Spiva Center for the Arts announces July exhibits and programming

JOPLIN, MO — George A. Spiva Center for the Arts is proud to announce exhibits and programming for July.  

Behind the Mask challenges the audience to examine how we navigate the complex relationship between our public selves and our private identities. Whether literal, metaphorical, or psychological, the “mask” serves as a symbol of the roles we adopt, the facades we construct, and the truth we conceal.

Join us to explore the theme of masks—whether through symbolism, abstract representations, or direct depictions. This exhibit invites viewers to consider the contrast between their outward appearances and inner emotions.

While Behind the Mask deals with the various personas that people inhabit as they navigate through life, Authenticity [EXE]: Between Presence and Projection deals with how the digital world impacts identity. What the ramifications are of living in the virtual world instead of the real world. How “experience blockers” affect our mental health, especially in children.

This exhibit is about digital identity, virtual spaces, and mental health; the key goal is to engage visitors and allow them to interact with the concepts in a fun way while prompting them to reflect on their own relationship with the digital world.

Kobie & Tyler Langford, of Be Still Photography, present a collection of images from area tweens, right in their element. Tweens are the most overlooked age group when it comes to photography, so this exhibit captures their vibrant personalities and highlights a few of the most interesting aspects of what makes up each of their unique characteristics – what makes them uniquely them!

Join Us for an all ages Artist Trading Card Event on July 19, right before Connect2Culture’s free JOMO Jammin’ Concert.

Bring your artwork to trade and network with fellow artists – all mediums are welcome! Whether it’s hot glue, collage work, paint, metal, or beads, feel free to express anything you can imagine, as long as the card is around the 2.5 x 3.5 inch size range.

Blank trading card supplies will be provided for free to Spiva members, or for a $1 donation. These supplies can be collected at the 2nd floor gallery desk from June 5 to July 17.

Des Hernandez, Spiva Education Director, states, “One of our Spiva instructors, Tammy Cady, who specializes in collage, has really helped us push and get people excited for this event. It will give artists, both novice and pro, a fun way to exchange their art and appreciate different art styles, all in a size they can fit in their wallets or scrapbooks.”

Join us for a fun-filled summer at Spiva! From fibers to clay and grade school to high school, we’ve got camps sure to please everyone. Spots fill up fast — register today!

Spiva is honored to be one of the 62 area non-profits receiving this gift from the W.R. Corley Memorial Trust and to be a part of Bob Corley’s astounding legacy. With this incredibly generous donation, Spiva is able to make our summer camps more accessible, with $50 off per camp!

Simply use the coupon code SPIVASUMMER2025 at checkout to apply your $50 scholarship per camp.

Spiva Center for the Arts is inside the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex

221 W. 7th Street | Joplin, M0 64801 | (417) 623-0183 | Open Tue-Sat, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.