International art and local history merge together in Jackson County on Jan. 10 and 11 with the dual exhibit of the work of sculptor Fletcher Benton hosted by the Lillian E. Jones Museum and the Markay Cultural Arts Center.
This dual exhibit is an introduction to the work of Benton, an internationally acclaimed sculptor who was born in Jackson in 1931. The Jones Museum’s opening Jan. 10 will feature 27 sculptural pieces and printed materials Benton gave to the museum for its permanent collection. The Markay will feature 8-foot wall-mural photographs of Benton’s San Francisco studio that show his artistic process.
The exhibits are focused on Benton’s work but also will explain Benton’s background in Jackson County through reminisces of Benton, his friends and his classmates.
“Southern Hills Arts Council is so excited to be partnering with the Jones Museum in presenting this exhibition,” said Barbara Summers, executive director of the Markay and Arts Council. “This is an amazing opportunity for all of us to learn something of the 1949 Jackson High graduate whose talents have taken him to the very pinnacle of artistic success.’’
The Jones Museum’s Benton exhibit opens Jan. 10 with an event from 4-8 p.m. at the museum, 75 Broadway St. in Jackson. The Benton exhibit will continue through April 25 at the Jones Museum.
The Markay Cultural Arts Center’s Benton exhibit opens in its gallery Jan. 11 with a 7 p.m. event . The Markay exhibit will continue through March 17.
Benton, who lives in San Francisco, will not be in attendance for any of the events, but has been very helpful in the preparation of the dual exhibit.
“This is a wonderful gift to our community from a gentleman who obviously enjoyed great success after leaving Jackson but never forgot his roots,” said Jackson Mayor Randy Heath. “This certainly enhances the perception of our community to have such a valuable collection from which people not only enjoy, but learn from as well.”