Three years ago, Becky Armstrong was searching for something meaningful to help her heal after the loss of her husband. At her sister’s suggestion—who serves on the Cornell Board—Becky began volunteering at George A. Spiva Center for the Arts. What she found wasn’t just a place to volunteer, but a place of comfort, connection, and inspiration.
Becky now serves at the gallery desk, greeting visitors, answering questions, and sharing information about upcoming exhibits and events. “You don’t have to be an artist to volunteer,” she says. “You feel welcome and at home no matter what. Just being here teaches you so much about art.”
One of her most cherished moments is watching third graders visit during the winter. “Seeing their faces light up and experiencing art from their perspective is amazing. Their excitement is contagious.”
Becky believes Spiva plays a powerful role in Joplin. “It’s such a classy space—something you’d expect in a major city—but it’s right here in small-town USA. The work of local artists and the exhibitions we bring in show the richness of cultural voices in our community.”
Through her volunteer work, Becky has discovered not only a new appreciation for the arts but also a new confidence. “It’s helped me communicate better and be comfortable talking to strangers. I actually look forward to it.”
Her role, as she sees it, is simple but vital: “Making people feel welcome and comfortable, no matter where they’re from or what their story is. That’s how I live my life, and that’s how I serve Spiva.”
Becky’s Quick Fire Favorites
- Favorite Local Artist: Ginger Copeland
- Global Favorite: Claude Monet
- Favorite Medium: Watercolor
- Creative Hobby: Cross-stitch
- Favorite Art Memory: Mary’s Marbles by PS Gordon
- One Word for Spiva: Inspiring
- Favorite Annual Event: Spiva in Bloom
“I didn’t expect to love this as much as I do. Spiva helped me find purpose again—and a place where I could belong.”
Check out Becky’s acting skills as she co-stars with Spiva Marketing Committee Member, Drew Kimble, in Special Mission: Buy Art at Spiva.