Cruising West on I-80 I saw a little sign brown sign marking an upcoming historical landmark. I always love these on any road trip and try to stop often, but this one in particular caught my attention. It advertised the home of Robert Henri. I’d just seen several of his gorgeous works at the Museum of Nebraska Art, but the chance to see his home and where he painted seemed like a worthy adventure. I quickly exited and began the search for his house.
When I pulled up just outside Robert Henri’s home, I realized I’d just missed their business hours. It didn’t matter to me. I got out and snapped a few photos, admiring the home and trying to visualize Robert working there, years ago.
A man standing on the sidewalk saw me and asked if he could help me. I explained why I was there and that I’d hoped to see inside the home, but it was good enough to just be there and snap a few photographic memories. I mentioned that I’d made art my life. I’d graduated from Sotheby’s with a Master’s in Art Business and I was now a professional photographer. My Mother and Grandparent’s have collected art their whole lives and I make it my mission to bring back at least one piece, no matter how expensive…just meaningful to me…from each trip I take in my life.
This strange man simply smiled at me, wiped some of the paint coated on his hand onto his shirt, reached out his hand and introduced himself as the contractor for the updates to Robert Henri’s home. He then casually mentioned that he was a board member of the museum and would I like a private tour even though they were closed?
It always pays to take a chance. 🙂
So he grabbed his keys and walked me through Robert Henri’s home. I was able to see where he lived, worked, and envisioned his works of art. They even had many of his personal sketches and of course some of his beautiful art. There are definitely some great people in this world. I’m so glad I found one so early on in my trip.
“The object isn’t to make art, it’s to be in that wonderful state which makes art inevitable.”
– Robert Henri
Cheers,
Kristyn