“All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”
— Pablo Picasso
When was the last time you colored in a coloring book, or made your own greeting card from scratch? Creativity and inventiveness are gifts, exclusive to us as a species.
Every person has a talent or skill that they excel in. Finding yours and nurturing it can be a challenge; especially if you do not believe that you are artistic. There are organizations and groups across the Four-State Area that exist to promote the participation and appreciation of the arts.
The Neosho Arts Council sponsors workshops and classes that allow individuals and children to explore their own creativity. The council strives to provide an outlet where local artists can display their work. They also sponsor several contests throughout the year that allow local artists to promote and sell their artwork.
“There’s something special about owning an original,” said John Mills, president of the council. “You can make a copy of something, but you can never have another original. It’s something you can look at every day. You can enjoy. You have a connection with the artist and his interpretation and how you interpret his work. There’s just something special about original artwork.”
Mills said monies earned by the sold-out annual Sweet Arts Gala fundraiser, which is being held tonight, along with grants from the Missouri Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, allow the council to provide scholarships for artists and fund local projects. The council has committed to help fund the lighting for new murals at Crowder College and has worked in conjunction with the Southwest Missouri Art Alliance and others to help sponsor the annual Thomas Hart Benton Four State Regional Art Competition and Exhibit held at the Longwell Museum on the Crowder campus in October.
The 10-day Herman Jaeger Food and Wine Festival, held annually from late April into early May, is another event organized by the arts council to generate awareness and enjoyment of the arts in the region.
The council meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Hale McGinty Building at 216 W. Spring St. Artists and anyone with ideas to promote the arts should submit their names and ideas to the council for consideration. The council is also looking for individuals to write grants.
Mills said a real need for grant writers exists to help promote the arts so Southwest Missouri can become a region that supports all art genres.
In the weeks and months ahead, numerous opportunities will take place for individuals and families to explore a wide variety of art forms in the Four-State Area. Parents should encourage creativity and imagination in their children. A trip to a museum or attending other artistic events will benefit both adults and children. Time spent together as a family is never wasted.
Robin Fjelstad lives in Goodman and attends Missouri Southern State University where she is a communications major. She is the recipient of a Rebekah Hughes scholarship and a contributor to The Joplin Globe.
Local News
Neosho Arts Council helps refuel creativity
- Local News
-
-
Old McDonald County Courthouse to hold grand opening celebration this weekend
As Jean Stratton-Bird made her way into the war memorial room at the Old McDonald County Courthouse on Thursday, she came face to face with the memories of her brother Eldon E. Stratton, who was lost in battle in 1943 during War World II. “He is finally home,” Stratton-Bird said.
-
Murder warrant issued in fatal domestic shooting
Police believe Doyle Handle shot himself after fatally shooting Dena Davenport during a domestic disturbance Thursday night at their residence in Grove. Officers responded to a 6:55 p.m. report of a shooting at the couple’s home on Wood Street on the southwest side of Grove and found Handle, 52, in the front yard with a gunshot wound to his jaw.
-
Local lawmakers review session accomplishments
Joplin area lawmakers cited accomplishments and disappointments in the just-concluded Missouri legislative session during a brunch Friday sponsored by the Neosho Chamber of Commerce. Measures benefiting veterans issues were addressed in the session that ended a week ago, along with work force and labor issues, lawmakers said.
-
Diamond High School band prepares for Liberty Bowl
Classes were winding down last week at Diamond High School, but not for members of the marching band. Instead, they dug out some new music and began their first rehearsals in preparation for their next major appearance — the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, which is scheduled for Dec. 31 in Memphis, Tenn.
-
Area pools ready for plunge; Schifferdecker opening still to be announced
Though this week’s mild temperatures may not signal swim season, most area pools are ready anyway. And, the mercury should rise a little this weekend to help those anxious to dive in. Highs will be in the low 80s today and Sunday. There is a chance for isolated thunderstorms on Monday, but the thermometer should hit 82 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
-
Joplin School Board decision could take up to two weeks; Turner remains on paid leave
It could take up two weeks for the Joplin Board of Education to decide whether Randy Turner’s teaching contract should be terminated, the school district’s attorney, John Nicholas, said Friday.
-
Joplin insurance agent seeks donations for Moore, Okla.
After losing an office building and her home in the tornado on May 22, 2011, Loretta Bailey is familiar with the destruction that a tornado brings. The 400 households that her insurance agency helped through the aftermath of the tornado also know that loss. \
-
Families, friends invited to honor veterans with flags this weekend
Small lengths of plastic pipe have been installed behind the headstones of veterans graves in Joplin cemeteries so that every veteran will have a flag on Memorial Day.
-
Events, activities planned to honor veterans Monday
No ceremonies are planned at Joplin cemeteries this year or at Mount Hope Cemetery in Webb City, but a number of other events are scheduled in cities around the region.
-
Oklahoma gets far more than its share of disasters
Many states get hit frequently with tornadoes and other natural catastrophes, but Oklahoma is Disaster Central.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Old McDonald County Courthouse to hold grand opening celebration this weekend
