Ralph Foster Museum to feature new exhibit titled John Leland Jones and “The American Dream”
Point Lookout, MO. — College of the Ozarks is opening a new exhibit in the Ralph Foster Museum titled John Leland Jones and “The American Dream.” This exhibit showcases the artwork of John Leland Jones, who portrayed the American Dream through his art. The exhibit will run from Friday, March 21, through Friday, Dec. 19, 2025.
About the Exhibit
Alison Wagner, senior history major, said, “This exhibit explores the complexities of the American Dream through the artwork of John Leland Jones. His early work in creating images for magazines in the 1930s through the 1960s portray the shiny, materialistic American Dream that captivated Americans at the time. After Jones retired to the rolling hills of Hollister, Missouri, his artwork became more thoughtful and intentional. This exhibit is created to inspire awe in Jones's artwork as well as spark conversations about what the American Dream means to the visitor.
“Along with the compelling artwork of John Leland Jones, there will be the opportunity to interact with the exhibit and guests will be able to contribute to the exhibit space. This is an exhibit that anyone can learn from and appreciate. So, bring the family and explore the American Dream together!”
Tom Debo, curator of the museum, said, “John Leland Jones and the American Dream is more than just a display of selected works by him from the Museum collection. Yes, it shows the work of a man whose talent was sought out by various companies to advertise their products, or to illustrate their publications. But his work also popularized what the mass marketed version of what the American Dream was and still is. The American Dream in all its differing interpretations is more than just material gain, it's the opportunity to purse and create a better life if not for you, at least for those who follow. We see that in Jones's artwork of a young soldier returning home from service with his wife or girlfriend and the viewer knows from his expression he is thinking of his dreams for the future, and how it will be better. We see it in a later work by Jones of Skaggs Hospital (now Cox Branson) which was the manifestation of a community coming together to support the creation of such a facility for which there was a clear need. The hospital was to increase access to health care that had been lacking and by extension to improve their lives through the American Dream. We hope you will pause and reflect when viewing this exhibit as to what the American Dream means to you.”
More about Ralph Foster Museum
The Ralph Foster Museum, on the campus of College of the Ozarks, grew from humble beginnings in the 1920s to become one of the Midwest’s foremost institutions of historical preservation.
Dr. Robert M. Good, the president of the school, took an interest in the idea of a museum on campus. Subsequently, he made space available for the display of items in the basement of Abernathy Hall, a boy’s residence hall. When the residence hall was later vacated, funds were provided to convert the entire building into a museum.
The primary focus of the Ralph Foster Museum today is to collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit items relating to the Ozarks region. One of the more famous exhibits is the original vehicle used in the television series, "The Beverly Hillbillies." In addition, visitors will find antiques, weapons, dolls, natural history, and other items from around the world.
The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9am-5pm and ticket prices can be found on the Museum's website.