Special Events

SPECIAL EVENTS at the Showhouse

Come to the Showhouse (open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays) and stay around for a free special event! No registration is necessary to attend, but we encourage you to tour the Showhouse before the presentation. Check below for scheduled activities. Events are held at the Showhouse pavilion, weather permitting. 

Thursday, May 2, 6 p.m.
Thomas Hart Benton and His Influence on Kansas City

Presenter: Steve Sitton, Administrator of the Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site

Did you know that the famous artist Thomas Hart Benton once resided in this year’s Symphony Designers’ Showhouse? From 1936-1939 Benton rented the house until he purchased a home nearby, now a state historic site and museum. Missouri Native Thomas Hart Benton moved to Kansas City in 1935 after accepting the position as Department Chair at the Kansas City Art Institute. He had contact with Kansas City’s most famous residents as well as bringing some of his famous friends to KC for events, some of which were held in this very house! Steve Sitton, Administrator of the Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site, will share some of these amazing tales with the audience. 

Thursday, May 16, 6 p.m.
Whispers of the Wild: The Enigmatic World of Native Pollinators

Presenter: Tamra Reall, Ph.D., Field Specialist in Horticulture, University of Missouri Extension – Urban West

Delve into the inspiring universe of native pollinators, those unsung heroes in our ecosystems, and discover their remarkable diversity, intricate behaviors, and the crucial role they play in supporting biodiversity. We will unravel the nuances of their co-evolution with native plants, investigate the threats they face in the modern world, and explore conservation initiatives. Come learn how these enigmatic creatures impact gardening and agriculture and how you can be part of their conservation. Tiny, but mighty, these whispers of the wild await your discovery.

No registration is necessary to attend, but we encourage you to tour the Showhouse before the presentation. The Showhouse is open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays.