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A Visionary Whose Work Nearly Vanished

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James Hampton with his "Throne of the Third Heaven of the Nations' Millennium General Assembly," late 1950's.
Smithsonian American Art Museum
James Hampton with his "Throne of the Third Heaven of the Nations' Millennium General Assembly," late 1950's.

The Smithsonian American Art Museum houses an enormous work of art that looks like a glittering silver and gold throne, surrounded by ornate religious relics. It's actually made of everyday, found objects, from broken light bulbs and drinking glasses to jelly jars and foil. Rebecca Sheir visits "The Throne of the Third Heaven of the Nations' Millennium General Assembly" with Kim Bender, author of "The Location," to learn about the masterpiece and the janitor-turned-artist who created it.

[Music: " Just Like Heaven " by Various Artists from Lovesong: The Piano Tribute to The Cure]

Photos: A Visionary Whose Work Nearly Vanished

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