“Spiva is accepting, open, welcoming, and non-judgmental. It’s a place where everyone belongs.”
When Kamryn Strickland first came to the George A. Spiva Center for the Arts, they were looking for experience—something to build toward future job opportunities. What they found instead was a community that felt like home.
“I needed experience to find a job,” Kamryn explains. “Spiva stuck out as a haven. I’d always been interested in art through social media and my own aspirations, and this seemed like the right place to start.”
Six months later, Kamryn has become a friendly and reliable presence at Spiva, helping with a variety of front desk and gallery support tasks. But the most meaningful part of their work comes from the small human moments that unfold day to day.
“One time, I spent about fifteen minutes on the phone with a visitor,” they recall. “He just needed someone to listen. When we hung up, he said he felt better for having talked—and that he really liked the switchboard operator. That meant a lot.”
For Kamryn, the atmosphere at Spiva has been both grounding and inspiring. “Spiva provides a unique culture to the area and makes me feel welcome and safe with the people who work here.”
That sense of welcome extends beyond the gallery walls, connecting directly to Spiva’s mission to celebrate the creative experience and serve as a cultural catalyst for the Joplin community.
“I wasn’t connected to the local arts until coming here,” Kamryn says. “Being able to see the work of local artists and interact with them has been really nice—and the classes have helped me learn new forms of art I can use myself.”
When asked what they’d tell someone thinking about volunteering, Kamryn doesn’t hesitate: “I’d encourage it. Even if you only have a little time, they’re accommodating—and it’s worth the time you invest.”
As for what keeps them coming back week after week, Kamryn smiles. “It’s the people. Everyone here is so welcoming. There’s a feeling of being not only included, but appreciated.”
Kamryn’s Quick Fire Favorites
– Global Favorite: Felicia Chao
– Favorite Medium: Pen and Ink
– Creative Hobby: Crochet
– Favorite Annual Event: St. Avip’s
– First Piece of Art You Remember Loving: Comic Book Art
– Coffee or Tea: Tea
– One Word for Spiva: Welcoming
Did you know that you can provide the opportunity for more individuals to connect to their community and creativity? Your gift makes it possible.
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.