Where it’s ‘COOL’ to be YOU!

JOPLIN ARTS DISTRICT NEWS - A snapshot of news, events and activities happening in January.

Beast & Barrel presents Nature: Petals to Wings, the photography of Koral Martin at 530 South Main Street.

Blackthorn Pizza & Pub hosts Open Mic Stand Up Comedy every Sunday 8:30 p.m. Free. Drag show Feb. 17, 10 p.m.-12 a.m., for ages 21+, $5 cover charge. 510 South Joplin Avenue.

Chaos Brewing Company hosts trivia night every Wednesday. Sign up starts at 5 p.m., game at 7 p.m. Free play. 112 South Main Street.

Connect2Culture presents the following performances at the new Harry M.

Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex:

• FREE concert by pianist Steven Spooner, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m.

• Family performance by The Secret Agency with an interactive hip-hop show combining music, dance, storytelling and imagination to encourage kids to value their uniqueness. Feb. 14, 7 p.m. Tickets: $15-$20.

• The Aquila Theatre’s production of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice, Feb. 22, 7 p.m. Tickets: $30-$35.

Call 417.501.5550. 212 West 7th Street.

Creative Learning Alliance is a STEM-based learning lab for kids of all ages. Join them Feb. 11 for a women in science experience, 2-3 p.m., $5 per person. 905 South Main Street.

Club 609 features the pastels-and-oil-paints artwork of Kathleen House in “Housewife & Handyman.” 609 South Main Street.

Dream Theatre Co., will hold auditions for Bonnie and Clyde Feb. 25-26 at 7 p.m. 417.622.6470. 124 South Main Street.

Joplin Avenue Coffee Company, 506 South Joplin Avenue

• Merlen White’s Geisha exhibit throughout February

• Live music from Vagabond Grove Feb. 3 at 6:30 p.m. Cover charge is $10 for the 21+ audience.

• Swing dance lesson from Vintage Swing Movement and dance from 7-9 p.m., Feb. 25 for 18+ with a $5 cover charge per person, $8 per couple.

• Free performances: Joplin Improv’s show Feb. 17, 7 p.m.; Downtown Poetry Feb. 20 at 6 p.m.; and Open Mic Feb. 23 at 6:30 p.m.

Local Color Art Gallery - See Facebook about walk-in classes throughout the month TuesdaySaturday. 1027 South Main Street.

Plant Parenthood presents artwork from artists Marta Churchwell, Merlen White, Daria Claiborne, Connie Miller, Raelynn Willis, Lois Sayle and Brent Skinner. 528 South Main Street.

Spiva Center for the Arts presents:

• Holly Wilson’s exhibit “The Thread that Connects Us” in the Freeman Health System Main Gallery

• The 91 lithographs of Thomas Hart Benton curated by the Missouri State Historical Society in the Four States Gallery

• Third Grade Collaboration in the Jo Muelller Reserve Gallery

• Robert Higgs: At the Center in the Harry M. Cornell Permanent Collection Gallery. All exhibits free; donations welcome. Spiva Center for the Arts inside the Cornell Complex, 212 West 7th Street.

Urban Art Gallery presents a show of local artists entitled “A Love Story”. 511 South Main Street.

Countryside in the City is one of the leading florists in Joplin for fine, quality roses, flowers, plants and gifts for every occasion. Let our experienced designers and staff create a one-of-a-kind gift you will love. We also offer beautiful custom-designed wedding flower arrangements including wedding bouquets, centerpieces and boutonnieres. Open Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm and Saturday 9 am-1 pm. Convenient parking.

Blackthorn Pizza & Pub is a welcoming and inclusive Irish pub in the heart of downtown Joplin. This hip spot is famous for its delicious food, huge beer selection on tap, the area’s best live music and unforgettable drag shows. Follow Blackthorn on Facebook for upcoming events. Open 7 days a week and now also open for lunch Thursday through Monday.

By Kristi Spencer

Photos by Mandy Edmonson