Could Joplin become the center of contemporary art in the Midwest?

JOPLIN, Mo. — Joplin’s “Spiva Center For The Arts” opened two new exhibits Friday, July 29.

One in particular features over two dozen works from a renowned New York artist.

On Friday people got their first chance to see three rooms full of work from artist and sculptor, Rob Mango. For the next three months, 27 pieces of Mango’s artwork will be on display.

Spiva Exhibits Director, Shaun Conroy said this new exhibit will have a special meaning at Spiva’s current location.

“It’s a great exhibit, we’re glad to have him, and like I said, we’ve been looking to have this exhibit for some time, and you know, this is a special exhibit because this is the last exhibit in this building before we move into the Cornell Complex,” said Exhibits Director, Shaun Conroy with Spiva Center For The Arts.

“I could see Joplin becoming the center of contemporary art in the midwest, it really could happen, I mean, when I looked at it, my first impression was of the Whitney Museum in New York, so I just have a strong feeling about art in Joplin,” said artist and sculptor, Rob Mango.