We’re excited to welcome four talented new members to the Spiva Center for the Arts team! Each brings a unique set of skills and a shared passion for the arts, enriching our community and enhancing our programs. Their diverse backgrounds and fresh perspectives will help us continue to inspire creativity and foster artistic expression in our region. Please join us in welcoming them to the Spiva family as we look forward to the incredible work we’ll achieve together!
Chase Burgess | External Affairs Director
Chase comes to Spiva Center for the Arts from Crowder College, where he worked in the Public Information office and taught classes in the Digital Media Marketing program. He has held marketing and communication roles in various fields, including higher education, healthcare, hospitality, college athletics, and radio. Currently, he resides in Joplin with his wife, Carmen.
Des Hernandez | Education Director
Des completed their Bachelor of Fine Arts in 3D Studio Art at Pittsburg State University in 2024. After experiencing diverse regions of the United States throughout their childhood, Des found a sense of belonging in local art communities. This fostered a dedication to helping the arts thrive for future generations to come and a passion for creating opportunities for artists of all ages and experience levels to achieve their artistic goals. Hernandez’s own artistic voice shines through their sculptural work, spanning across both 2D and 3D mediums, often intertwining elements from both. In addition, they produce small-batch collections of ceramic work, fine jewelry, and textile-based pieces out of their home studio.
Paige Mock | Administrator
Paige is a graduate of the Entertainment Management program at Missouri State University and is passionate about being creative while supporting other artistic minds. She has experience in the entertainment industry through work with performing arts halls, a chamber of commerce, music industry internships, and involvement with national events such as the Super Bowl and International Entertainment Buyers Association conference. She spends her free time diving into music, writing, video production, travel with friends.
Kris Strausbaugh | Guest Experience Specialist
A Webb City native, Kris has devoted the last 25 years of his life to being a writer. He has worked locally in retail management. Kris studied at the collegiate level at both Columbia College Chicago, and Missouri Southern State University. Family always takes precedence in his life; he wouldn’t have gotten far without their support. Hobbies include reading and watching and playing anything with a good story. I also grew up watching and playing most sports.
