George Luks (American, 1867-1933) Edward W. Root, 1909-1910 Oil on canvas, 30 x 25 in. Courtesy John B. Root '44

The best kind of life would be to be able to be so interested and

concentrated in what you did; you wouldn't know that you had lived.

-Edward W. Root, July 7, 1953

Edward Wales Root was one of the most influential collectors of contemporary American art of his time. He became the first person to exhibit his collection of modern art at the Metropolitan Museum in New York in 1953. Closer to home, he was the first lecturer in art at Hamilton College and participated in the national dialog about art in the college curriculum. For twenty years, his innovative teaching style opened the eyes of students to the "language of art."

Root inherited a love of nature from his father and grandfather that is woven throughout his collecting and teaching philosophy. He and his wife, Grace, inherited his family's beloved "Homestead." For over thirty years, they beautified the land and painted it with flowers before giving it to Hamilton to inspire future generations.

The Best Kind of Life is an exhibition of art presented from a biographical perspective. Centered on the personal philosophy and innovative teaching style of Root it evaluates the achievements of one of the most engaged observers of twentieth-century American art.

Support for the Emerson Gallery's exhibitions and programs comes in-part from private contributions, and the Edward and Grace Root Endowment Fund. Additional funding for this exhibition and the audio tour has come from the Office of the Dean of Faculty and The Dietrich Foundation.