The Bingham Trust will host a free two-day symposium on Friday, November 15 and Saturday, November 16 that explores Missouri artist George Caleb Bingham's life both as an artist and a politician. The symposium will include presentations by four speakers, including a political historian, art historians, and an art conservator, and will conclude with a panel discussion. 

Notably, this event celebrates the 50th anniversary of former Missouri Governor Christopher S. "Kit" Bond's effort to mount a campaign to acquire 112 original Bingham drawings now owned by the People of Missouri. These drawings constitute the largest holding of Bingham's work, and have advanced understanding of his significant impact, both as an artist and politician, in the history of American art and culture.

The symposium, which is free and open to the public, will take place on Friday, November 15 from 2:00pm-4:00pm and continue Saturday, November 15 from 10:30am-4:30pm in The Farrell Auditorium at the Saint Louis Art Museum. No registration is required; those interested can attend one or both days.

Chaired by Andrew Walker, Executive Director of the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, Fort Worth, Texas, the symposium will also feature Claire Barry, Emeritus Director of Conservation, the Kimball Art Museum, Fort Worth, Texas; Amy Torbert, Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Associate Curator of American Art, Saint Louis Art Museum; Joan E. Stack, Curator of Art Collections, The State Historical Society of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri; and Charles E. Valier, Chairman, The Bingham Trust.

The Bingham Trust currently holds 113 original preparatory drawings by George Caleb Bingham and 12 related engravings after Bingham's paintings in trust for the People of Missouri who contributed to the fund that enabled their purchase. Today these artworks reside at the Saint Louis Art Museum, St. Louis, Missouri, and The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, Missouri.

Category: Attractions | Talks & Lectures