Richard T. Bowers and the Historic Tree Grove at MOSI

Art by Holly Bird

"You can do an awful lot of good in this world if you don't care who gets the credit"

-Richard T. Bowers

Working with "Dr. B", as Dr. Richard T. Bowers was affectionately known, was a pleasure and an honor. He had a easy smile, a southern gentlemanly disposition and was always ready with a well-timed word of wisdom or even just a pleasant greeting. In truth, for me, it was a lot like getting to work with your cool grandpa. He was filled with funny stories and pearls of wisdom. He was generous and kind. Museum donors loved him, because he treated them like the angels they are to us. I don't think anyone ever met Dr. B and didn't like him instantly.

Nearly every time Dr. Bowers entered or exited MOSI, he would walk through the gardens even though it wasn't the fastest route to his car or his office. However, he expressed that is was 'the best' route between the two places and therefore was the obvious choice. He always said hello to the staff and volunteers in the garden. He simply was just a very nice man and his passing was a crushing blow to the coworkers who loved and respected him. Dr. B touched a lot of lives, including mine, in his 77 years on this blue-green planet.

When Dr. B passed away in 2007, MOSI named the Historic Tree Grove in his honor, making it the Dr. Richard T. Bowers Historic Tree Grove at MOSI. I am honored to take care of this grove of historic trees and to work with various donors and grants to help make this special place more special and accessible to all of MOSI's guests. Beneath the Sand Live Oak dedicated in his name, we have created a small but lush picnic area hemmed in by tropical foliage and soft ferns. This remains my favorite place to eat lunch at MOSI and I enjoy watching guests spend time there as well.

You Can Help the Grove

When the grove was dedicated in 2007, an endowment was set up to help fund the long term care of the area. Also, a yearly operating fund accepts gifts that help to buy plants, fresh mulch, seeds and other things we need on a day to day basis. MOSI supporters can make gifts of any amount to the Historic Tree Grove Endowment or the Historic Tree Grove Operating Fund. If you are more interested in making in-kind donations of items, MOSI Outside has a wish list on Pinterest of items we are in need of for the gardens.

Memories from MOSI Staff and Alumni

• Dr. Bowers was a consummate gentleman and the living embodiment of philanthropy. His love for the Tampa community was conveyed not only through his tireless work but also through his warm smile and genuine, caring demeanor. He never met a stranger, he led by example, and for his having been in it, the world is a better place.
• T.J. Couch Jr. 

• Dr. Bowers was a sweet, compassionate, wonderful friend of MOSI. RIP to a tremendous philanthropist.
• Donna March Francis

More about this remarkable man:

• Dick Bowers, Inaugural USF Hall of Fame Inductee, 2009
• May 6th, 2008- Dick Bowers Day
• Honoring the Life of Richard "Dick" Bowers by Rep Kathy Castor
• Tampa Bay Times Obituary for Richard T. Bowers
• Go USF Bulls article about Dick Bowers

Dick Bowers Sand Live Oak by Terry Klaaren

Art by Terry Klaaren

From traditional art to the extremely quirky, American born artist Terry KLAAREN draws on a 50-year innovative background as a self-propelled creative. His diverse abilities evolved from cartoonist and magazine illustrator into the world of amusements and movie industries as a scenic artist. In 1993 he built the MOSI Recyclosaurus in the front of this building while simultaneously building a career as an award-winning Fine Art artist, traditional Plein air painter and art workshop teacher.

Years of painting plein air whenever traveling has quickened his hand and natural abilities. Numerous trips to study in the Museums of Europe and North America, combined with his daily life as a muralist and a non-stop canvas fine artist, has advanced his style of “realistic impressionism.” As an award-winning Plein air artist, Klaaren created "Have Brush - Must Travel" opportunities to clients who collect his on site paintings from his travels. His quest to paint in National Parks here and abroad has led him to specific sites of historical and natural beauty where he sets up his easel and canvas to capture the moment in paint. He is often sponsored as “artistic entertainment” at fundraising events for charities and organizations and is sought after for appearances and commission paintings at weddings, social parties and other special events.

“I paint everyday. I truly enjoy meeting the challenge of creatively translating scenes with paint and other media. I love coaching other people to find and expand on their own personal talent. Being an all-around artist is a role I happily play.” – Terry Klaaren

TERRY KLAAREN, www.KlaarenArt.com, Tampa, FL USA, info@KlaarenArt.com