The Bent Tree Gallery

Marcia and John Whitt in the Gallery

The Bent Tree was accidentally born in 1982 when a “how to” article in a Mother Earth News magazine inspired John Whitt to build some rustic furniture from wild willows just down the road from his farm.  As a farmer with a young family, the furniture was a perfect fit for their home and enjoyed lots of compliments from friends and neighbors.  Soon many of these folks also had John’s willow furniture, and he had found an interesting and profitable pastime.

Meanwhile, John’s wife, Marcia, was learning the fine craft of basketry.  From a 1981 traditional basket class, her baskets and other fiber art have evolved into many one-of-a-kind art pieces for homes, galleries, and collections across the country.  Her fiber art wearables include felted and stitched hats and scarves.

The Whitts’ daughter, Stacy Leigh, is a gifted leather handbag designer/creator.  She brings her unique style to the gallery with her bags and jewelry.

The Bent Tree Gallery stands on the spot where the farm’s working hay and cattle barn once stood.  Open 6 days a week, the 2500 square foot shop houses John’s rustic furniture collection, Marcia’s woven vessels and fiber pieces, and Stacy’s bags and jewelry. Each piece is hand-crafted on a farm just outside the little town of Bethany in northern Missouri.