My friend Lis & I took a trip to Red Oak II, home of
Missouri artist Lowell Davis. Over the last 30 years Lowell
has moved and rescued numerous builds from around the
state of Missouri and turned his home and acreage into
one huge canvas. All lovingly restored with an artists touch
and Lowell's wonderful sense of humor.
Lowell was first recognized for his wildlife sculptures in
bronze, and wildlife paintings. However, he is most known
for his figurines of rural Missouri life during the early 30's
& 40's & scenes along old Route 66, produced by Border
Fine Arts of Scotland and sold worldwide. Collectors from
every corner of the globe have made their way to Red Oak II.
Here are just a few of his figurines.
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Catnapping Too?
Kissin Cousins
Itisket, Itasket
The Bride
Outing With Grandpa
His Eyes Are Bigger Than His Stomach
(Do you see the little fox peeking around the corner?)
We stopped in Carthage, about 2 hrs from my home for
lunch & a bit of antiquing. This is the beautiful limestone
courthouse in the downtown square.
About a mile east of Carthage on Hwy 96 you'll
spot this ole' jalopy, turn left on road 130 and follow
the little signs to Red Oak II.
Ya can't miss it.
As we pulled in, there stood Lowell, lightn' his
corncob pipe and sportin' his ever present
neckerchief, this one was bright pink!
The first time I visited the original Red Oak, was
in the early 80's. A that time, it was his home
and artist studio. That property now belongs to his
daughter & is no longer open to the public.
Lowell being the sweet man he his, took us
on a little private tour of the "original" Red Oak.
Lowell's studio.
Gardens and other out buildings.
Lowell's various awards and plaques are
proudly displayed in the throne room.
Lowell's original living quarters.
A peek inside the chicken coop featured in paintings
and sculptures. I was over the moon, out houses and
chicken coops, life can't get any better for an old
Missouri gal.
chicken coops, life can't get any better for an old
Missouri gal.
Lowell left us to meander around Red Oak II at our leisure.
The Town Hall.
Bench seating.
The Feed & Seed.
Red Oak Diner
Red Oak Cafe
Elmira School House
Filling Stations.
Grandpa Weber's Blacksmith Shop where Lowell's
great-grandfather practiced his trade.
Red Oak General Store owned by Lowell's father
& where he learned to paint and sculpt.
Salem Country Church.
Open daily, services on Sunday & everyone's welcome.
Red Oak Black Hen Cafe
Bandstand at the Black Hen.
Bandstand garden, seating and aviary.
Marshall Hooker's Office & Home.
Red Oak Childcare Center
Bandstand garden, seating and aviary.
Marshall Hooker's Office & Home.
Red Oak Childcare Center
Red Oak II Cemetery.
Cackleberry Park
The residents roam free.
Various buildings and homes.
(Too many to post here)
The residents roam free.
Various buildings and homes.
(Too many to post here)
Outhouses and wee chicken coops.
Vehicles, sculptures & scenes from
everyday rural life. I wish I could show
you them all!
you them all!
This sculpture used to be mounted on a large pole atop a
manure spreader at the entrance to Red Oak &
was referred to as the crap duster!
was referred to as the crap duster!
This little gem of a house was a favorite.
(The flowers are so pretty in the spring and summer)
(The flowers are so pretty in the spring and summer)
Lowell and his wife Rose live in the notorious
outlaw Bell Starr's home.
Grand children?
Lowell and Rose kindly welcome
visitors into the old original part of their home.
Lowell is a ham for the camera & I was happy to oblige.
Lowell has written 2 art story books just
Lowell has written 2 art story books just
full of illustrations taken directly from Lowell's
life at Red Oak II.
life at Red Oak II.
tale of his artistic journey.
Lis & I had such a good day.
Lowell is in his 70's now and due to severe arthritis, he
no longer paints or sculpts. Graciously, (hopefully not to Lowell is in his 70's now and due to severe arthritis, he
painfully) he autographed my Book On Chickens.
Thank you Rose and Lowell for sharing your amazing
"art" with all us regular folks!
If you get near Carthage Missouri, don't miss this gem
of the Ozarks. Red Oak II is open every day, no charge,
just drive in and enjoy.
There is a donation box to help pay for upkeep.
just drive in and enjoy.
There is a donation box to help pay for upkeep.
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All figurines are retired.
Lowell's books are available at Amazon.
Lowell's books are available at Amazon.
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Red Oak II
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Click below to see Lowell's art work.
Lowell Davis Collectors
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Lean more about the notorious outlaw Bell Starr.
(I swear she looks like Noah Berry in drag)
Belle Star
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(I swear she looks like Noah Berry in drag)
Belle Star
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I hope you enjoyed the tour!
WOW Sherri this is awesome! What a wonderful man and so very talented. Thank-you for sharing your adventure at Red Oak II. Had to chuckle at the Child Care Center!
ReplyDeleteI love it! If I ever get to visit Missouri then this will be on the "have to do list".
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your adventure!
How I admire people like the talented Lowell Davis who actually do something with their talents. The gardens and buildings are just amazing. Of course, I love Marshall Hooker's Office and Home best! Mr. Davis is a handsome guy and photographs well with a certain lovely lady I know!
ReplyDeletevery nice post. Love the places you saw. The artist is very talented and your picture with him was very good. the child care center was pretty cute.
ReplyDelete