The selection of April 15 for the dedication has historical significance. It is the date on which Benton (1989-1975) was born as well as the 100th anniversary of the Newman Building, which houses the Joplin City Hall. The dedication also fits with Joplin's newly adopted logo, "Proud of our Past/Shaping Our Future."
"We believe in creating 'Art in Public Places' projects where art is accessible to every one of our citizens and visitors. Public art paves the way for the establishment of a creative community that our citizens and business community are seeking," said Sharon Beshore, committee co-chair. "Supporting the installation of public art is one very visible action, which can enhance the quality of life in our community."
Benton was a renowned regionalist painter who captured a rich history relating to Southwest Missouri. His mural, created for Joplin's Centennial in 1973, was heralded as "Joplin's Past in Benton's Brushstrokes" by the Kansas City Star. His grandson's regionalist mural depicting Route 66 and including individuals from the Joplin region who defined that era will be viewed in tandem with his mural, which in part depicts the activities of the House of Lords, Joplin's well-known "entertainment" spot during the heyday of mining. Currently there are no other locations that will exhibit paintings by both grandfather and grandson.
A photo of Anthony Benton Gude at work may be found on the cover of Show Me magazine for March 2010.
Gude, who lives in Frankfort, KS, was commissioned to create the mural in April 2009. His topic was to depict the heyday of Route 66 and complement his grandfather's previously commissioned piece. Funds raised beyond the initial mural cost will be used for framing and upkeep, to provide dedication plaques, as well as to provide a Gude display area which will compliment the Benton display area located on the mezzanine level of city hall.
Becky Brill, committee co-chair, said, "The Gude mural provides the perfect opportunity to expose citizens to the history and culture of our community, to share the generational history between artists and their artistic styles, and to create an environment that integrates art into the everyday living experience within our community."
Beshore and Brill would like to raise an additional $30,000 for the current project. Businesses, individuals and foundations providing support at the Leadership level, $1,000 to $5,000, will be recognized on a plaque mounted near the mural. Supporter donations in the range of $25 up to $1,000 will be recognized in a book-style document located near the mural.
The Joplin Chamber Foundation is a 501 (c)3 organization, which allows donors a tax-deductible contribution. Contributions may be made online through the Chamber website here. Supporters also may make a check payable to Joplin Chamber Foundation, Attention: Gude Mural Project and mail it to Kim Lester, Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, 320 E. 4th St., Joplin, MO 64801.
A previous chamber fundraiser "Dancing With the Joplin Stars" held on February 19, 2010, netted $7,000 for Art in Public Places projects.
Established in 2009 by the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, the Cultural Affairs Committee is designed "to encourage the growth and development of a creative community that integrates business, education and the arts." Committee members, representing a cross-section of the community, believe that Joplin can create its own vision of what the arts can help bring to the area--the arts impact on downtown revitalization, on economic development and tourism, on the education of its children and citizens and the impact to the quality of life in the area. Additional monies raised also will establish a continuing fund established through the Joplin Chamber Foundation to create a 2010/2011 Art in Public Places project.
Comments