We’re Springing Forward
The flowers and trees are blossoming and so are we! So much good has come to the Cornell Complex these past few months and we’re celebrating with this latest update.
Celebrating the Life of a Creative Spirit
Jo Mueller passionately supported development of the Cornell Complex and was instrumental in developing this home for the arts in Joplin that will bring together Connect2Culture, Spiva Center for the Arts, and more under one roof. Her input and expertise was invaluable and this dream, which is quickly becoming a reality, would not have been possible without her. Learn more about Jo’s impact on the Complex, as well as Joplin’s creative community (and beyond) here.
Jo's legacy will live on in many ways – both tangible and intangible. The rental gallery in the Spiva wing of the Cornell Complex, which Jo championed, has been dedicated to her memory by Connect2Culture and the Cornell Complex. The Jo Mueller Gallery will provide rental space for exhibitions by area artists and art groups. The Spiva board has also designated the Small Works Auction, an annual fundraiser, as the Jo Mueller Small Works Auction, beginning in 2022.
A celebration of Jo's life will be held June 19, 2021, 4:30-6:30pm at Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary (602 S. Byers Ave., Joplin, MO).
Building Basics
Being stopped by a red light near the future site of the Cornell Complex has never been such a treat! Have you seen the progress? Big equipment, piles of dirt, foundations being laid, footings, and more are quickly coming together. Though not the most exciting, or glamorous, we can already see the building taking shape.
Soon, we will start sharing monthly footage from our new time-lapse camera! Installed across Joplin Street, it will provide a regular birds-eye-view of progress being made. We can’t wait to share it with you and watch the Complex grow, together.
Cornell Conversations
COVID-19 didn’t stop supporters of the Cornell Complex from safely gathering for the groundbreaking of the building on Monday, February 1, 2021. Representatives of the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Connect2Culture, and Spiva Center for the Arts, alongside approximately 125 community members, gathered to celebrate. After remarks from project leaders, attendees stood socially distanced outlining a spray-painted footprint of the soon-to-be Complex. Pompoms waved, a drone flew overhead, and all counted down in anticipation of this long-awaited milestone.
With restrictions easing, the Cornell Complex's operating organizations are busy planning and hosting in-person, arts and cultural events once again! Take a look at some of their upcoming offerings below (click on the images below for details).
Connect2Culture
Farewell Angelina
Saturday, June 5 | 7:00pm
Joplin Empire Market Courtyard
Spiva center for the arts
Dear World From Joplin With Love
10th Anniversary
May 20–23, 2021
Cornell Community
View the latest links to media featuring the Cornell Complex, like The Joplin Globe’s coverage of our exciting groundbreaking ceremony, ShowMe The Ozarks Magazine's "Faces & Places" groundbreaking spotlight, and the latest Op-Ed in The Joplin Globe from Curt Crossland, President Midwest Region for Crossland Construction Company.
Don’t Forget!
The matching gift challenge is a great opportunity for new donors to maximize impact with this momentous project. Encourage friends, family, and coworkers who have not yet given to get involved before the challenge ends June 30, 2021. Click here to learn more!