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Connect2Culture is your source for arts and culture in the Joplin area. Check out the latest performances, events, exhibits, and classes below. C2C is a nonprofit arts organization "igniting a passion for the arts, culture, and entertainment."
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Paul Gauguin: Ancient Religions, Modern Myths
Monday, September 16 | 11:00am
At Missouri Southern State University,
Corley Auditorium (3950 E Newman Rd)
Artist Paul Gauguin’s lifelong fascination with other cultures – their imagery, their traditions, and their beliefs – shaped his career as an artist. This talk will trace the theme of myth and religion in his art with an emphasis on the inspiration he found in Polynesia, and it will reveal how the greatest myth Gauguin created may have been his own artistic legend. Free and open to the public. This event is a part of MSSU’s Oceania themed semester. More information: Chad Stebbins, 417.625.9736.
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Downtown Poetry Reading and Open Mic
Third Mondays | 6:00–8:00pm
At Joplin Avenue Coffee Company (506 S Joplin Ave)
A poetry reading and open mic event! Open mic sign-up begins at 6:00pm. Featured reader, Al Ortolani, begins at 6:15pm. Open mic readings follow at 7:00pm. This event occurs on the third Monday of each month – same place, same time. More information: Allison Blevins.
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Bookhouse Cinema Showings
Wednesdays–Sundays
At Bookhouse Cinema (715 E Broadway St)
Bookhouse Cinema is an independent micro theater and pub in the East Town neighborhood. They show a variety of independent, classic, and foreign films while offering a great pub environment. For showings and times, click here. More information: Holly Crane, 417.825.5161.
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G’day, USA
Thursday, September 19 | 11:00am
At Missouri Southern State University,
Corley Auditorium (3950 E Newman Rd)
A guide to the customs, culture, and food from the land down under! Explore more about Australians’ speech, where they came from, the sports they play, and the foods they eat. Free and open to the public. This event is a part of MSSU’s Oceania themed semester. More information: Chad Stebbins, 417.625.9736.
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Third Thursday
Third Thursday of the Month (March–October)
5:30–8:30pm on Main Street in Downtown Joplin
Third Thursday is Joplin’s trademark cultural event. Come with your friends and family to stroll through Downtown, eat great food, listen to music, peruse local art and shop! Free and open to the public. More information: Lori Haun, 417.501.9649.
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Open Mic Night
Thursday, September 19 | 6:30pm
At Joplin Avenue Coffee Company (506 S Joplin Ave)
Show off your incredible musical abilities! Performers are each allotted five to eight minutes per set and audience members vote on their favorite performance. The winner receives a $25 gift card and a chance to play for 30 minutes during October’s Open Mic Night! Two vocal mics, a quarter inch plug-in for guitar/piano, and an aux cable will be available. More information: Autumn Zimmerman, 317.483.5558.
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Pro Musica: Miró Quartet
Thursday, September 19 | 7:00pm
At First Community Church (2007 E 15th St)
The Miró Quartet is one of America’s most celebrated and dedicated string quartets, and for the past twenty years has performed on the world’s most prestigious concert stages, earning accolades from passionate critics and audiences alike. Based in Austin, TX, and thriving on the area’s storied music scene, the Miró takes pride in finding new ways to communicate with audiences of all backgrounds while cultivating the tradition of chamber music. The quartet first performed in Joplin during the 2001-02 season and a second time in the 2011-12 season. Free and open to the public. More information: Deb Billings, 417.625.1822.
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The Mates Plate: Exploring the Tastes of Australia
Friday, September 20 | 12:00pm
At Missouri Southern State University,
Corley Auditorium (3950 E Newman Rd)
Australians have an affinity for both street food and home cooking. Many of these dishes have origins inherited from Chinese and Greek immigrants, the British, or convicts transported from Great Britain to penal colonies in Australia. Jay Jay Wolf, who brought Australian meat pies, sausage rolls, and sausages to the United States in 2017, will share the taste of his country and allow you to sample one of his mini party pies. Free and open to the public. This event is a part of MSSU’s Oceania themed semester. More information: Chad Stebbins, 417.625.9736.
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Fifth Annual Joplin Arts Fest
Friday, September 20 | 6:00–10:00pm
Saturday, September 21 | 9:00am–4:00pm
At Mercy Park (3002 St Johns Blvd)
The Kiwanis Club of Joplin – in collaboration with Joplin Regional Artists Coalition, Connect2Culture, and Spiva Center for the Arts – will be hosting its fifth annual Joplin Arts Fest! Southwest Missouri’s premier fall, fine arts festival, Joplin Arts Fest allows visitors to learn about the local arts and cultural community in Joplin and elsewhere. This two-day, juried event boasts 40+ fine artist booths, live performances by local artists, children’s art activities and a variety of food trucks. Free and open to the public. More information: Steve Doerr, 417.529.3730.
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Native Plant Sale
Saturday, September 21 | 9:00am–12:00pm
At Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center
(201 W Riviera Dr)
Adding native plants to yard can provide valuable habitat for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Stop by to purchase native plants and receive information about how to include native plants in your landscaping, what plants to select, and how they benefit wildlife. Plant vendors will include Ozark Soul Native Plants, Missouri Wildflower Nursery, and Smiling Sun Gardens. No registration required. More information: Kim Banner, 417.629.3434.
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Monarch Festival
Saturday, September 21 | 9:00am–1:00pm
At Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center
(201 W Riviera Dr)
Celebrate the annual migration of monarch butterflies! Get up close with monarch caterpillars and butterflies and participate in citizen science as experts tag some. Enjoy face-painting, crafts, games, and more! A monarch program will be held in the classroom at 10:00am. No registration required. All ages welcome. Free and open to the public. More information: Kim Banner, 417.629.3434.
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Joplin Empire Market
Saturdays | 10:00am–3:00pm
At Joplin Empire Market (931 E 4th St)
The Joplin Empire Market is the place to find the best in locally grown produce, gourmet foodstuffs, and handmade artisan goods. Housed in a historic brick building adjacent to downtown, this indoor/outdoor public market is Joplin’s newest gathering spot. More information: Ivy Hagedorn, 417.986.3914.
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The Blu Soul Review:
A Night of Comedy and Live Music
Saturday, September 21 | 7:30pm
At Amelie Event Center (104 S Joplin Ave)
Continue celebrating Carver Legacy Day with a night of side-splitting comedy from talented comedians, including Janell Banks, Duke Taylor, and Nick Nichols! Additionally, Ocie Band will also be providing soulful, live music. Tickets: $7.50. More information: Eric Wells, 816.665.3209.
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Gallery Brunch
Sunday, September 22 | 11:00am–2:00pm
At Spiva Center for the Arts (222 W 3rd St)
Enjoy a scrumptious brunch in Spiva’s Main Gallery surrounded by the Watercolors of Paul Jackson. Take your pick of the mouth-watering dishes in the full breakfast and lunch buffets, all catered by Golden Goodies. Advance reservations are required! Go to spivaarts.org/events for reservations. Cost: $20 per person. More information: Jade Henning, 417.623.0183.
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Joplin Comedy: Open Mic Comedy Night
Sundays | 9:00pm (Sign-Up 7:00pm)
At Blackthorn Pizza & Pub (510 S Joplin Ave)
Try out your latest stand-up routine or take in the acts of local comedians, all while enjoying tasty pizza from Blackthorn Pizza & Pub. Age restrictions: 18+ until 10:00pm. 21+ from 10:00pm until close. Admission: Free. More information: Dakoda Potter, 417.540.9186.
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Neosho Arts Council:
An Evening in the Park with Christian Serrano-Torres
Thursday, September 19 | 6:30pm
At Big Spring Park (Neosho, MO)
Grab a lawn chair or a blanket and enjoy an evening of contemporary cello under the stars! Fascinated by the cello since he was 12, Christian Serrano-Torres is an independent musician who has been described as “classical to the bone with fire in his tone.” In case of rain, the concert will be held at the Neosho/Newton Country Library Community Room. Free and open to the public. More information: Sarah Serio, 417.592.1673.
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Carver Legacy Day
Saturday, September 21 | 10:30am
At George Washington Carver National Monument
(5646 Carver Rd, Diamond, MO)
Members of Phi Beta Sigma, a historically African American college fraternity, will hold a special tribute to one of their most esteemed members, Dr. George Washington Carver, by recognizing and honoring Carver's legacy. Additionally, there will be entertainment hosted by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. in downtown Joplin later that evening. Free and open to the public. More information: Randall Becker, 417.325.4151.
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This section includes special, one-off classes. Keep scrolling for recurring weekly classes.
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Painting and Sculpting with April Davis
Third Thursdays | 6:00–8:00pm
At Local Color Art Gallery & Studio (1027 S Main St)
Students may choose to create an acrylic painting or a sculpture. April Davis will guide you through her simple techniques that make painting or sculpture easy and fun for all levels – beginner to advanced! Cost: $30 per class. More information: April Davis, 417.358.6329.
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Vino & Van Gogh
Thursday, September 19 | 6:00–8:30pm
At Local Color Art Gallery & Studio (1027 S Main St)
Vino & Van Gogh is a monthly painting event where the artists of Local Color Art Gallery & Studio offer step-by-step instruction on how to paint a masterpiece. In this class, you will paint your very own version of an impressionist painting. No experience is necessary. Choose to paint: Monet's Cap Martin, Breck's Garden at Giverny, or Monet's Bouquet of Sunflowers. All materials are furnished, plus good eats and old/new friends! Cost is $35 ($30 if you do not drink wine). More information and reservation: Margie Moss, 417.553.0835.
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Monarchs Rule!
Saturday, September 21 | 10:00–10:45am
At Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center
(201 W Riviera Dr)
Monarchs are fascinating and beautiful creatures. Learn more about their life cycle and migration before they flutter away to their winter oasis in Mexico. Enjoy Monarch Festival activities before and after the program. No registration required. All ages welcome; best for ages 5+. Free and open to the public. More information: Kim Banner, 417.629.3434.
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Family Fun Painting Class (Ages 8+)
Saturday, September 21 | 11:00am–1:00pm
At Local Color Art Gallery & Studio (1027 S Main St)
Looking to unleash your inner artist? Come paint all the things you love! Local Color artists will help you create your own masterpiece featuring Monet's Cap Martin, Breck's Garden at Giverny, or Monet's Bouquet of Sunflowers. All materials are provided and ages 8+ are welcome! More information: Margie Moss, 417.553.0835. Cost is $30 (all materials included).
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Figure Drawing with Sandra Conrad (Ages 15+)
Saturday, September 21 | 1:00–3:00pm
At Spiva Center for the Arts (222 W 3rd St)
Capturing the human physique on paper can be challenging. But, with the help of a professional model and instructor Sandra Conrad, you can take your drawing skills to the next level. Cost: $20. More information: Jade Henning, 417.623.0183.
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The following classes recur weekly.
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No recurring classes today!
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Movers & Shakers
Tuesdays | 9:30am, 10:45am, & 4:00pm
At Joplin Public Library (1901 E 20th St)
Wow! Wiggling, giggling, singing, shaking, it all happens on Tuesdays! This 40 minute play- and movement-based program is for infants and toddlers and their families. Library staff encourage early literacy development through talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing. Families are encouraged to participate and at-home extension activities are shared. Suggested Age: Birth to 2 years. More information: Christina Matekel-Gibson, 417.623.2184.
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Creation Station (Ages 6-11)
Tuesdays, August 27 – May 12 | 3:45–5:00pm
At Spiva Center for the Arts (222 W 3rd St)
Drop in Tuesday afternoons and experiment with a variety of media: painting, drawing, clay, collage, sculpture, and printmaking. Explore the galleries with scavenger hunts and other activities! Pre-registration is recommended. Space is limited in this popular class. Sponsored by Dr. John and Joy Cragin. Cost: $6 preregistration and $8 at the door. More information: Jade Henning, 417.623.0183.
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Tales for 2s & 3s
Wednesdays & Thursdays | 9:30am
At Joplin Public Library (1901 E 20th St)
Silliness is our specialty! The library staff use this 30 minute story time to share our favorite short stories, simple songs, and rhymes. Families are encouraged to help build literacy skills through participation and at-home extension activities are shared. Suggested Age: 2 to 3 years. More information: Christina Matekel-Gibson, 417.623.2184.
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Wednesday Watercolor & Fluid Acrylic Come & Go (Ages 8+)
Wednesdays | 10:00am–2:00pm
At Local Color Art Gallery & Studio (1027 S Main St)
Discover your inner artists or build upon your current skills! Enjoy experimental painting class lead by Donna Roberts, who will be using watercolors or fluid acrylics. Cost: $20 with your own supplies, $30 with supplies furnished. More information: Donna Roberts, 417.623.3727.
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Fun for 4s & 5s
Wednesdays & Thursdays | 11:00am
At Joplin Public Library (1901 E 20th St)
Fun is our favorite game! During this 30 minute story time library staff share stories, songs, rhymes, finger plays, puppets, and more! Hands-on activities that develop early literacy skills are offered and family participation is encouraged. At-home extension activities are shared. Suggested Age: 4 to 5 years. More information: Christina Matekel-Gibson, 417.623.2184.
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Wednesday Oil, Acrylic, & Watercolor Come & Go
Wednesdays | 2:00–6:00pm
At Local Color Art Gallery & Studio
Calling all “big kids" for a weekly drop-in painting class for adults! Decide when to come and how long to stay. With up to 4 hours of painting time, you can both accomplish and enjoy more personal instruction. Paula Giltner teaches realism watercolor and acrylic painting techniques and design principles. Bring any materials you have for the first lesson and learn about the materials you might need for additional lessons. Cost: $20. More information: Paula Giltner.
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Family Stories
Wednesdays & Thursdays | 4:00pm
At Joplin Public Library (1901 E 20th St)
It’s all about family in this 30 minute story time. Library staff read stories, sing songs, share jokes and rhymes, use finger plays, felt boards, and puppets, and offer hands-on activities to help develop early literacy skills. Families are encouraged to participate and at-home extension activities are shared. Suggested Age: 2 to 5 years. More information: Christina Matekel-Gibson, 417.623.2184.
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Tales for 2s & 3s
Wednesdays & Thursdays | 9:30am
At Joplin Public Library (1901 E 20th St)
Silliness is our specialty! The library staff use this 30 minute story time to share our favorite short stories, simple songs, and rhymes. Families are encouraged to help build literacy skills through participation and at-home extension activities are shared. Suggested Age: 2 to 3 years. More information: Christina Matekel-Gibson, 417.623.2184.
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Memories in the Making
Thursdays | 10:00am–Noon
At Spiva Center for the Arts (222 W 3rd St)
This art experience is centered on the expression of creativity through painting for those dealing with memory loss. No prior art experience necessary. Free and open to the public. More information: Jade Henning, 417.623.0183.
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Fun for 4s & 5s
Wednesdays & Thursdays | 11:00am
At Joplin Public Library (1901 E 20th St)
Fun is our favorite game! During this 30 minute story time library staff share stories, songs, rhymes, finger plays, puppets, and more! Hands-on activities that develop early literacy skills are offered and family participation is encouraged. At-home extension activities are shared. Suggested Age: 4 to 5 years. More information: Christina Matekel-Gibson, 417.623.2184.
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Family Stories
Wednesdays & Thursdays | 4:00pm
At Joplin Public Library (1901 E 20th St)
It’s all about family in this 30 minute story time. Library staff read stories, sing songs, share jokes and rhymes, use finger plays, felt boards, and puppets, and offer hands-on activities to help develop early literacy skills. Families are encouraged to participate and at-home extension activities are shared. Suggested Age: 2 to 5 years. More information: Christina Matekel-Gibson, 417.623.2184.
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RSVPaint Joplin Class
Thursdays | 7:00–9:00pm
At RSVPaint Joplin (223 W 3rd St)
Discover your inner-artist! No experience required. Come Relax, Sip, Visit, and Paint! Ages 13 and up are welcome to attend, but you must be 21 to drink alcohol. Feel free to arrive 15 minutes early to get settled in. Cost: $38–$78. Click here to see class offerings. |
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RSVPaint Joplin Class
Fridays | 7:00–9:00pm
At RSVPaint Joplin (223 W 3rd St)
Discover your inner-artist! No experience required. Come Relax, Sip, Visit, and Paint! Ages 13 and up are welcome to attend, but you must be 21 to drink alcohol. Feel free to arrive 15 minutes early to get settled in. Cost: $38–$78. Click here to see class offerings. |
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RSVPaint Joplin Class
Saturdays | 10:00am–Noon | 1:00–3:00pm | 7:00–9:00pm
At RSVPaint Joplin (223 W 3rd St)
Discover your inner-artist! No experience required. Come Relax, Sip, Visit, and Paint! Ages 13 and up are welcome to attend, but you must be 21 to drink alcohol. Feel free to arrive 15 minutes early to get settled in. Cost: $38–$68. Click here to see class offerings. |
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Crackpot Pottery & Art Studio: Drop-In Class (Ages 12+)
Every Saturday | 10:00am–Noon
At Crackpot Pottery & Art Studio (3820 E 20th St)
Get behind the potter’s wheel and practice throwing clay or learn a new skill in this drop-in class! Approximate turnaround time for finished work is 3-4 weeks. Calling in advance is recommended to ensure there is space available. Drop-in classes can also be accommodated throughout the week with an appointment. Instruction, glazing and firing included. Cost: $30 per person, plus clay fee. More information: Suzi Huntington, 417.623.1455.
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RSVPaint Joplin Class
Sundays | 2:00–4:00pm
RSVPaint Joplin (223 W 3rd St)
Discover your inner-artist! No experience required. Come Relax, Sip, Visit, and Paint! Ages 13 and up are welcome to attend, but you must be 21 to drink alcohol. Feel free to arrive 15 minutes early to get settled in. Cost: $38–$68. Click here to see class offerings. |
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Ladies' Night Out (Ages 18+)
Tuesdays | 1:00–8:00pm
At Firehouse Pottery-Joplin (112 S Main St)
Ladies! Gather your girls and enjoy a creative evening with Firehouse Pottery-Joplin. Ladies enjoy free studio fees until 8:00pm on Tuesdays. More information: Charity Hawkins, 417.553.0671.
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Wine'd Down Wednesday
Wednesdays | 5:00–9:00pm
At RSVPaint Joplin (223 W 3rd St)
RSVPaint Joplin is combining the best of both worlds with their Canvas and Home Decor DIY Event! Choose the project that works for you. Prices vary depending on chosen project. Cost: $28–$58. More information: infojop@rsvpaint.com.
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Date Night
Fridays | 1:00–8:00pm
At Firehouse Pottery-Joplin (112 S Main St)
Looking for something different to do on a Friday night? Firehouse Pottery-Joplin has something just for you. Friday nights are date night with 2-for-1 studio fees until 8:00pm for all couples. More information: Charity Hawkins, 417.553.0671.
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Connect2Culture (C2C) is unlike any organization in the Joplin area – respected community arts agency, champion of the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, and performing arts presenter. C2C is a not-for-profit arts organization founded in 2009 to enhance community through culture. C2C strives to expand audience and resources needed to "ignite a passion for the arts, culture, and entertainment" in the Joplin area.
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