Studio 55: Guided Class
2026-05-15 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Art Studio | Classroom #1
Studio 55: Guided (Ages 55+)Instructor: Jordan Murdock-ThompsonSchedule: Every other Friday, March–December | 2:00–4:00 PMCost: $10 per session, $55 for the entire Spring (March, April, & May | 6 Sessions Total)Project: Artist Trading Cards | See the full guided spring line up below under the checkout box
DescriptionStudio 55: Guided is a welcoming, instructor-led art class designed for adults ages 55 and up. Join Jordan Murdock-Thompson every other Friday to explore a variety of structured projects across different mediums and techniques—everything from painting and drawing to sculpture and mixed media. Each session offers step-by-step guidance, time to experiment, and plenty of encouragement as you build skills and enjoy the creative process in community.
On alternating weeks, Jesse McCormick facilitates Studio 55: Open Studio. Open Studio sessions provide access to a wide range of supplies and mediums for you to explore—or you’re welcome to bring your own. A great opportunity to create in company. Free for anyone bringing their own supplies or a small fee to use Spiva’s supplies. Learn more about Studio 55: Open Studio by visiting an Open Studio listing on our website.
What to expect in a guided Studio 55 class:

Guided projects with clear instruction (great for beginners and returning artists)

A rotating mix of mediums and techniques throughout the season

A relaxed, social studio environment focused on learning and enjoyment

Registration note: Space is limited—advance registration recommended.
At Spiva, we believe art should be accessible to everyone. A 50% off scholarship discount is available for Studio 55—use code 5off55 at checkout. This code is openly available for anyone who may experience a barrier to participating. Additional scholarships are also available for those who need further support.

Spring Project Schedule
March 6Mini Art JournalsCreate a small, handmade art journal using a variety of papers and simple bookbinding techniques.Materials: assorted paper, thread, awls, needles, glue, magazines
March 20No Class
April 3Paper ButterfliesDesign and assemble delicate paper butterflies using layered watercolor paper and stitched details.Materials: watercolor paper, glue, craft knives, embroidery thread
April 17Spring Sunset PaintingPaint a colorful spring sunset while learning basic acrylic techniques and color blending.Materials: canvas, acrylic paint
May 1Pencil Drawing Explorations (Project details coming soon)A guided drawing session focused on pencil techniques and observation.Materials: assorted pencil drawing supplies
May 15Artist Trading Cards (ATCs)Create a series of small, collectible artworks using mixed media and found materials.Materials: paint, pens, gel pens, found objects, beads, glue, card deck, magazines, scrapbook paper
May 29Hokusai-Inspired LandscapesExplore line, composition, and movement while creating a landscape inspired by the work of Hokusai.Materials: ink, pencils, watercolor paper

Pottery: Hand Building & Wheel Throwing
2026-05-16 10:30 - 13:30 | Art Studio | Classroom #2
Pottery: Hand Building & Wheel Throwing
Ages: 16+Instructors: Mars Dunn & Chloe VanBecelaere
Saturdays this Spring:

March 14 | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM

April 11 | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM

May 16 | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Cost: $70 per session | $190 for all threeCapacity: Limited to 8 students per sessionOutput: Up to 4 finished pieces total
Join Mars and Chloe for an immersive pottery experience that blends wheel throwing and hand building in a supportive, small-group setting. This class is ideal for beginners and returning students looking to strengthen their ceramic skills while working across techniques.
Each participant will receive 30 minutes on the pottery wheel, with Mars offering hands-on guidance in small groups throughout the process. In addition, students will create a hand-built piece led by Chloe, exploring form, texture, and personal expression.
What to expect:

Guided wheel throwing instruction (30 minutes per student)

A hand-built ceramics project

Individualized support in a small class setting

All pieces professionally fired

Finished work ready for pickup within one month

All materials and firings are included.
A well-rounded ceramics class that encourages exploration, skill-building, and confidence in clay.

Creation Station with Emily Cole
2026-05-19 16:00 - 17:15, 2026-05-26 16:00 - 17:15, 2026-06-02 16:00 - 17:15, 2026-06-09 16:00 - 17:15, 2026-06-16 16:00 - 17:15, 2026-06-23 16:00 - 17:15, 2026-06-30 16:00 - 17:15, 2026-07-07 16:00 - 17:15 and 2 more dates | Art Studio | Classroom #1
Creation StationAges: 6–11 | Cost: $10 or $35 for all of March
Mini Makers, our program for artists ages 2-5 is now running from 4:15-5:15 pm on Tuesdays alongside Creation Station! Learn more by visiting: www.spivaarts.org/minimakers
Creation Station is a fun and welcoming art program designed for elementary-aged students to explore their creativity through hands-on projects. Each week features a new theme and medium—ranging from painting and drawing to sculpture, printmaking, and mixed media—with occasional two-part projects that span back-to-back weeks. Students receive step-by-step guidance while being encouraged to make choices that personalize their artwork, helping them build skills, confidence, and creative problem-solving.
This class is perfect for kids who love experimenting with different materials and want to grow their artistic voice in a supportive environment.
Pre-registration is required. Walk-in availability will be limited and may not be available at all depending on the number of online sign-ups.
Emily Cole is an educator and artist with a passion for inspiring creativity in children. With experience as a fourth-grade elementary teacher and as a STEM instructor at The Discovery Center, she has a strong foundation in classroom instruction and student development. Prior to her teaching career, she was an instructor at a fused glass art studio, where she taught people of all ages to create glass art, cultivating a deep love for combining art with education. Emily is eager to bring her unique blend of teaching and artistic skills to a new role, where she can inspire a continued enjoyment of art in the next generation.
Creation Station: March Themes

April 7: Shrinking Plastic
April 14: Christa Rijneveld Animal Collages
April 21: Insect Houses
April 28: Beaded Suncatchers
Families can now register for the entire month at once during the first week of each month—and enjoy $5 in savings when bundled.

Mini Makers: Tuesday Edition
2026-05-19 16:00 - 17:15, 2026-05-26 16:00 - 17:15, 2026-06-02 16:00 - 17:15, 2026-06-09 16:00 - 17:15, 2026-06-16 16:00 - 17:15, 2026-06-23 16:00 - 17:15, 2026-06-30 16:00 - 17:15, 2026-07-07 16:00 - 17:15 and 2 more dates | Art Studio | Classroom #1
Mini Makers: Tuesday Edition
Ages: 2–5Instructor: Jade Henning-CantrellWhen: TuesdaysTime: 4:15 – 5:15 PMCost: $10
Mini Makers is a playful, hands-on art class designed especially for our youngest artists. Each session introduces a new theme with age-appropriate activities that encourage exploration, creativity, and confidence-building in a supportive environment.
Projects are process-focused and help strengthen fine motor skills, early problem-solving, and self-expression—while still being fun, flexible, and engaging for little hands.
This session runs alongside our afterschool art program for ages 6-11 years old called Creation Station! Learn more here: spivaarts.org/event/creation-station-with-emily-cole-3/
What to expect:

Sensory-friendly, hands-on art activities

A focus on exploration rather than finished results

Opportunities to build confidence and creative curiosity

All supplies provided

A joyful introduction to artmaking where curiosity leads the way.

Studio 55: Open Studio
2026-05-22 14:00 - 16:00 | Art Studio | Classroom #1
Studio 55: Open Studio (Ages 55+)Instructor: Jesse McCormickSchedule: Alternating Fridays, March–December | 2:00–4:00 PMCost: Free when bringing your own supplies | $10 to use Spiva supplies (or $55 for the Spring Session)
DescriptionStudio 55: Open Studio is a relaxed, welcoming open-work session designed for adults ages 55 and up. Facilitated by Jesse McCormick, these sessions offer dedicated studio time to work independently in a shared creative space. Participants are welcome to bring their own materials or explore a variety of supplies available at Spiva.
On alternating weeks, Studio 55: Guided offers structured, instructor-led art classes led by Jordan Murdock-Thompson. These sessions focus on guided projects across a variety of mediums and techniques, with step-by-step instruction and time to explore in a supportive, social studio environment.
What to expect

Open studio time with access to shared supplies and workspace

Freedom to explore your own projects or experiment with new materials

A supportive, social environment focused on creativity and connection

Registration note: Advance registration recommended. Space is limited.
Scholarship & AccessibilityAt Spiva, we believe art should be accessible to everyone. A 50% off scholarship discount is available for Studio 55—use code 5off55 at checkout. This code is openly available for anyone who may experience a barrier to participating. Additional scholarships are also available for those who need further support.

Floating Cup Pour with Debbie
2026-05-23 14:30 - 16:00 | Art Studio | Classroom #1
Floating Cup Pour
Ages: 8 – AdultInstructor: Debbie SouthardDate: Saturday, May 23Time: 2:30 – 4:00 PMCost: $40
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, join Debbie for a calming and creative floating cup pour experience. This fluid art technique invites you to slow down, choose a color palette that resonates with you, and let the paint flow—revealing unexpected movement and organic designs.
Participants will learn how to layer and release paint using a cup that floats across the canvases surface.
What to expect:

Introduction to the floating cup pour technique

Guidance on color selection and paint flow

A relaxed, process-focused environment

All materials provided

No prior art experience is needed. Create, unwind, and discover a little Zen through art.

Studio 55: Guided Class
2026-05-29 14:00 - 16:00 | Art Studio | Classroom #1
Studio 55: Guided (Ages 55+)Instructor: Jordan Murdock-ThompsonSchedule: Every other Friday, March–December | 2:00–4:00 PMCost: $10 per session, $55 for the entire Spring (March, April, & May | 6 Sessions Total)Project: Hokusai-Inspired Landscapes | See the full guided spring line up below under the checkout box
DescriptionStudio 55: Guided is a welcoming, instructor-led art class designed for adults ages 55 and up. Join Jordan Murdock-Thompson every other Friday to explore a variety of structured projects across different mediums and techniques—everything from painting and drawing to sculpture and mixed media. Each session offers step-by-step guidance, time to experiment, and plenty of encouragement as you build skills and enjoy the creative process in community.
On alternating weeks, Jesse McCormick facilitates Studio 55: Open Studio. Open Studio sessions provide access to a wide range of supplies and mediums for you to explore—or you’re welcome to bring your own. A great opportunity to create in company. Free for anyone bringing their own supplies or a small fee to use Spiva’s supplies. Learn more about Studio 55: Open Studio by visiting an Open Studio listing on our website.
What to expect in a guided Studio 55 class:

Guided projects with clear instruction (great for beginners and returning artists)

A rotating mix of mediums and techniques throughout the season

A relaxed, social studio environment focused on learning and enjoyment

Registration note: Space is limited—advance registration recommended.
At Spiva, we believe art should be accessible to everyone. A 50% off scholarship discount is available for Studio 55—use code 5off55 at checkout. This code is openly available for anyone who may experience a barrier to participating. Additional scholarships are also available for those who need further support.

Spring Project Schedule
March 6Mini Art JournalsCreate a small, handmade art journal using a variety of papers and simple bookbinding techniques.Materials: assorted paper, thread, awls, needles, glue, magazines
March 20No Class
April 3Paper ButterfliesDesign and assemble delicate paper butterflies using layered watercolor paper and stitched details.Materials: watercolor paper, glue, craft knives, embroidery thread
April 17Spring Sunset PaintingPaint a colorful spring sunset while learning basic acrylic techniques and color blending.Materials: canvas, acrylic paint
May 1Pencil Drawing Explorations (Project details coming soon)A guided drawing session focused on pencil techniques and observation.Materials: assorted pencil drawing supplies
May 15Artist Trading Cards (ATCs)Create a series of small, collectible artworks using mixed media and found materials.Materials: paint, pens, gel pens, found objects, beads, glue, card deck, magazines, scrapbook paper
May 29Hokusai-Inspired LandscapesExplore line, composition, and movement while creating a landscape inspired by the work of Hokusai.Materials: ink, pencils, watercolor paper

World Street Painting Masterclass
2026-06-02 - 2026-06-06
Step into the world of 3D street PAINTING – and leave a lasting mark on Route 66.
JUNE 2-6, 2026 | JOPLIN MO – USA
Have you ever wondered how artists make jaw-dropping sidewalk drawings that look like they’re popping right off the pavement? Now is your chance to learn how it’s done—from the world’s leading 3D street painters—right here in the United States.
This immersive, hands-on masterclass will guide you step by step through creating your own optical illusion artwork using chalk, tape, and pure imagination. Spaces are extremely limited, and once it’s full, it’s full—so don’t wait to register!
Official Registration is through WorldStreetPainting.com – Click here to see more information and sign up.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

The foundations of perspective and illusion
How to transform your design into a 3D pavement artwork
Techniques using chalk, tape, grid lines, and measurement tools
Professional tricks, shortcuts, and creative secrets from master street painters

BE A PART OF HISTORY
This isn’t just any masterclass—you’ll be contributing to the Route 66 Centennial celebration by helping create the world’s largest outdoor 3D street painting gallery.
Your street painting will be inspired by Route 66, America’s legendary highway of adventure, nostalgia, and discovery.
Bring your own idea or concept—we’ll help you turn your creative vision into a stunning 3D illusion seen by thousands.

Create. Learn. Inspire.
Make history on Route 66.

Art on Tap
2026-06-06 18:00 - 21:00
Art on Tap: A Toast to 18 Years!
Spiva’s beloved tasting event returns—now celebrating 18 years of brews, bites, and community cheer! Join us for a lively evening filled with craft beer, delicious eats, great company, and live music by Dr. G and the Tall Man.

Members get in FREE as a thank-you for your ongoing support. Not a member? No problem—join today and enjoy free admission plus year-round perks.
Don’t miss the auction! A selection of curated items and themed baskets will be up for grabs, with 100% of proceeds supporting Spiva’s exhibitions, classes, and outreach programs.

Stay tuned for a list of local businesses that will be bringing delicious eats and drinks!

Become a Sponsor
Show your support for the arts and gain exposure among Spiva’s vibrant community of members, patrons, and art lovers. Sponsorship includes a variety of premium benefits—and most importantly, it helps make this event possible.
Align your brand with creativity, culture, and connection. Secure your sponsorship today and be part of a night to remember!

Thank you to our returning partners:

Churchwell Tax Group

Second Sunday at Spiva | Galleries Open
2026-06-14 13:00 - 16:00
We asked, and you answered! The galleries will be open from 1-4pm the second Sunday of each month. We’re striving to make the arts more accessible, no matter your schedule!
Sundays work best for you? Mark your calendars for these days in 2026, 1-4pm:
June 14
July 12
August 9
September 13
October 11
November 8
December 13

Club 609 Benefit Day
2026-07-02 11:00 - 21:00
Want a delicious way to support local art? Join us at Club 609 Benefit Day where they are generously donating 10% of proceeds to Spiva Center for the Arts – this goes directly to support programming, exhibits, classes, and more that keeps art accessible in our community.
Check out 609’s menu, drinks, and history here: club609.com

Second Sunday at Spiva | Galleries Open
2026-07-12 13:00 - 16:00
We asked, and you answered! The galleries will be open from 1-4pm the second Sunday of each month. We’re striving to make the arts more accessible, no matter your schedule!
Sundays work best for you? Mark your calendars for these days in 2026, 1-4pm:
July 12
August 9
September 13
October 11
November 8
December 13
