Upcoming in Rocheport, Mo.
An Art Historical Journey Along the Missouri River
Presentation by art historian and writer Brian Hearn
In this presentation, Brian Hearn will share a curated selection of the river’s most iconic images and consider how artist’s representations have shifted, like the river itself, through the centuries.

"Fur Traders Descend the Missouri" - by George Caleb Bingham, 1845.
Presentation by art historian Brian Hearn
Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2018
- 7 p.m. presentation (6 p.m. Social Hour)
- Les Bourgeois Vineyards Bistro in Rocheport, MO
- Map and Directions
The Bistro Restaurant is now closed on Tuesday, but the bar will be open. You ARE welcome to come early, bring some food and gather with friends before the presentation. Speaker Series attendees are welcome after 5 p.m.
Hosted by Missouri River Relief
ATTENTION! There have been closures at the Route BB Rocheport Exit on I-70 recently. However, we have been told there will be no issues with the exit or exit ramps being closed for our presentation tonight!. We should have no problems!!!
IF THAT TURNS OUT TO BE INCORRECT, we suggest taking the next exit east, Route O/J. Head north on J for .1 mile, then take a left on Old Rocheport Rd. After 2.4 miles take a right at the “T” on Route BB, then look for the sign on your left for the Les Bourgeois Bistro. Here’s the information the winery has posted.
For thousands of years, the Missouri River has been a site of human visual culture. From petroglyphs made by Indigenous artists to the European and American artist/explorers of the 19th century to contemporary artists of today, the Big Muddy continues to inspire and engage the artistic imagination. In this presentation, we will view a

Brian Hearn is an art writer, historian, curator and consultant based in Kansas City, Missouri.
curated selection of the river’s most iconic images and consider how artist’s representations have shifted, like the river itself, through the centuries.
Directions
- 14020 W. Hwy BB, Rocheport, MO
- Take I-70 to the Rocheport, MO, exit (Exit #115). It’s the first exit east of the Missouri River.
- Head north toward Rocheport.
- After about a mile, turn left at the sign for Les Bourgeois Bistro. Follow the signs to the Bistro. You will probably need to park in the lot above the Bistro and walk the trail down.
- The presentations are held in upstairs in the restaurant. The restaurant is no longer open on Tuesdays but the bar is! You are welcome to bring your own food or snacks.
Resources and Links
Dig deeper for more info on this topic –
- ARTICLE – “The Missouri As Muse: Painters And Photographers Are Drawn To The River” – by CJ Janovy, June 10, 2015 – KCUR.org
- AUDIO – “River Art” – a Central Standard broadcast discussion with local artists and activists working to connect KC to the Missouri River, including Healthy Rivers Partnership’s Vicki Richmond.
- ARTICLE – “The Epic Tale Of How A ‘Lost’ Film With An All Native-American Cast Can Once Again Be Seen” – a KCUR story about Brian Hearn’s work bringing back the lost silent movie classic “The Daughter of Dawn” – by Melissa Lenos, Oct. 17, 2016, KCUR.org
The Big Muddy Speaker Series in Rocheport
is hosted by these wonderful partners.
Click here for a list of upcoming presentations»
Special thanks to Les Bourgeois Vineyards for giving us the opportunity to use their beautiful space overlooking the Missouri River. All speakers are presenting for free! Thank you all for sharing your knowledge with us!
The Big Muddy Speaker Series also takes place monthly in Kansas City and St. Charles.
The views and opinions expressed by our presenters do not necessarily reflect the view or policies of Missouri River Relief, the Big Muddy Speaker Series or any of the partners that support this public forum. The Big Muddy Speaker Series believes that hearing diverse perspectives is a crucial building block for an informed public.