For issue 3 of the Joplin Toad, we are proud to bring you the wisdom and joy of one of Joplin’s most prolific artists: Jorge Leyva. Originally hailing from Peru, Jorge moved here to be a student at Missouri Southern. There, a professor expressed to him that he had an artistic ability that should never be ignored. Thankfully, Jorge listened.

We call this “Read our DMs” because we’re going to post screenshots from the interview we conducted over Instagram.

Have you ever been alone somewhere when you felt that tingling sensation on the back of your neck? Or ever seen a shadow in the corner of your eye but when you looked nothing was there?

By day, they’re ordinary women: fitness instructors, stay-at-home mothers, students, preachers’ wives. But twice a week, they shed these responsibilities at the Spinning Wheels Skate Center in Carl Junction. They become the Mo-Kan Roller Girlz. 

Norman is the kind of person who will greet you with a smile and is always looking for ways to give back to the people around him. I wanted to interview him because he is one of the people that make Joplin feel special, I hope you enjoy getting to know him more and all the stories he has to tell, enjoy.

Joplin Toad: Tell us about our cover toad. Who is this toad? How'd you come up with him?

Aubrey Prunty: The Toad you meet on the cover of this issue is the Toad you might meet one evening on your way inside to the air conditioning after a long hot day.

ADVERTISING

Favorite billboard?
Over saturation wins.
Hershewe landslide!

THERE IS AN ARTIST IN EACH OF US

Some artists are undiscovered,
Some are hidden away,
Their talent to be uncovered and shine another day.

Did you know the Joplin Toad has a twitter?

This is where we get edgy, occasionally poking a bit of friendly fun at the city we have come to love.
Follow @joplintoad for more tweets like these and RT if you get a laugh out of them.