Meeting, Learning and Connecting to Our Region

With age comes clarity. When I started the journey of becoming a small, locally owned and operated business in Southwest Missouri, I was ambitious and determined. My emotions ranged from pure excitement to utter fear within moments, multiple times a day. I knew what I wanted, I knew I would work hard and I knew a magazine highlighting the culture and lifestyle of our region was needed.

So, I embarked on the journey. And now I am celebrating 22 years of service to our readers and communities. In so many ways, it feels like yesterday when a good friend said, “Lee, you can do it!” Those were the words of encouragement I needed. In other ways, it seems like it has been many, many more years. SMTO has been the center of my world.

SMTO has been a labor of love. I love our region. I love the small business owners who work endlessly to provide quality products and services. I love the renowned health care professionals whose life work is to help us stay happy and healthy. I love the non-profits that dedicate endless time organizing fundraising events and spreading awareness. I love our local heroes we get to feature every July. I love featuring the cutest babies and pets and finding unknown gems in our region and giving them the exposure they deserve. I love it all.

It has also been a labor of love because I have been able to take this journey with people I love. Members of my family have been featured writers, photographers, designers, office managers, delivery crew and more. I could never have done it without the confidence my mother had in me, when I was unsure of myself. My family has provided me the freedom to chase my dreams and the support to accomplish them. I will always be grateful.

In 22 years, we have had many talented writers, photographers, designers and office staff along the journey. Each person who contributed soon became family. They were people working together with the same goal with respect and support of each other. They were talented people, passionate about our region. Thank you. Whether you worked with us year one or year 21, you shaped what SMTO is today!

I love all of those things: the mission of SMTO, our readers, my family and the people I have worked with side-by-side. However, after 22 years, I realize what I love most is the people I have met along the way. I have had brief encounters with strangers that will forever remain in my heart, and I have built lifelong friendships. We have celebrated happy moments and we have grieved losses. We have faced national disasters and accomplished amazing feats. The list would be too long to mention names, but so many people have touched my life. It has been an absolute joy meeting, learning and connecting with the people in our region. You are really what it is all about!

Thank you, SMTO. These last 22 years have been some of the greatest years of my life! I can’t wait to see what is in store for year 23!

This content is also available at connect2culture.org/calendar.

Carthage, MO

August 18-20: Arsenic & Old Lace, 6:30 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m, Stone’s Throw Dinner Theatre. In this classic farce, drama critic Mortimer Brewster’s engagement announcement is upended when he discovers a corpse in his elderly aunts’ window seat. Reservations required; call 417.358.9665 or email stdinnertheatre@gmail.com. Tickets: Adults $29, seniors (55+) $26, students $24, youth $23, children (6-12) $12, children (0-5) free. Info: stdinnertheatre@ gmail.com.

August 19: Concerts in the Park feat. Blister Soul with Splitfinger Rufus, 7 p.m., Carthage Central Park, 714 S. Garrison Ave. Concerts feature locally based talent, all under the beautiful, shaded canopy of Carthage Central Park. Enjoy a rock show featuring Joplin/Carthage locals Blister Soul and Oklahoma band Splitfinger Rufus. This is a BYOC (bring your own chair) event. Free. Info: carthagecouncilonthearts@gmail.com.

Exhibits:

August 11-September 16: Choreographing Color by Eric Beezley, artCentral Carthage. Enjoy colorful, abstract paintings. Free; donations appreciated. Info: artcentral1110@gmail.com, 417.358.4404.

Joplin, MO

Performances:

August 3-5: Heathers the Musical, 7:30 p.m., Dream Theatre Co. Travel to the 1980s with Dream Theatre Co. in this darkly delicious musical based on the classic 1989 film. Reservations required; reserve your ticket at showtix4u.com/ event-details/75446. General admission: $25. Info: becki_arnall@yahoo.com, 417.622.6470.

August 5: SGTJ Variety Show, 7 p.m., Stained Glass Theatre Joplin. Joplin’s annual variety show fundraiser! Enjoy an evening of songs, games, skits, bingo, comedy sketches and more during this family-friendly event. Purchase tickets at purplepass.com/sgtjvariety. Tickets: Adults $10, kids $5. Info: sgtjoplin@gmail. com.

August 26: Back to School Bash 2023, 6:30-10 p.m., Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex. Kick back and relax with live music, local art, raffles, vendors and more! Join The Non-Permitted Project for the third annual Back to School Bash featuring performances from local bands, including The Odyssey, TownHouseFire, The Ragetones, Speciosa, and Riverside Current. Proceeds will go to FosterAdopt Connect and The ROCC. All ages welcome. Purchase tickets in advance at the-non-permitted-project.square.site/s/order. Tickets: In advance $7, at the door $10. Info: thenonpermittedproject@gmail.com, 417.489.9068.

Events:

August 1: Chat & Craft (ages 18+), 6-8 p.m., Joplin Public Library. Whether you crochet, knit, stitch, draw or paint, bring along your current project. Free. More information: sturnerhill@joplinpubliclibrary.org, 417.623.7953 x1030.

August 3: First Thursday ArtWalk, 5:30-8:30 p.m., downtown Joplin. Dozens of artists will show or demonstrate their artistic process and all art will be for sale. Map of participating locations is available at facebook.com/ firstthursdayartwalkjoplin. Free. lteeter00@gmail.com, 417.438.5931.

August 4: First Friday WineShare (ages 21+), 6-8 p.m., Chaos Brewing. WineShare is a national event that takes place the First Friday of each month. It’s a great opportunity to meet new friends or catch up with old ones. Open to ages 21 and up. Free. Info: info@downtownjoplin.com, 417.501.9649.

August 4: August First Friday with VSM Joplin, 7-10 p.m., Just A Taste Webb City. Join Vintage Swing Movement (VSM) Joplin for a dance lesson. After the lesson, show off your new skills or kick back and enjoy live music from NWA Jazz & More Orchestra and cocktails from Just A Taste during a social dance at

8 p.m. Pre-registration encouraged; for information on how to register, visit fb.me/e/1cXZgi3TU. Tickets: At the door $10, in advance $8, students $5. Info: vsmjoplin@gmail.com, 316.243.8175.

August 4-6: Joplin Emancipation Park Days Celebration 2023, all day, Ewert Park, Murphy Blvd. Annual event aims to celebrate and teach the Joplin area about African American freedom, achievement and culture while uniting everyone in the community. This year, participants can expect three full days of activities, including live entertainment and music, car show, kid’s market, dominoes tournament, movie night in the park, local vendors and more! Free. Info: joplinemancipation@gmail.com, 417.438.4980.

August 5: JoMoCon, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex. This local convention brings anime, gaming, science fiction, fantasy and all other parts of the “nerdverse” to the Joplin area. With entertaining panels, vendors selling original art and fandom merchandise, cosplay and gaming competitions and more, this event is a fun way to celebrate pop culture while raising money for a good cause. A portion of the convention’s proceeds will be donated to the Children’s Center of Joplin. Register and pay in advance at jomocon.org. Cost: In advance $12, at the door $15. Info: contact@jomocon. org, 417.592.7438.

August 5: Pepper Fest 2023, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Joplin Empire Market. Try a variety of sauces and salsas, roast peppers with Oakwoods Farm, enjoy margaritas and other tasty drinks from the Market Cantina and more! Craft projects for kids of all ages also available. Free; food and drink available for purchase. Info: ivy@ downtownjoplin.com, 928.514.7713.

August 6, 13, 20 & 27: Open Mic Comedy Night, 9 p.m., Blackthorn Pizza & Pub. Try out your latest stand-up routine or take in the acts of local comedians. Age restrictions: 18+ until 10 p.m.; 21+ from 10 p.m. until close. Free. Info: potterdakoda1982@gmail.com, 417.540.9186.

August 8: Sean Fitzgibbon Author Visit & Exhibit, 6-7:30 p.m. Sean Fitzgibbon is the author of What Follows is True: Crescent Hotel, a nonfiction graphic novel that depicts the mythologies surrounding the Crescent Hotel’s two years as the Baker Hospital, a Depression-era cancer hospital in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Following the presentation about his graphic novel, Sean will sign books, which will be available for purchase. This program coincides with the opening of an accompanying exhibit of the original artworks Sean created for the publication. Free. Info: jill@postartlibrary.org, 417.623.7953 X1041.

August 10: Joplin Writers’ Guild, 6 p.m., Joplin Public Library, 1901 E. 20th St. Members have published novels, nonfiction books and articles. Dues $10 for the year, but anyone interested can attend their first meeting free. Info: s.v.farnsworth@gmail.com, 417.691.0480.

August 12: 8th Annual Joplin Area Arts & Cultural Preview, 10 a.m.noon, Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Beshore Performance Hall. Annual event that gives arts and cultural organizations the chance to tell their story and share what they have planned for the year ahead. Each organization has a total of two minutes to present. This event educates the public about upcoming events and encourages collaboration between participating organizations and informs the media of potential news stories. Registration is required for presenters. All presenters must register by Monday, Aug. 5. To register, visit bit.ly/preview-registration-2023. Free. Info: lauren@ connect2culture.org, 417.501.5550.

August 17: Third Thursday, 5:30-8:30 p.m., downtown Joplin. Third Thursday, Joplin’s premier cultural event, is back! Every third Thursday, March through October, thousands of people gather on Main Street in downtown Joplin to enjoy local artisans, music, entertainment and food. Free. Info: ivy@ downtownjoplin.com, 928.514.7713.

August 19: National Aviation Day, 1 p.m., CLA Creativity Lab. Celebrate National Aviation Day with the Creative Learning Alliance and enjoy flightrelated exhibits and events. Registration required; visit facebook.com/ creativelearningalliance to register. $5. Info: neely@creativelearningalliance.org, 417.850.7137.

August 21: MSSU Choral Society Rehearsal (ages 18+), 7-9 p.m., Missouri Southern State University. The choir is open to anyone, college age and older, and does not require auditions. Registration forms available during the first few rehearsals. Interested singers may attend the first two rehearsals at no charge. $30. Info: wbloss@gmail.com, 417.385.3996.

Exhibits:

August 1-September 29: Beautiful Places – Paintings by Dannette Belote, Joplin Public Library, The Bramlage and Willcoxon Foundation Gallery, 1901 E. 20th St. Info: jill@postartlibrary.org, 417.623.7953 X1041.

August 1-31: Art at Plant Parenthood, Plant Parenthood 417, 528 S. Main St. Plant Parenthood, a store that helps people experience, grow and decorate with plants, is not only dedicated to plants, but to local artists. A variety of area artists display and offer their artwork for sale in this downtown, boho store. Drop in to see unbe-leaf-able artwork from Marta Churchwell, Merlen White, Connie Miller, Brent Skinner and more. Free. Info: plantparenthood417@gmail. com.

August 8-31: Sean Fitzgibbon Exhibit, Joplin Public Library. A collection of original artworks by author/artist Sean Fitzgibbon from his nonfiction graphic novel What Follows is True: Crescent Hotel, which explores the mythologies surrounding the Crescent Hotel’s two years as a Depression-era cancer hospital in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Free. Info: jill@postartlibrary.org, 417.623.7953 X1041.

August 18-October 7: Delectable: Art of the Edible, Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts. From whimsical to profound, pop art and lowbrow to classical and surrealism, Delectable: Art of the Edible focuses on unique takes on the subject of the edible. This exciting exhibition looks at food in a different way. What if everything in the world was edible? What if food was the basic component of every aspect of our lives? What happens when good food goes bad? Free; donations appreciated. Info: jhenning@spivaarts.org, 417.623.0183.

Classes

August 9: Moving Mindfully: T’ai Chi on the Green with Becky Browne (ages 13+), 3:30-4:30 p.m., Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts. Enjoy this gentle movement experience that brings focus and balance to your movements. Please wear comfortable clothing. Registration required; register at spivaarts.org/classes. $15. Info: jhenning@ spivaarts.org, 417.623.0183.

August 12: Glass Sunflowers with Jane McCaulley (ages 8+), 10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m., Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts. Learn about making fused glass art and create a glass sunflower to enjoy year-round. Registration required; register at spivaarts.org/classes. $35. Info: jhenning@spivaarts.org, 417.623.0183.

August 12 & 19: Marvelous Mandala Making with Ann Leach (age 13+), 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts. Explore creative methods for creating mandalas as your personal expression of peace and calm. Participants will weave, draw and paint together. Please visit spivaarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/CALM-PROGRAMSUPPLIES-LIST-logo.pdf for a supply list. Registration required; register at spivaarts.org/classes. $15. Info: jhenning@spivaarts.org, 417.623.0183.

August 26: You & Yoga with Sandi Krumsick (ages 13+), 9-10 a.m., Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts. Join Sandi Krumsick on the mat or in a chair for yoga in the gallery. Relax your body, mind and spirit as you move into the weekend feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Bring your mat if you have one and enjoy a unique setting of art, beauty and peace. Please wear comfortable clothing. Registration required; register at spivaarts. org/classes. Cost: $15. Info: jhenning@spivaarts.org, 417.623.0183.

August 26: Wabi Sabi Scrolls with Ann Leach (age 13+), 2-3 p.m., Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts, 212 W. Seventh St. Set an intention and use elements from nature, stones and beads and slow stitching to create a scroll as a visual reminder of your personal plan. Please visit spivaarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/CALM-PROGRAMSUPPLIES-LIST-logo.pdf for a supply list. Registration required; register at spivaarts.org/classes. Cost: $15. Info: jhenning@spivaarts.org, 417.623.0183.

August 26: Slow Stitching Open Studio with Ann Leach (age 13+), 3-4:30 p.m., Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts. Hand stitching is a meditative practice that combines thread and fabric in simple and imperfect ways. Bring a project in progress or start a new one during this 90-minute open studio. Please visit spivaarts.org/wp-content/ uploads/2023/05/CALM-PROGRAM-SUPPLIES-LIST-logo.pdf for a supply list. Registration required; register at spivaarts.org/classes. $15. Info: jhenning@ spivaarts.org, 417.623.0183.

August 30: Soul-Full Stretching (ages 13+), 9-10 a.m., Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts. Get the kinks out of your body, mind and spirit during this one-hour class. Participants will perform a combination of standing and sitting stretches, all while surrounded by worldclass art in the gallery. Registration required; register at spivaarts.org/classes. $15. Info: jhenning@spivaarts.org, 417.623.0183.

August 30: Mindful Meditation with Rachel Barnes (ages 13+), 12:15-12:35 p.m., Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts. Join Rachel Barnes on your lunch hour for a 20-minute meditation in the gallery. Bring your own lunch and enjoy eating on the terrace afterward. Please wear comfortable clothing. Registration required; register at spivaarts.org/ classes. $10. Info: jhenning@spivaarts.org, 417.623.0183.

RECURRING CLASSES:

Create N’ Sip Studios, 223 W. 3rd Street:

Wednesdays: Wine’d Down Wednesday, 5-9 p.m. Canvas and home decor DIY event. Choose the project that works for you. Prices vary depending on chosen project. $28-$58. Info: coleman@creatensip.com, 417.680.5434.

Saturdays: Saturday Morning Choose Your Canvas, 10 a.m. Select the painting you want to recreate and let the experienced staff at Create N’ Sip help you make a masterpiece. Prices vary depending on chosen project. Cost: $28$176. Information: coleman@creatensip.com, 417.680.5434.

Local Color Art Gallery & Studio, 1027 S. Main Street: Call the gallery at 417.553.0835 to sign up.

Every Tuesday: Beginner’s watercolor class, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., $20. Bring your own supplies. Ages 8 and up.

Every Tuesday: Improve Your Painting and Learn Principles of Design., 2 p.m. Bring your own watercolor, oils or acrylic paint for personal instruction from award-winning artist Paula Giltner. $20.

Every Wednesday: Drawing class, 3-5 p.m. $25; all drawing supplies furnished.

August 11: Watercolor class; 1-3 p.m. $30, includes all supplies.

August 12: Saturday Paint Class, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., $30, includes all supplies and ice cream cone from Caroline’s; ages 8 and up. Paint Monet or Van Gogh.

August 12: FUNdamentals of Paint Pouring, 6 p.m. One 8x10 and one 11x14. $40, includes all supplies; ages 9 and up.

Neosho, MO:

July 7-August 25: Hidden In My Pencil: Works by Robert Appleby, Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce, Big Spring Gallery. Robert Appleby is a self-taught artist who works primarily in graphite and ink. Free. Info: neoshoartscouncil@ gmail.com.

Through September 21: Heritage by Sherry Pettey, Southwest Missouri Bank, 110 N. Neosho Blvd. Heritage is a 9-foot by 7-foot acrylic painting on three joined panels commissioned in 2006 by the Newton County Tourism Council. It was painted in a style that resembles the work of famed regionalist painter and Neosho native Thomas Hart Benton, and it includes a variety of elements that pay homage to Neosho’s rich history. Free. Info: neoshoartscouncil@gmail.com.