The WWII paintings of Thomas Hart Benton

Thomas Hart Benton (1889 – 1975) was an American painter, muralist, and printmaker. Along with Grant Wood and John Steuart Curry, Thomas Hart Benton was at the forefront of the Regionalist art movement. The fluid, sculpted figures in his paintings showed everyday people in scenes of life in the United States.

This exhibit has a collection of 25 original Benton works that were commissioned by the US Navy in 1943. In addition to these originals, reproductions of Benton’s “Year of Peril” has his images that were made after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Full of evocative imagery, color, and symbolism, these works served as Benton’s rallying cry to the American public to support U.S. entry into World War II.

The Benton exhibit has been here for months, and is now about to close. There’s lots more to see at the museum (which is the birthplace of Douglas MacArthur), if you’re so inclined— check their website for details: MacArthur Military Museum website

Admission is free.

I’m trying to get a tour arranged for our group, but have not heard back yet. A self-guided tour is the backup plan!

It’s going to be a scorcher on Sunday. The museum will be nice and cool! After we’ve finished, we could stroll over to Stone’s Throw Brewing for a cold one. Should be fun!