Katie Hastert: Thomas Hart Benton’s History, Art, & Stories

Explore the life and legacy of Thomas Hart Benton, one of America’s most influential 20th-century artists, in this special episode recorded inside his original Kansas City studio at 3616 Belleview. Our guest, Katie Hastert, site administrator and Benton historian at the Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site, shares untold stories about Benton’s rebellious youth, turbulent education, and eventual rise as a leading figure in American art. Katie brings his spirit to life through her lively & humorous perspective paired with a deep understanding of Kansas City’s iconic muralist.From being expelled from military school to clashing with top art institutions, Benton’s path was anything but smooth, but his perseverance paid off. His iconic murals now hang in institutions like the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and his impact on American Regionalism still resonates today.Learn why President Harry Truman once called him “the best damn painter in America”, and why his Kansas City studio is a must-visit for art lovers, history buffs, and locals alike.