Spiva Art Center to host “Unbreakable: the Veteran Spirit” as part of Heartland Patriots Festival
Spiva Center for the Arts is hosting an exhibit called “Unbreakable: The Veteran Spirit” in September 2025, as part of the Heartland Patriots Festival.
The event will be featured Sept. 4-27th at the Spiva Center for the Arts at 212 W. 7th Street in downtown Joplin.
Shaun Conroy, Exhibits Director, says the exhibition will showcase artwork by veteran artists, exploring the resilience, camaraderie, and support systems that define the veteran experience.
The exhibit will focus on the bonds forged in service and continued through transition, highlighting the shared struggles and triumphs of veterans.
The Spiva Center is currently accepting submissions from veteran artists through July 21st.
- Entry Fee: $40 for two entries, with an additional $10 for each entry beyond the initial two (artists must submit at least two entries), according to TheArtList.
- Minimum Entries: Artists are required to submit a minimum of two entries.
- Special Discount: Current members of the Watercolor USA Honor Society will be charged $30 for one entry with up to two artworks, and $10 for an additional entry, notes TheArtList.
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Submission Details:
📅 Deadline: July 28th, 2025
Notification of inclusion in exhibit: August 1st
Artwork due at Spiva: August 25th
Eligibility & Guidelines:
- Open to veteran artists of all military branches
- All visual art mediums are welcome
- Artwork should explore themes of unity, friendship, transition, and family support
How to Submit:
- Visit https://bit.ly/UnbreakableVeteranSpirit
- Submit high-quality images of up to 2 pieces
- Include artwork title, dimensions, and medium
- Provide a short artist statement (150 words max) explaining how your work connects to the theme
- Café submissions due by midnight July 28th, 2025
Sponsored by:
- Southwest Missouri Bank
- Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5293
- Marshall & Lisa Hogue
Reception: September 10th, 2025 | 5:30-7:30 pm