By Scott Meeker
smeeker@joplinglobe.com
Spiva Center for the Arts is brewing more than just great artwork today as it prepares to serve up another round of Art on Tap.
Now in its third year, the program — which combines art with live music, conversation and unique brews — will begin at 5:30 p.m. today at the gallery, 222 W. Third St.
Jo Mueller, Spiva’s executive director, said that Art on Tap is a way to reach out to younger members of the community.
“We wanted to have a way to get people in the 21 to 40 age bracket interested in Spiva and the arts,” Mueller said. “It’s kind of a membership drive, but we have a lot of our older Spiva members who show up as well.”
The event will mark the last night of viewing for the three exhibits currently on display — “Works from Perception: Paintings by the Midwest Paint Group” in the AT&T; Main Gallery; “Out of the Woods: ‘Best of Missouri Hands’ Woodworkers” in the Regional Gallery; and the “Third Grade Field Trip Exhibit” that is featured in the Upstairs Gallery.
Returning for another evening of music will be the Adam Stanley Project.
Stanley, a singer-songwriter from Joplin, and his band will perform in the Main Gallery as people view the artwork on display, said Mueller. She said the last time the band performed for Art on Tap was for a summer program, and they set up in a tent in the art center’s parking lot, but bringing them inside makes a lot of sense.
“(Live music) really adds a wonderful dynamic to the event,” she said. “We try to offer something different every time.”
There will be appetizers available, as well as Heart of America Beverage Company’s Magic Hat No. 9, a special brew that is “ cloaked in secrecy … a sort of dry, crisp, refreshing, not-quite pale ale.”
Art on Tap is open to Spiva members ages 21 and up, but Mueller said that new memberships will be available to purchase. For individuals, one-year memberships are $35, while family memberships are $50.
Details: 623-0183.
