By Scott Meeker

smeeker@joplinglobe.com

From the smallest of grains come the most intricate of buildings.

That’s part of Jorge Levya’s fascination with birds and their nests — the different ways the dwellings are constructed and how they develop as the birds work on them.

“It’s like humans trying to build their houses in different ways,” says the Joplin artist. “It attracts different things and it makes them individuals. That’s our focus in life: how we build things around us.”

Levya uses the theme of nests to express social, political and religious ideas in many of his paintings, which he has exhibited in galleries across the country.

An exhibit of some of his most recent works will debut today for the opening of Trios Contemporary Art Gallery.

Located in the former Watts Paint Co. building, 112 S. Main St., the gallery is one component of a business venture that will become another step in the revitalization of downtown Joplin.

Much of Levya’s subject matter is influenced by his surroundings, and now the artist is taking pride in the fact that his own efforts are contributing to what he hopes will be a permanent nesting place for the arts.

‘The right time’

Levya, who came to Joplin from Lima, Peru, nearly 30 years ago, said the city became more than just a place to live. It became his home.

Over time, he says he built up a network of people who encouraged his artistic talents and helped him realize that he could become a professional artist.

“I had always done (art), but I had never wanted to be a professional artist,” he says. “When you have a Spanish background, unless you come from a rich family ... if you’re of modest means, the last thing your family would want you to be is an artist.”

After getting his bachelor of arts degree from Missouri Southern State University and his master’s at Pittsburg (Kan.) State University, he attended the California College of the Arts in San Francisco to get his master’s of fine arts degree. Though he was gone for three years, he had no qualms about returning to Joplin.

“I have been all over the country, and I’ve had shows everywhere,” he said. “There is nothing like the people in Joplin ... the people here are wonderful.