Community Outreach
Connecting More People With Art
We’re on a mission to expand our outreach to diverse groups, including youth, underserved populations, homeschoolers, veterans, seniors, partner nonprofits, and individuals with disabilities. Recognizing the inherent value of community bonds, we provide a safe and comfortable environment for all participants.
Come to Spiva or Bring Spiva To You
From programs at The Cornell Complex that include student trips and therapeutic classes, to booths and workshops at events throughout the surrounding area, we’re here to serve the community every way we can.
Examples of our past on ongoing programs can be found below. If you’re interested in partnering with Spiva to bring art outreach to your organization, reach out. Curious about teaching outreach? Let’s talk!
Empowering Underserved Schools
In our neighboring districts of Joplin, Webb City, Carl Junction, Seneca, Carthage, Diamond, and Neosho, a significant number of K-12 students face financial challenges.
For many of these young minds, visual art experiences are limited to a once-a-week school class. To bridge this gap, Spiva has introduced initiatives like the Third Grade Field Trip, welcoming over 2,000 children annually — often providing their first gallery visits.
We’ve also been privileged to serve groups such as the Boys & Girls Club, North Middle School through the Spiva Sketchbook Project, Webb City Schools immigrant families, and many more, underscoring our commitment to inclusivity and art education.
The Healing Touch of Art
For adults and children with disabilities, art can be a therapeutic endeavor. In collaboration with artist Jesse McCormick, Spiva offers Memories in the Making for adults with memory loss. Monthly visits by the Independent Living Center allow participants to view the galleries and create art, and weekly classes at the ROCC allow those in recovery to experience art as healing.
As the Arts in Healthcare State of the Field Report indicates, visual arts offer a plethora of benefits from alleviating distress and improving mental well-being to providing a sense of purpose. We are always looking for ways to partner with other nonprofits. Please reach out if you have questions or would like to partner in this endeavor.
These Programs Are Possible Through the Gift of Giving
We’re deeply grateful to our valued donors and business partners for their unwavering support, as well as community members who help support our outreach programs. If you’re moved by our mission and wish to amplify our outreach endeavors, please donate, or contact us to learn how to get involved.
