Undoubtedly the most renowned artist from Missouri, Mr. Benton possessed a unique ability to interpret American lifestyle and culture, unmistakable and somewhat a matter of state pride. On permanent display in House Lounge of the Missouri State Capitol, A Social History of the State of Missouri stands testament to his accomplishments. The mural is a marvel in real time.
Excepting large scale installations like those, he worked primarily from his home in the Roanoke area of Kansas City, from 1939 until his death in 1975. Preserved as Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site, entering the home is as if he only just stepped away.
The house reflects the varied interests of the artist and his family, containing many of his favorite original paintings and sculptures, and gifts from others.
The converted art studio in the carriage house remains much as he left it. A scattering of jars and and cans full of paintbrushes, paint, and a lone canvas standing in the sunlight awaits his brush.
Indeed, Mr. Benton had just put the final touches on The Sources of Country Music, a mural painted for the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, immediately before his death.
This site is one of the few gems in the city of Kansas City as times slides on but is well worth the visit. The following video gives a small taste of what this state park has to offer.
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further reading
Missouri State Parks
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