Historical artist to be featured guest at Blue and Gray Banquet

Noted historical artist and Carthage, Mo., native Andy Thomas will be the featured guest at the 8th annual Blue and Gray Banquet at 6:30 Saturday, Nov. 4 at the Liberty Theater in Fort Scott, 113 S. Main St.

Proceeds from the banquet benefit the Mine Creek Battlefield State Historic Site near Pleasanton.

Mine Creek Battlefield Foundation President John Spencer said Thomas will display some of his art work in the lobby of the theater. Also, Thomas' studio, Maze Creek Studio, has donated a limited edition, framed and matted print of "Charge at Mine Creek," a work that depicts a scene at the Battle of Mine Creek on Oct. 25, 1864 during the Civil War. The print will be raffled off during the banquet.

The original painting is on display at the Mine Creek Battlefield Visitor's Center.

Spencer said Thomas is one of the first historical artists to create works that depict Civil War battles west of the Mississippi River. Thomas' first historical painting was a large mural of the Battle of Carthage. That work became the first in a series that now includes depictions of the battles of Westport, Wilson's Creek, Pea Ridge, Prairie Grove and Marshall, all of which either took place in Missouri or Arkansas.

Thomas' "Charge at Mine Creek," which was unveiled in 2001, is his first painting of a Civil War battle in Kansas. According to Spencer, Thomas visited the battlefield, gathered information regarding uniforms, arms and equipment of various regiments involved and began the challenging work of creating a painting.

"The result was outstanding," Spencer said. "The painting depicts the moment of contact between a brigade of Union cavalry and the Confederate four-gun battery in the center of their defensive line."

Admiring Thomas' skill in historical art, Spencer said he is excited to bring the artist to the Blue and Gray Banquet.

"He's a real talent," Spencer said. "We're very thrilled to have him attend our banquet."

Along with displaying his work, Thomas will also be a featured speaker at the event. Spencer said Thomas will discuss his decision to go into painting as a career, his interest in history and the process he uses in painting.

A full meal will be served at the banquet and musical artists Ralph Carlson and James "Red" Stradley of the duo, Fuss and Feathers, will perform live music. There will also be a Civil War-related auction at the banquet.

Tickets for the event are $20 and are available for purchase at Liberty Theater, the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mine Creek Battlefield Visitor's Center.

For more information, call (913) 352-8890.