Article by Kristi Spencer, Spiva Member and Founder of the Polite Company
Betsy Mense spends her days connecting people and ideas across the Joplin community. As president and CEO of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce since 2025, she has a full schedule and a mind always taking in new information.
After a while, she realized she needed a way to slow things down, give herself a break, and reconnect with her love of art.
Betsy graduated from Missouri Southern State University with a degree in studio art, but like many people, her career and schedule took over. That changed when she and her daughter Lucy signed up for a Gelli printmaking class at Spiva Center for the Arts. What started as a fun class turned into a new hobby. “This was something I could learn a lot about. There are a lot of different ways and techniques of Gelli printing. I loved the process. It is very therapeutic,” Betsy said.
Gelli printing is a process that builds a print layer by layer. Paint is rolled onto a flexible plate, and photos can be transferred to it, then layered with text and textures using materials like magazine pages, stamps, or everyday objects. No two prints turn out the same, which keeps it interesting.
Betsy did not stop with one class. She went home, bought supplies that same day, and kept learning. She watches videos, experiments with different techniques, and has found she really enjoys it. She now creates prints, turns them into collage work, and uses them in junk journals. “This inspired me and reinvigorated my love for art,” she said.
Her family has joined in along the way. Her husband has tried it, and Lucy often checks in on her progress. Creativity has always been something they share. “Lucy is much more creative than I am. She is a great writer and artist, so that is something we have always done together.”
Recently, Betsy donated one of her pieces to Spiva’s Small Works Auction. Each year, local artists contribute work that is displayed for several weeks, giving the community a chance to bid and take home a piece of local art. The funds raised help support Spiva’s programs and exhibits, making it possible for more people to have experiences like Betsy’s.
Betsy said it was special to see her work hanging on the wall, but she was thrilled when it sold on opening night, a real compliment to her work. Knowing the proceeds support Spiva made the moment even more meaningful.
For Betsy, it all started with signing up for a class and being willing to try something new.
“Go for it. It is a great way to get exposed to different kinds of art, and if you end up liking a medium, you can run with it.”
If you have been thinking about trying something new, Spiva is the place to start. From classes to camps, there are opportunities for all ages and experience levels to explore different kinds of art and find what speaks to you. You can find more information about upcoming classes and camps here: https://spivaarts.org/classes-camps/
From classrooms to galleries, your support ensures that art continues to inspire, connect, and uplift our community. Donate to the Creative Impact Campaign HERE. We are incredibly thankful for your generosity.