UPCOMING EXHIBITS AND PROGRAMMING FOR SPIVA CENTER FOR THE ARTS
George A. Spiva Center for the Arts is proud to announce upcoming exhibits and programming for January.
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JOPLIN, MO — George A. Spiva Center for the Arts is proud to announce upcoming exhibits and programming for January.
Jane Troup: Return to Innocence | Exhibiting January 10 - February 28, 2026
Presented by Kathy & Honghong Chen
Opening Reception: Friday, January 9, 5:30-7:30pm
Members and exhibiting artists – free | Non-members – donation appreciated
“Return to Innocence is a journey back to the elemental truths found in nature. The landscapes, and quiet rhythms of the natural world are my constant subjects – places where beauty, balance, order, and patterns reveal themselves in subtle relationships. Through observation plus imagination I create visual stories to convey my belief in love, safety, well-being, and the enduring mystery that lives within all things.
In these works, I seek to reconnect with a sense of innocence not as simplicity, but as openness and a willingness to see and experience the world with curiosity and trust. Nature becomes both guide and mirror, reminding us of the harmony and wonder that surrounds us. My hope is that each piece invites the viewer to pause and remember that how and what we give our attention to is a choice.
I am grateful for this precious opportunity to show so many paintings in this beautiful space at Spiva created over the span of 50 years.” – Jane Troup
Those Who Can…Teach: The Work of Art Educators | Exhibiting January 10 - February 27, 2026
Sponsored by Matt & Ashley McConnell
Opening Reception: Friday, January 9, 5:30-7:30pm
Members and exhibiting artists – free | Non-members – donation appreciated
This exhibition highlights the professional artwork of college, university, and K–12 art educators who inspire the next generation of artists. Spanning a range of media from painting to pottery, the show celebrates both their creative practice and their lasting impact in the classroom. Spiva honors local art teachers by providing a space to exhibit their work as well as an opportunity for the regional community to see the immense talent of these incredible educators.
Invitation to Play: An Interactive Exhibit | Exhibiting January 10 - February 28, 2026
Opening Reception: Friday, January 9, 5:30-7:30pm
Members and exhibiting artists – free | Non-members – donation appreciated
Step into the Harry M. Cornell Gallery like never before, where nostalgic materials and playful explorations of light, shadow, and color bring the space to life.
This exhibit invites visitors of all ages, with special encouragement for teens and adults to engage in play. As we grow older, it becomes essential for our minds to keep imagining, releasing inhibitions, and discovering the world from fresh perspectives. Allowing ourselves the freedom to play fosters problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a strong sense of agency. While the nature of play evolves with us, the need for it remains constant. Come and play!
SUPPORTING PROGRAMMING
Artist Talk with Jane Troup | February 28, 2026 | 11:00 am
Suggested $10 donation
Join us for an engaging artist talk with Jane Troup as she shares stories, insights, and reflections from her 50-year career as a painter. Known for her warmth and passion, Troup brings audiences into her creative process and the experiences that have shaped her work over decades. This talk offers a chance to hear directly from the artist in a relaxed, conversational setting and gain deeper insight into the ideas behind the exhibition.
The Artist Talk will be held in the Freeman Health System Main Gallery.
Third Grade Collaborative Project | January 13 - February 28, 2026
Sponsored by General Mills
Closing Reception: Saturday, February 28, 2026
The Third Grade Collaboration has been a staple in Spiva’s winter programming for over 20 years. Each year, we welcome more than 1,700 students into our classrooms and galleries for a day of art education centered around our featured Main Gallery artist. Seven school districts, over 20 schools, and homeschool students make up this collaborative effort.
This year’s Third Grader’s will create pieces with our Main Gallery artist, Jane Troup, as inspiration. This program cultivates a memorable experience that blends creativity, learning, and exploration through a hands-on project in our classrooms and exploration of art in the galleries. The awe on the students’ faces as they enter the Jo Mueller Reserve Gallery – which for them is a “Mystery Gallery” – only to discover that they are exhibiting artists is a powerful reminder of what this program can do for young minds and why the arts matter so deeply.
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.
