Our Power Partners retirement club toured the Thomas Hart Benton home and studio on May 16, 2013. If you have seen any of the older posts about the club's activities, you know that we do something interesting every month. I am on the Board of Directors for the club and I am the "unofficial" photographer for the club. I am not the only person taking photos but I do try to make as many of the events as I can to ensure that we have nice photos to post on our website.
I was particularly glad to be taking this tour since Benton has long been my favorite artist. Not all agree with my taste, but I think he was more than just a painter. He was a historian, biographer, and a political commentator as well as one of the most gifted artists of the 20th century. The home is owned and operated by the State of Missouri as a historical landmark.
It was a beautiful day and we took the opportunity to walk around the neighborhood before the tour started. the homes in the Roanoke part of Kansas City are majestic.
Across the street from Benton's home, we found a tree that probably had some natural holes in it at its base. The homeowner covered the holes with little doors and turned it into a "fairy house". The neighborhood kids write notes to the fairy and leave them inside the tree....pretty neat.
The homeowner had a great sense of humor.
The next few photos are of Benton's home.
The visitors center at the home.
The home tour started on the screened porch.
The two glass panels on either side of the front door were painted by Benton's daughter.
As you can see from the above photos of the home, it was large but not lavishly decorated, Of course, it has lots of really nice paintings on the walls.....originals.
The studio was large but kind of dark for my taste.
After the tour we all gathered at Jazz on 39th Street for lunch. If you haven't ever eaten there, you should try it if you like Cajun.
Another great day.
