The Lillian E. Jones Museum will be open Saturday, Feb. 9 from noon-5 p.m. to increase access to the internationally acclaimed sculpture of Jackson native Fletcher Benton as featured in the dual exhibit by the Jones Museum and the Markay Cultural Arts Center.
“Benton says art needs to be accessible, so the Jones Museum is doing its part,” said Museum Director Megan Malone. “We will be open three Saturdays during this exhibit to reach beyond our normal operating hours. This dual exhibit is a fabulous opportunity to see and learn about Benton’s work in his hometown at no cost to visitors.”
The two other Stop-In-Saturdays are March 9 and April 13. Located at 75 Broadway St., the Jones Museum’s regular hours are 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Benton, who was born in Jackson in 1931, graduated from Jackson High School in 1949 and has lived and worked in the San Francisco area since the 1960s. He gained notoriety in 1966 as the sole American featured in Time Magazine for his work in kinetic – or moving – art. Since the late 1970s, Benton has focused on sculpting in steel and bronze, often in very large scale outdoor pieces. In 1994, Benton donated a large size Folded Circle work to the University of Rio Grande in memory of his sister Mary Benton Jones.
The Jones Museum is fortunate to have 27 steel pieces plus 12 art prints in its permanent collection donated by Benton, who as a child was encouraged by Lillian Jones, a friend of his parents Nell and Fletcher Benton.
Jackson County is very fortunate to have its own historical and cultural museum that provides unique opportunities for residents and visitors alike to experience. Operating since 1995, the Jones Museum is located in the former home of the Edwin Jones family, who had a significant role in Jackson County industry from the late 1800s through the mid 1900s.