Joplin’s Sip & Stroll Returns to Rotary Sculpture Garden for International Sculpture Day

Joplin, Mo. — The Rotary Clubs of Joplin invite the community to celebrate artistry and local pride at the second annual Sip & Stroll event, set for Saturday, April 26, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Rotary Sculpture Garden in Mercy Park.

Held in honor of International Sculpture Day, the Sip and Stroll event will showcase the garden’s stunning collection of 31 bronze and stainless-steel sculptures while offering a delightful afternoon of music, art, and community engagement.

“This is a casual stroll through the park,” Director of Joplin’s Convention and Visitors Bureau Patrick Tuttle said. “The board members will be there under one of the pavilions to talk about the sculptures and answer any questions. We’re also taking donations or signing people up to be Friends of the Garden that help us maintain it and keep it fresh. There’ll be a couple sketch artists out there doing profiles if you want to do a caricature of yourself, which would be fun to do. It’s mostly a very casual thing for the whole family just to come out and enjoy the sculptures and learn about them and enjoy the beauty of the park.”

The Sip & Stroll is a tribute to the creative spirit of sculptors worldwide, with a special focus on the 16 artists whose works grace the Rotary Sculpture Garden. From the recently installed “Ground Boss,” a striking piece honoring Joplin’s mining heritage, to the original nine bronze sculptures unveiled in 2019, the garden stands as a testament to the city’s resilience and commitment to cultural enrichment. 

Attendees can look forward to a variety of offerings designed to enhance the experience. The Rotary Sculpture Garden Board will provide light refreshments and coupons for free treats from Jack’s Ice Cream truck, which will be on-site. 

At 3:00 p.m., the Joplin High School Strolling Strings will perform, filling the garden with live music as visitors wander among the sculptures. Local sketch artists Kim and Jesse will also be present, creating quick portraits for guests, adding a personal touch to the day’s festivities.

The event offers a unique opportunity to connect with board members, learn about the garden’s mission, and explore ways to support its future. Visitors are encouraged to consider becoming a “Friend of the Garden,” a program that helps fund maintenance, new installations, and community outreach efforts. 

“It’s a family friendly event and we invite the whole public to come out,” Tuttle said. “And if you haven’t seen the new sculpture, the Ground Boss that we just put in last month, it’s a very beautiful addition to the park.”

The Sip & Stroll is open to the public, and no tickets or reservations are required. Organizers recommend comfortable shoes for strolling and invite attendees to bring friends and family to enjoy the afternoon.

In case of inclement weather, updates will be posted on the Rotary Sculpture Garden’s website, www.rotarysculpturegarden.org, and social media pages.