Spiva Center for the Arts Joplin MO Logo

ABOUT

George A. Spiva

Originally incorporated as the Ozark Artists Guild, George A. Spiva Center for the Arts has presented visual arts experiences to the four-state region since 1947.

George A. Spiva – businessman, philanthropist, and lover of the arts – helped establish Joplin’s first art center in 1958. Founded on the belief that opportunities in the arts should be available to all, the Center continues to flourish through the generosity of members and friends who share that vision.

First located in the Zelleken House at 4th & Sergeant, Spiva moved to the campus of Missouri Southern State University before relocating to its current home in the historic Cosgrove Building at 3rd and Wall in downtown Joplin.

Spiva Center for the Arts Joplin MO

Spiva Center for the Arts Joplin MO

The Zelleken House

4th & Sergeant

The Zelleken House was built in 1893 by Edward Zelleken. He died in 1920 and left the house to his daughter. The Ozark Artists Guild opened an art center there in 1958.

Photo: “The World’s Greatest Zinc and Lead District”,1907

Spiva Center for the Arts Joplin MO

Missouri Southern State University

In 1967 Spiva Art Center moved to the Fine Arts Building at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, MO.

Spiva Center for the Arts Joplin MO

Cosgrove Building

3rd & Wall

Current home of Spiva.

Spiva Center for the Arts Joplin MO

George A. Spiva

Center for the Arts

222 W. 3rd Street
Joplin, M0 64801
(417) 623-0183
Gallery & Gift Shop Hours
Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed Sundays, Mondays & Major Holidays
George A SPIVA Center for the Arts Joplin MO

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"Celebrate the creative experience - be a community catalyst."