Art history luncheon in Hannibal to investigate relationship between Benton, Pollock

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal Arts Council will present its eighth annual art history luncheon at noon on Oct. 1 at the Hannibal Arts Council, 105 S. Main. The luncheon will educate, enrich and engage through focusing on a famous painter, painting or art period, and it’s designed to fit into a workday lunch hour. 

Featured in this year’s luncheon are Thomas Hart Benton and Jackson Pollock, two of the great artists of the 20th century. Local artist Pat Kerns will present the relationship between the artists and how they influenced each other in their personal lives and artistic careers. The drip paintings of Pollock appear to be the polar opposite of Benton’s highly figurative Americana, yet the two men had a close relationship dating from Pollock’s days as a student under Benton. Pollock’s first and only formal training came from Benton, and the older man became a surrogate father to Pollock.

The luncheon menu was selected by the HAC Program Committee to compliment the program’s focus on Benton and Pollock. Benton is from Missouri and Pollock is from Wyoming, so the committee has chosen a bbq-influenced lunch of pulled pork and chicken, coleslaw, baked beans and Mississippi mud cake. Drinks will be provided.

Cost for the program and luncheon is $20. Seating is limited. Purchase tickets by Mon., Sept 27 by calling 573-221-6545, emailing reservations@hannibalarts.com, stopping by 105 S. Main or visiting https://art-history-luncheon.eventbrite.com.