Spiva Center for the Arts announces newest exhibits

Nov. 8—Spiva Center for the Arts has two new exhibits on display through part of December.

The Joy Spiva Cragin 76th annual membership show, presented by Liberty, will run until Dec. 16. In this exhibition, Spiva members were asked to enter works in any artistic medium.

The show was juried by Christine Bentley, associate professor of art history and gallery director at Missouri Southern State University, and Ed Outhouse, associate professor of design at MSSU.

Award categories were distinguished between 2D and 3D works. Monetary awards to winners were provided by the Dr. and Mrs. John C. Windle Fund.

Artists 17 and younger were encouraged to enter work in any medium in the youth category. All youth artists will receive recognition and be presented with awards provided by the Donna Gilbreth Memorial Fund, also under the Windle Fund.

"Liberty has a history of supporting local nonprofits through sponsorship such as Spiva," said Kevin Noblet, Liberty Central Region president, in a statement. "What better exhibit to be a part of than the membership show, as we are supporting local artists through Spiva, who are also our customers. We believe the arts are an essential part of a vibrant, growing community, and we are proud to support the ongoing work of Spiva."

"Chit Chat," by Mark Cowardin, will run until Dec. 23.

Cowardin's sculptural work examines the relationship between humans and the natural world. The work in "Chit Chat" is inspired by the artist's growing up surrounded by mining remnants and chat piles near his childhood home.

Born in Lamar and raised in the Joplin area, Cowardin received a master's in fine arts in sculpture from the University of Arizona and a bachelor's in fine arts from the University of Kansas. He is a professor of art and co-chair at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kansas.

Spiva Center for the Arts is located inside the Cornell Complex, 212 W. Seventh St. It is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.