Joplin, Missouri – The Cornell Complex is proud to unveil two new interactive blue penguin sculptures this weekend. Beyond their aesthetic charm, these limited-edition artworks, numbers 115 and 116 out of 200 available in the world, serve as ambassadors to the Cornell Complex and the primary resident organizations that call it home–Connect2Culture and Spiva Center for the Arts.
About the Penguins:
The penguins are limited edition sculptures by artist collective Cracking Art, which raises awareness of environmental issues by creating artworks derived from petroleum products. Formed from recycled plastic and crafted in Italy, the almost four-foot tall penguins serve as a playful reminder of the importance of sustainability and environmental conservation. The Cornell Complex is just one of many notable art institutions across the globe where these animal sculptures can be found. To learn more about Cracking Art and their mission, visit crackingart.com/en.
The Cornell Complex, Connect2Culture and Spiva Center for the arts invite you to become social with our new ambassadors! Feel free to interact with them and take photos, they love it and so do we. Tag us #ccpenguins. The penguins were a gift to the community made possible by the generosity of Sharon and Lance Beshore.
Limited Edition Masterpieces:
Each Penguin sculpture is a testament to the delicate dance between art and environmental advocacy. With only 200 copies per color and 10 unique colors, these sculptures are not just artistic expressions but poignant reminders of the urgent need to protect our planet. The Cornell Complex proudly displays numbers 115 and 116, contributing to the limited-edition series.
Weekend Unveiling & Events:
Join us for a special weekend unveiling these extraordinary penguin sculptures and enjoying art offerings by both Connect2Culture and Spiva Center for the Arts at the Cornell Complex!
Connect2Culture – Joplin’s own Glenda Austin returns to the Cornell Complex for another incredible performance! See this recognized composer, life-long pianist, and celebrated educator as she plays through some of Broadway’s most popular songs on Saturday, January 20th, 4pm in the Beshore Performance Hall. Tickets may be purchased at connect2culture.org, (417) 501-5550, or at the C2C box office inside the Cornell Complex (Tue–Sat, 1–5pm). Tickets: $10–$15.
Spiva Center for the Arts – Spiva Center for the Arts will welcome the public to experience its recently opened exhibits: Those Who Can…Teach: The Work of Art Educators, Pulped Under Pressure: The Art of Handmade Paper, and The Threads of Time Revisited: A Historical Quilt Project, as well as two exciting Saturday classes, Wheel Throwing for Adults with Stephanie Roy (1–4pm) and Neurographic Art with Debbie Southard (2–4pm). For details and to register for a class, visit spivaarts.org.
Location:
Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, 212 W 7th Street, Joplin, MO 64801
Normal Business Hours:
Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm
Contact Information:
Emily Frankoski
Executive Director of Connect2Culture
emily@connect2culture.org
(417) 501-5550
Heather Lesmeister
Executive Director of George A. Spiva Center for the Arts
heather.lesmeister@spivaarts.org
(417) 623-0183
About Cornell Complex:
The Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex is a multifunctional visual and performing arts center. The building, an intentional home for the arts in Joplin, brings Connect2Culture, George A. Spiva Center for the Arts, and more together under one roof. The Cornell Complex educates, enlightens, and entertains, while attracting more people and activities to downtown Joplin and the region.
Hashtags: #cornellcomplex #yourplacetobe #connect2culture #spivaarts #ccpenguins
