Calendar of Events

What’s Happening in the Ozarks

 If you have an event you would like to see listed in the Calendar of Events, please email your request to [email protected] Events are printed on a space available basis and must be received by the 5th of the month prior to the month of the schedule event.

Northwest Arkansas

April 5: April First Friday – The Eclipse, 3 p.m., downtown Bentonville square. Free, family-friendly community event features local artists, live music, a variety of vendors and fun for the whole family. More information at [email protected] or 479.295.2396.   

April 6: RunBentonville Half Marathon. This race takes runners on a tour through Bentonville to experience cool neighborhoods and beautiful landmarks, including Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, The Momentary, amazing public art and a tour of eight public parks. Online registration closes April 2 at 11:59 p.m. Once online registration is closed, the remaining opportunity to register will be at the Health and Wellness Expo and Packet Pickup if race registrations do not exceed capacity. No race-day registration. More information at [email protected] or 479.464.7275.

Carl Junction Community Center, 303 N. Main St., 417.649.7237

Monday, Wednesday & Friday Pickleball, 6-10 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 1-3 p.m., and Sunday 1-6 p.m. Tuesday yoga 6 p.m. 

First Saturday of each month: Carl Junction Lions Breakfast, 8-11 a.m. The CJ Lions Club sponsors a monthly buffet breakfast with proceeds going to various community organizations and projects. Adults and children 11 and up, $7; children ages 3-10, $3; children under 3 eat free.

Pittsburg, KS

April 4: An Evening with Rainn Wilson, 7 p.m., Bicknell Family Center for the Arts at Pittsburg State University. Wilson is perhaps best known by audiences as Dwight Schrute from NBC’s acclaimed series, “The Office.” He has also spent years exploring the ways we all seek connection, hope, truth, identity and purpose – themes that have unfolded in content he has created for digital, television, books and live engagements. He has urged audiences and readers to dig deep into life’s biggest questions — of philosophy, creativity, spirituality, love, truth, science, mental health and more – with humor and honesty through a television series, digital content and in books he has authored.   

Joplin, MO

April 6: Eighth Annual Comedy for Camp, 7 p.m., Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Beshore Performance Hall, 212 W. Seventh St. Venue doors open at 5:30 p.m. for pre-show activities in the lobby (silent auction preview, gift card grab and concessions). Features two nationally touring comedians, Greg Hahn and Chad Thornsberry. Benefits Camp Soroptimist for foster children. Tickets and info at givebutter.com/comedyforcamp8.   

Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center, 201 W. Riviera Drive, Joplin. Your local connection to Missouri’s fish, forests and wildlife. Check out the native plant landscaping, exhibits or hike the trails. Purchase a fishing or hunting permit, attend a nature program or watch for wildlife along the trails and banks of Shoal Creek. Enjoy a variety of free public programs throughout the year. Education Center is open Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed Sunday, Monday and most state holidays. Call 417.629.3434, email [email protected] or visit mdc.mo.gov/events for upcoming events. The parking lot, grounds and trail are open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. 

April 3: Hunter Education: Skills Session, 6-10 p.m. Registration required. Ages 11-up. This skills session will satisfy part two of the Missouri Hunter Education requirements. To enter the session, you must complete the knowledge portion and provide proof of completion by presenting either a qualifier certificate or a completed hunter education student manual before the day of the event.  

April 4: Virtual Program: Fish Cooking Equipment Needed, 2:30-3 p.m. Registration required. Ages 12-up. This session focuses on the common equipment needed for cooking fish and different cooking methods.  

April 9: Introduction to Fly Tying, 6:30-8 p.m. Registration required. Ages 12-up. Join the Shoal Creek staff and MAKO fly fishers as we continue a fly-tying series designed for the beginner and expert. We will go over equipment and supplies needed as we tie flies that resemble a caddis fly. All materials provided, but feel free to bring your own vice and tools. Space is limited; please register.    

April 10: Virtual Program: Where Can I? – Hunt for Mushrooms, 12-12:30 p.m. Registration required. Ages 12-up. We will discuss morels and the life cycle of other mushrooms, habitat and locations of where to look for them as well as rules and regulations. 

April 11: Virtual Program: Fish Cooking: Frying Fish, 2:30-3 p.m. Registration required. Ages 12-up. This session focuses on frying fish, including the different types of oil, seasonings and methods. 

April 12: Little Acorns: Rad Reptiles, 10:30-11 a.m. Registration required. Recommended for ages 3-7. Missouri is home to many different reptiles. Some are fast, some are slow. Some walk and some slither. Join us to learn about these rad reptiles and to make a craft to take home. 

April 13: Wildflower ID Fundamentals, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Registration required. Ages 12-up. Let’s discover the beauty and uniqueness of ephemeral wildflowers. Join naturalists to learn how to identify spring wildflowers, then put your new knowledge to the test by exploring the wildflowers in bloom on the trails and around the center.    

April 18: Virtual Program: Fish Cooking: Grilling Fish, 2:30-3 p.m. Registration required. Ages 12-up. In this session, we will discuss different methods, techniques and ingredients to grill or bake fish.   

April 20: Naturescaping for Beginners: Tried and True, 10 a.m.-noon. Registration required. Ages 5-up. Naturescaping is using native flowers, vines, shrubs and other plants that share our environment for our landscaping needs. The benefits of a purposeful flowerbed or landscape will be covered from the roots up, including starting with a new space to rehabbing an existing flowerbed. The design and plant components of a butterfly garden, hummingbird haven and more ideas to entice wanted wildlife will be included. 

April 25: Virtual Program: Fish Cooking: Other Methods, 2:30-3 p.m. Registration required. Ages 12-up. In this session, we will look at smoking, canning, pickling and salting fish. 

April 30: Wonderful Wildflower ID Webinar, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Registration required. Ages 8-up. Signs of spring can be seen everywhere, from birds migrating back to Missouri to blooms on the forest floor. Learn how to identify spring wildflowers and which ones you may see in your own backyard. 

George Washington Carver National Monument Visitor Center Free Programs. Two miles west of Diamond, Missouri, on Highway V, one-quarter mile south on Carver Road. Visitor center and park grounds open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 417.325.4151 or visit www.nps.gov/gwca. *Programs will be presented outside on park grounds.  

April 7: Casting a Legacy – Art Walk, 1 p.m. Join a park ranger for a walk near the visitor center, exploring commemorative artwork along the trail.  

April 13 & 14: George Washington Carver: A Man of Great Faith, 1 p.m. George Washington Carver’s deep faith in God guided his life. He credited divine revelation for his scientific achievements and creative abilities.  

April 20 & 21: Struggle for an Education, 1 p.m. Learn about challenges George Washington Carver faced in his pursuit of a formal education in the years following the Civil War. 

April 27: Art in the Park and National Junior Ranger Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Visitors will be able to participate in demonstrations and instructional workshops using pastels, natural dyes, pencils and more. Artists needed for plein air painting, conducting art workshops or both. Children of all ages celebrate National Junior Ranger Day with a variety of junior ranger books, art activities and earning a special badge.     

April 28: Film: “George Washington Carver: An Uncommon Life,” 1 p.m. This 56-minute Iowa Public Broadcasting Service documentary highlights George Washington Carver’s complexities and reveals the full impact of his life and work.    

ArtForms Gallery Workshops, 620 N. Broadway, Pittsburg, KS. 620.240.0165. ArtForms Gallery is a co-op of artists offering monthly workshops ranging from acrylic painting, watercolor, glass fusing, pottery, metalsmithing, jewelry, textiles, kids’ art and more. Call ArtForms Gallery to register for any artist’s workshop. Refunds/Cancellations: Decisions regarding refunds and cancellations are determined by the artist leading the workshop. For more information, go to the Facebook page at ArtFormsGallery620/ or visit www.artforms-gallery.com.

Every Tuesday (April 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30): Art Explorations, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Free. Join Gallery Artist Pat Glick every Tuesday afternoon for a fun time working on your own project or art. 

April 3: Wood-burned Jewelry Tray, 4-6 p.m. Workshop fee $40, due at time of registration. Class limit of 10. Ages 14-up. Draw a design or stencil on a wooden tray. Woodburning tools available along with a scrap piece of wood for practice. Paint pens available to add color.  

April 6: Neuro-graphic Drawing, 10 a.m.-noon. Workshop fee $35, due at time of registration. Class limit of 12. Ages 18-up. De-stress and build new neuro pathways in your brain. This is more about the process than the finished result.  

April 6: Landscape Acrylic Painting, 1-4 p.m. Workshop fee $35, due at time of registration. Class limit of 8. Ages 14-up. Acrylic painting class for beginners. You’ll create your own galaxy! Canvas, approximately 14” x 16”, paint and brushes, along with instructions, are included with the fee. 

April 13: Spring Floral Straw Hat Workshop, 10 a.m.-noon. Workshop fee $40, due at time of registration. Class limit of 14. Ages 10-up. Make trendy, chic and cute spring floral straw hat door hangers. Pick your own faux flowers, ribbon and other decorations. All materials provided. 

April 13: Wood-burned Small Wall Hanger, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Workshop fee $50, due at time of registration. Class limit of 10. Ages 14-up. Draw a design or stencil. Wood-burning tools available along with a scrap piece of wood for practice to get a feel for lines and shading. 

April 14: Lovely Embroidered Pillow, 1-3 p.m. Workshop fee $30, due at time of registration. Class limit of 10. Ages 12-up. Learn basic hand embroidery stitches. Will focus on the following outline stitches: running stitch, back stitch, threaded stitch, whipped stitch, split stitch, stem stich and fern stitch. Materials provided included fabric, embroidery floss, needle, embroidery hoop and frixion pen. 

April 20: Bloomin’ Glass Flowers, 10 a.m.-noon OR 1-3 p.m. Workshop fee $35, due at time of registration. Class limit of 10. Ages 8-up (12 and under requires an adult). Use glass powders and water to create a slurry in a variety of colors and design a glass flower to be fused on a ceramic mold. After fusing and drilling a hole, a copper tube will be inserted to make a free-standing flower for your home or flower bed. Please bring a mask (N95 recommended) and wear close-toed shoes.  

April 21: Basic Jewelry Making – Focus on Bracelets, 1-3 p.m. Workshop fee $40, due at time of registration. Class limit of 6. Ages 16-up. Learn how to design and create with color composition and various finishing techniques and the proper tools to use.  

April 27: Ceramic Birdhouses, 1-4 p.m. Workshop fee $60, due at time of registration. Class limit of 8. Ages 14-up. Make your own ceramic birdhouse with the help of artist Daria Claiborne. 

April 28: Wood-burned Bookmarks, 1-3 p.m. Workshop fee $40, due at time of registration. Class limit of 10. Ages 14-up. Draw a design or stencil. Wood-burning tools available along with a scrap piece of wood for practice to get a feel for lines and shading. Paint pens available to add color. 

Wildcat Glades Friends Group, 201 Riviera Dr., Joplin, Missouri. All programs are free of charge, unless otherwise noted. Registration is requested. To register, email [email protected] or visit the Facebook page for online registration options. Robin Standridge, executive director, [email protected], 417.291.3156. 

Various Dates in April: Ongoing Project: Wildcat Park Habitat Restoration & KCU Student Trail Initiative. Wildcat Glades Nature Group, in partnership with Missouri Southern State University and Kansas City University, continues to have work days to remove invasive species at Wildcat Park. The Restoration Plan is an ongoing project that will be carried out over the next 10 years. Workdays are held every other Thursday. If you are interested in becoming involved with the restoration effort, you can check out the Facebook page or contact [email protected]. 

April 10 & 13: Preschool Connections: Salamanders. Free. April 10, 10-11 a.m., and April 13, 1-2 p.m., Wildcat Glades Education Cottage. For ages 3-7. Join Wildcat’s Miss Vicki as she talks, reads and sings about Missouri’s amazing salamanders. After a bombardment of salamander knowledge, you’ll wrap up the program by making your own salamander abodes! Must pre-register by visiting https://bit.ly/PreschoolSalamanders or by emailing [email protected]. 

April 12: Natural Dyes, 6-8 p.m., Wildcat Glades Education Cottage. For ages 13-up. Age limit enforced for the protection of staff and visitors. $10 to attend. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty since you might pick up a few stains while dyeing your own tote bag and tea towel. Must pre-register by visiting https://bit.ly/Natural Dyes24 or by emailing [email protected]. 

April 13: Yoga in Nature for Kids, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Wildcat Glades Education Cottage. Free. For ages 4-up accompanied by an adult. This class is designed to incorporate elements of fun, breathing and yoga poses specifically for kids. Must pre-register. Sign up by following the instructions on the Facebook page, by visiting https://bit.ly/YogainNature2024 or by emailing [email protected].  

April 13: April Foraging Hike, 3-5 p.m., Wildcat Glades Education Cottage. For ages 13-up. $20 to attend. Kelly Hock is a certified foraging instructor and will take a group of attendees on a hike through the trails at Wildcat Park. Attendees will learn about the wonders of wild edibles along the trail system, the ethics of foraging and how to identify edible plants. Must pre-register by visiting https://bit.ly/AprilForagingHike or by emailing [email protected].

April 27: May the Forest be with You: Rise of the Natives/Revenge of the Invasives, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Wildcat Glades Pavilion. All ages welcome. Free. Several organizations are teaming up to battle the forces of invasive species and protect Wildcat Glades! If the ultimate battle between good and evil isn’t your forte, we’ll also feature a native tree giveaway, live music, food trucks, recycled art contest and numerous booths hosted by organizations. Questions: [email protected].

 

 

 Cultural Events

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

Joplin, MO

Performances: 

 April 13: Celebrating Elvis Presley’s Recordings from Sun Studios with Hot Club of Cowtown & Tyler Hilton, 7 p.m. (doors 6:30 p.m.), Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Beshore Performance Hall, 212 W. Seventh St. Don’t miss actor and singer/songwriter Tyler Hilton and the talented trio Hot Club of Cowtown as they team up to bring Elvis’ most-celebrated hits to life on stage. Tickets may be purchased at connect2culture.org, 417.501.5550 or at the C2C box office inside the Cornell Complex (Tues.-Sat., 1-5 p.m.). Tickets: $35-$40. More information: [email protected], 417.501.5550.

April 18-20: “Xanadu,” 7 p.m., Joplin High School, 2104 S. Indiana Ave. Joplin High School’s Theatre Department invites you to experience the musical “Xanadu”! Follows the journey of a magical and beautiful Greek muse, Kira, who descends from Mount Olympus to Venice Beach, California, in 1980 on a quest to inspire a struggling artist, Sonny, to achieve the greatest artistic creation of all time—the first roller disco! Tickets available for purchase at vancoevents.com/us/events/landing/39902. Tickets: $8-$10. More information: [email protected].

April 19: Joplin Improv Live Show, 8 p.m., Joplin Avenue Coffee Company, 506 S. Joplin Ave. Enjoy happy hour at 7 p.m. Then, stick around for a free improvised comedy show. More information: [email protected].

April 20: Jontavious Willis, 7 p.m. (doors 6:30 p.m.), Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Beshore Performance Hall, 212 W. Seventh St. An accomplished multi-instrumentalist and Grammy-nominated artist, Jontavious Willis is determined to reinvigorate today’s blues with the spirit of the past. No reservations required. More information: [email protected], 417.501.5550.

April 23: Time for Three, 7 p.m. (doors 6:30 p.m.), Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Beshore Performance Hall, 212 W. Seventh St. Experience this string trio’s charismatic and enthusiastic performance that defies and embraces the traditions of Western music! Tickets may be purchased at connect2culture.org, 417.501.5550 or at the C2C box office inside the Cornell Complex (Tues.-Sat., 1-5 p.m.). Tickets: $40-$45. More information: [email protected], 417.501.5550.

April 26: New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players production of “The Pirates of Penzance” in One Act & An Evening of Gilbert & Sullivan Favorites, 7 p.m. (doors 6:30 p.m.), Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Beshore Performance Hall, 212 W. Seventh St. Come sail the high seas with one act of one of the most famous musicals in theatre history! Then, after intermission, experience the best of Gilbert & Sullivan. Tickets may be purchased at connect2culture.org, 417.501.5550 or at the C2C box office inside the Cornell Complex (Tues.-Sat., 1-5 p.m.). Tickets: $40-$45. More information: [email protected], 417.501.5550.

Monett, MO

Performances: 

April 14: “Hello Summertime!,” 3-4:45 p.m., Monett High School, 1 David Sippy Drive. The Ozark Festival Orchestra wraps up its 44th season and celebrates the start of summer! Additional details to come. More information: [email protected], 417.849.6865.

Joplin, MO

Events:

April 1-30: National Poetry Month. April 2024 marks the 28th annual celebration of poets and poetry. Launched by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National Poetry Month reminds the public poets have an integral role to play in our culture and poetry matters. More information: poets.org/national-poetry-month.

April 2: Opening Reception: Joplin K-12 Art Show, 5:30 p.m., Joplin High School, 2104 S. Indiana Ave. Support and celebrate the talented Joplin Schools students whose artwork is on display in the Joplin High School Performing Art Center foyer and gallery. More information: [email protected].

April 2: Rock Club, 5:30 p.m., Joplin History & Mineral Museum, 504 S. Schifferdecker Ave. Club members listen to presentations on various rock-related topics, show off their favorite finds during a show-and-tell portion and help plan upcoming rock shows. No registration required. More information: [email protected], 417.623.1180 X1586.

April 4: First Thursday ArtWalk, 5:30-8:30 p.m., downtown Joplin. See fine art and art at its finest. A sophisticated event for area artists as well as patrons of the arts. Dozens of artists will show or demonstrate their artistic process, and all art will be for sale. Participating artists will be located inside various venues along with live, acoustic music from local musicians. This event is held on the first Thursday of the month, March through October. Map of participating locations is available at facebook.com/FirstThursdayArtWalkJoplin. More information: [email protected], 417.438.5931.

April 5-8: Solar-bration Eclipse Festival. An exciting four-day festival revolving around the coming solar eclipse! The festival kicks off Friday, April 5, with an adults-only fundraiser and program at Chaos Brewing Company with a special eclipse beer, pizza and giant pretzels. Saturday and Sunday, April 6 and 7, the Creative Learning Alliance’s Science Center lawn at 300 Main St. will be full of activities, stations, presentations and more. Monday, April 8, join the Creative Learning Alliance for an eclipse viewing party with free glasses for all attendees and lots more activities to do while you wait for peak coverage. More information: [email protected], 417.850.7137.

April 6: The ARTY 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run, 8 a.m.-noon, Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts, 212 W. Seventh St. A unique event that celebrates health, the arts and individuality with a splash of vibrant colors. Walk, run or dance through the Arty 5K & Fun Run and help Spiva Center for the Arts champion the arts community in the Joplin area. Funds raised support Spiva Center for the Arts’ advocacy, education and outreach initiatives. Team pricing available. Cost: 5K individual $25; 1-Mile Fun Run individual $20. More information: [email protected], 417.623.0183.

April 7, 14, 21 & 28: Open Mic Comedy Night, 9 p.m. (sign-up 8:30 p.m.), Blackthorn Pizza & Pub, 510 S. Joplin Ave. Join Joplin Comedy and 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. More information: [email protected], 417.540.9186.

April 11: Joplin Writers’ Guild, 6 p.m., Joplin Public Library, 1901 E. 20th St. The Joplin Writers’ Guild, a chapter of the Missouri Writers’ Guild, includes a wide variety of writers. The group focuses on supporting each other and sharing information about the publishing and writing industries. Dues are $10 for the year, but anyone interested can attend their first meeting free. More information: [email protected], 417.691.0480.

April 14: 2nd Sunday Cinema (ages 14+), 1-4 p.m. at Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, 212 W. Seventh St., or 6-9 p.m. at the Route 66 Theater, 24 S. Main St., Webb City. 2nd Sunday Cinema is a monthly celebration of films produced by regional filmmakers from Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma! Every second Sunday of the month, Great Wonders Productions will host screenings of films selected by their Uplift Film Fest jury and will invite filmmakers for live interviews and Q&As about their films. A portion of the box office sales will go to filmmakers, supporting filmmaking and cinematic storytelling in the Four States. Advance tickets highly recommended; purchase tickets at eventbrite.com/e/2nd-sunday-cinema-march-10th-matinee-showing-1-4pm-tickets-828868737707 or at eventbrite.com/e/2nd-sunday-cinema-march-10th-evening-showing-6-9pm-tickets-829423296407. Tickets: $10. More information: [email protected], 417.437.2001.

April 15: Downtown Poetry Reading and Open Mic, 6-8 p.m., Joplin Avenue Coffee Company, 506 S. Joplin Ave. Open mic sign-up begins at 6 p.m. Featured readers Lori Martin and Pittsburg State University students begin at 6:15 p.m. Open mic readings follow at 7 p.m. Meets the third Monday of each month. More information: [email protected].

April 18: Third Thursday, 5:30-8:30 p.m., downtown Joplin. Every third Thursday, March through October, thousands of people gather on Main Street in downtown Joplin to enjoy local artisans, music, entertainment and food. More information: [email protected], 417.501.9649.

April 20: MSSU’s World Music & Cuisine Festival, 5-7:30 p.m., Missouri Southern State University, 3950 E. Newman Rd. Join MSSU for the ninth annual World Music and Cuisine Festival, featuring foods, live music and performances from around the globe. Cost: Unlimited sample wristband $15, children/MSSU students $10. More information: [email protected], 417.625.9736.

April 25: Saltzman Series for Visiting Writers with Chase Dearinger, 6 p.m., Missouri Southern State University Phelps Theater, 3950 E. Newman Rd. Brings contemporary poets and writers of fiction and creative nonfiction to Joplin. Chase Dearinger will read from his debut novel, “The New Dark.” More information: [email protected].

Exhibits:

March 2-April 30: Sgraffito by Linda Ellard-Brown, Joplin Public Library, 1901 E. 20th St. Post Art Library presents a selection of sgraffito works by Joplin-based clay artist Linda Ellard-Brown inside the Joplin Public Library. The word “sgraffito” means the cutting or scratching through an outer coating of slip, glaze or englobe to expose the different-colored clay body beneath. More information: [email protected], 417.623.7953 X1041.

March 16-April 20: PhotoSpiva Kids & Teens, Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts, 212 W. Seventh St. Kids and teens learn about photography as an art form. Local photographer and business owner Drew Kimble served as this year’s juror, choosing the best photos from each young artist, which are displayed in Spiva’s Reserve Gallery. More information: [email protected], 417.621.9814.

April 2-16: Joplin K-12 Art Show, Joplin High School, 2104 S. Indiana Ave. You are invited to support the work of Joplin’s talented young artists. Held in the JHS Performing Art Center’s foyer and art gallery, this show features a variety of artwork from nearly every Joplin school. More information: [email protected].

Recurring Classes:

Create N Sip Studios, 1505 W. 10th St.: 

Wednesdays: Wine’d Down Wednesday, 5-9 p.m. A canvas and home decor DIY event. Cost: $28-$58. More information: [email protected], 417.680.5434.

Saturdays: Saturday Morning Choose Your Canvas, 10 a.m. Select the painting you want to recreate. Cost: $28-$176. More information: [email protected], 417.680.5434.

Dream Theatre Co., 124 S. Main St.:

Feb. 6-May 17: The Acting Academy, 4-6 p.m. Students work with experienced instructors to adapt children’s literature into public theatrical performances. This class, Class A, meets Tuesdays and Thursdays through May 17. Register at forms.gle/fRfPnULQLH5jVQ5a8. Cost: $120 per month + $25 enrollment fee. More information: [email protected].

Feb. 7-May 18: The Acting Academy, 4-6 p.m. Students work with experienced instructors to adapt children’s literature into public theatrical performances. This class, Class B, meets Wednesdays and Fridays through May 18. Register at forms.gle/fRfPnULQLH5jVQ5a8. Cost: $120 per month + $25 enrollment fee. More information: [email protected].

Firehouse Pottery-Joplin, 112 S. Main St.:

Tuesdays: Ladies’ Night Out (ages 18+) until 8 p.m. Enjoy a creative evening. More information: [email protected], 417.553.0671.

Fridays: Date Night until 8 p.m. Friday nights are date night 2-for-1 studio fees for all couples. More information: [email protected], 417.553.0671.

Judy’s Ballroom Dance, 3950 E. Newman Rd.:

Tuesdays: East Coast Swing with Judy Schneider, 6-7 p.m. Dive into the basics of ballroom dancing during this six-week session! This group meets on Tuesdays, April 9-May 14. Cost: $75 per person; $50 for students. More information: Judy Schneider, [email protected], 417.392.0215.

Local Color Art Gallery & Studio, 1027 S. Main St.: 

Tuesdays: Beginner Watercolor Class with Barb Hicklin (ages 8+), 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Join Local Color Art Gallery & Studio artist Barb Hicklin for an informative and fun class. Register by calling Local Color Art Gallery & Studio at 417.553.0835. Cost: $20.

Tuesdays: Oil, Acrylic & Watercolor Class, 2 p.m. Personal instruction from award-winning artist Paula Giltner. Register by calling Local Color Art Gallery & Studio at 417.553.0835. Cost: $20. 

April 6: Fabric Collage Class, 2-6 p.m. Artist: Tricia Courtney. Includes wood panel and fabric. Register by calling Local Color Art Gallery & Studio at 417.553.0835. Cost: $40. 

April 12: Watercolor Class, 1-3 p.m. Artist: Joan Allen. Includes all supplies. Register by calling Local Color Art Gallery & Studio at 417.553.0835. Cost: $30. 

April 13: Paint Class (ages 8+), 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Artists: Jesse McCormick and Margie Moss. Includes all supplies and ice cream from Caroline’s. Paint Monet or Van Gogh or bring a picture of what you would like to paint. Register by calling Local Color Art Gallery & Studio at 417.553.0835. Cost: $30. 

April 19: Fused Glass Potted Cactus Class (ages 8+), 4:30-6 p.m. Includes all supplies. Artist: Jane McCaulley. Register by calling Local Color Art Gallery & Studio at 417.553.0835. Cost: $35. 

April 27: FUNdamentals of Paint Pouring Class, 6 p.m. One 8” x 10” and one 11” x 14”. Includes all supplies. Artist: Mary Parks. Register by calling Local Color Art Gallery & Studio at 417.553.0835. Cost: $40. 

Spiva Center for the Arts, 212 W. Seventh St.:

Tuesdays: Creation Station (ages 6-11), 4-5:15 p.m. Explore the galleries, enjoy fun activities and experiment with a variety of media. Register at spivaarts.org/classes. Sponsored by Dr. John and Joy Cragin. Cost: In advance $6, at door $8. More information: [email protected], 417.621.9812.

Fridays: Memories in the Making, noon-2 p.m. This art experience is centered on the expression of creativity through painting for those dealing with memory loss. More information: [email protected], 417.621.9812.

Tanglefooter’s Round Dance Club, 1802 W. Second St.:

Mondays: Tanglefooter’s Round Dance Club, 7-8 p.m. Learn choreographed ballroom dancing with experienced teachers. Cost: Individual $7.50, couple $15. More information: [email protected], 417.529.0686.

 Health Events

 

Joplin, MO

Every day: Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings. Call 888.740.4568.

Every Monday: Tips for Living a Healthy Life, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., South YMCA, 3404 W. McIntosh Circle. Free; registration required. Call 417.625.2492.

Every Day: 12-Step Recovery Meetings, Alano Club, 1800 E. 30th St. Call 417.623.9645.

April 24: Grief Support Group meets fourth Wednesday of each month, 6-7:30 p.m., Hospice Compassus, 2216 E. 32nd St., Ste. 201. Call 417.623.8272.

Freeman Health System 

Joplin, MO

All events are free and open to the public, unless noted; support group meetings are cancelled on days Joplin R-VIII Schools close due to inclement weather.

April 2: Espresso Yourself Breast Cancer Support Group, 5-6 p.m., Joplin Avenue Coffee Company, 506 S. Joplin Ave. Enjoy a coffee courtesy of Freeman Cornell-Beshore Cancer Institute. Our monthly breast cancer support group enables members to share, gain helpful information and useful tips, as well as form new friendships. Enjoy listening to a special guest from time to time. RSVP to Marcella Sowell at 417.347.2662. 

 

April 10: Freeman Cancer Support Group, 2-3 p.m., Freeman Cornell-Beshore Cancer Institute, 3415 McIntosh Circle. Call Kelley Wheeler at 417.347.4000 for more information. 

 

April 16: Freeman Bariatric Weight-loss Support Group, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Freeman Business Center Conference Rooms, 3220 McClelland Blvd (back entrance). Designed to help those who have had bariatric surgery. For more information, call Janice Drake at 417.347.1266. 

 

April 16: Ozark Center Daytime Autism Support Group, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Bill & Virginia Leffen Center for Autism, 2808 S. Picher Ave. Open to people with autism, parents and caregivers. Call 417.347.7850 for more information. 

 

April 20: Walk, Run & Roar Annual 1-Mile Walk for Autism and Freeman 5K, 8 a.m., Bill & Virginia Leffen Center for Autism, 2808 S. Picher Ave. Dinosaur-themed costumes encouraged. Members of the same team may participate in different events. All proceeds benefit program development and scholarship assistance at the Bill & Virginia Leffen Center for Autism. Register at runsignup.com/freeman5K or call 417.347.7850 for more information. 

 

National Adult Literacy Action For information on NALA, call 417.782.2646, email [email protected] or visit www.joplinnala.org. Located at 123 S. Main St., Joplin. Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Thursday and Friday: 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Nevada, MO

April 6: Birth and Beyond Class, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Meets at the NRMC Mezzanine Conference Room.  This class covers childbirth, breastfeeding and infant care for women in their last trimester. Includes a tour of the NRMC OB when available. $15 registration fee. Fee may be waived if cost is prohibitive. Register by calling 417.448.3710.     

April 23: Rich Hill Family Medical Clinic Screenings, 11 a.m.-noon, Kern Senior Center. Free health screenings are offered every fourth Tuesday of the month to residents of Rich Hill. 

Integris Baptist Regional Health Center, Grove, OK

INTEGRIS Baptist Regional Health Center – For more information, visit www.integrisok.com/baptist-regional-health-center-Miami-ok.

Every Tuesday: Free blood pressure and glucose screenings provided by INTEGRIS Regency Home Care and Hospice. First Tuesday: Commerce Nutrition Center, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Second Tuesday: Nine Tribes Tower, 10-11 a.m. Third Tuesday: Miami Senior Center, 10-11 a.m. Fourth Tuesday: INTEGRIS Baptist Village, 9-10 a.m.

April 2: Alzheimer’s Support Group meets first Tuesday monthly, 11 a.m., Generations fourth floor visiting room. Call 918.542.3391. 

April 9 & 23: Depression Support Group meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, 2 p.m., Northeastern Tribal Health System Conference Room, 2301 Eight Tribes Trail. Call 918.675.2093.