MSSU to rename Spiva Art Gallery “Cragin Art Gallery”

JOPLIN, Mo. (9-25-24) – Missouri Southern State University is proud to announce the renaming of the Spiva Art Gallery to the Cragin Art Gallery, in recognition of the Cragin family’s long-standing support and a generous endowment that will provide ongoing financial assistance for the gallery’s exhibition needs.

A ceremony officially renaming the gallery will occur on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the gallery’s front doors on MSSU’s campus.

The Cragin family’s connection to Missouri Southern dates to the university’s earliest days, rooted in the leadership of George A. Spiva, who played a critical role in MSSU’s history.

Spiva ignited the original fundraising efforts for the purchase of the Mission Hills property where the university is now located with a generous donation. In recognition of his contributions, both the Spiva Library and Spiva Art Center were named in his honor.

His daughter, Joy Spiva Cragin, continued the family’s support of Missouri Southern, serving as a dedicated member of the Missouri Southern Foundation Board.

Now, her children – John Michael Cragin, Christy Cragin, Evan Scott Cragin, and Gay Cragin Currence – are building upon this legacy with an impactful endowment that will ensure the art gallery can continue hosting high-quality exhibits for students and the community.

The renaming of the gallery to Cragin Art Gallery also serves to distinguish it from the Spiva Center for the Arts in downtown Joplin, which remains a vital part of the local arts community.

“The Cragin family’s generosity helps us preserve and enhance the first-hand artistic experiences we offer to both students and the community, ensuring that we can continue to showcase outstanding exhibits for years to come,” said Frank A. Pishkur, Professor and Chair of the MSSU Department of Art and Design.

“Their ongoing support highlights the importance of visual arts and it’s education at Missouri Southern and the
transformative power it holds for our students and the four-states region,” Pishkur added.

The Cragin family’s endowment will directly support the gallery’s exhibit needs, fostering an enriching environment for MSSU art students and providing a space to display works from local, regional, and national artists.

For more information about the Cragin Art Gallery and its upcoming exhibitions, visit https://www.mssu.edu/academics/arts-sciences/art/facility-spiva-art-gallery.php .