CALIFORNIA - Artist Terry Chase recently visited Burgers' Smokehouse to check on the work he completed in 1980, which is featured in the Visitor's Center.
Chase created three dioramas depicting winter, spring and summer in the Missouri Ozarks. The unique weather and seasons in Missouri are ideal for ambient curing of country hams.
During this visit, Chase repaired some water damage to the spring diorama.
This was the first time the glass had been removed in more than 30 years. He also cleaned and did maintenance work on the winter and springtime units, and updated the case by showing how the dioramas were constructed.
Chase pointed out how most of the leaves are made of wax, whereas today, plastics are used.
The artwork at Burgers' Smokehouse, according to Chase, has held up well. Special air conditioning and humidity controls are maintained at all times.
This was the first large project of Chase's career and just one of many that have taken him all over the world. His studio is located in Cedar Creek, near Branson.