Bingham to Benton: The Midwest as Muse

February 5, 2005—July 31, 2005

The Midwest has inspired artists for nearly two centuries. The Nelson-Atkins houses the largest public collections of two of the region’s best-known painters: George Caleb Bingham and Thomas Hart Benton.

Bingham to Benton included not only paintings by these native sons, but also prints and drawings by both artists, including a selection of Bingham’s drawings owned by the people of Missouri and exhibited for the first time in more than a decade. The installation also offered a sampling of paintings, watercolors and prints by other artists with Midwestern connections, including John Steuart Curry, Grant Wood and Birger Sandzen.

This exhibition was supported by the Campbell-Calvin Fund for special exhibitions and H&R Block, Inc. Midwest Airlines was the official airline sponsor.

George Caleb Bingham, American (1811–1879). Canvassing for a Vote, 1852. Oil on canvas. Purchase: Nelson Trust. [54-9]