Artists

Former President Harry S. Truman (left) and Thomas Hart Benton pose for the press before the dedication of the mural "Independence and the Opening of the West" in the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library.

Artist Thomas Hart Benton attends former President Harry S. Truman's 80th birthday party at the Muehlebach Hotel. Others are unidentified.

Thomas Hart Benton smokes a pipe while seated in his studio in Kansas City, Missouri, with some of his paintings during an oral history interview with the Truman Library.

Truman Library Curator Milton Perry (left) conducts an oral history interview with artist Thomas Hart Benton (right).

Thomas Hart Benton is seated in his studio in Kansas City, Missouri, with some of his paintings during an oral history interview with the Truman Library.

Truman Library Curator Milton Perry (left) is conducting an oral history interview with artist Thomas Hart Benton (right) in his studio in Kansas City, Missouri.

Truman Library Curator Milton Perry (left) conducts an oral history interview with artist Thomas Hart Benton (right).

Truman Library Curator Milton Perry (left) conducts an oral history interview with artist Thomas Hart Benton (right).

Thomas Hart Benton poses for a photo near one of his paintings.

Former President Harry S. Truman (right) meets with sculptor Rene Shapshak (left). Shapshak is modeling a clay portrait of Mr. Truman, which will be inducted into the Hall of Fame of the National Museum of Jerusalem. Mr. Lawrence (back center), director of the Jewish Community Relations bureau, is also present.