reflect their individual artistic interests and approaches.
The Joplin Regional Artists Coalition (JRAC) will present "JRAC: Liminal Spaces & Thresholds," sponsored by Southwest Missouri Bank. This exhibition, running from Oct. 24 through Dec. 18, delves into the concept of thresholds, interpreting them as both physical spaces and psychological transitions. The artworks explore passageways, borders, waiting rooms, and the uncertain moments that occur between different stages of life. The exhibition aims to encourage visitors to reflect on the connecting spaces and transitions that shape personal experience. Mock indicated that the coalition consistently returns each year with a new collective theme that unifies its members' individual contributions.
Rounding out the fall offerings is "Fresh Perspectives," a group exhibition showcasing nine painters who have graduated from Missouri Southern State University's Department of Art & Design within the past three years. This exhibition, which runs from Oct. 24 through Dec. 19, highlights the distinct approaches, materials, and ideas of these emerging local artists as they embark on their professional careers. Participating artists include Leigh Bass, Skye Bredeson, Allyson Day, Makenna Helms, Joi Houston, Ian Lawson, Aspen Read, Makenzie Sjöqvist-Siler, and Skyler Spence. Mock noted that "Fresh Perspectives" provides a chance to observe a new generation of artists as they develop their individual styles and experiment with different mediums.
The Spiva Center for the Arts operates Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
