Astronaut's art in Apollo display

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — Astronaut Alan Bean's painting that depicts Gene Cernan repairing a lunar rover is part of an exhibit at the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Apollo 17 mission.

The lunar rover's damaged fender and a map book Cernan used on the moon mission also will be displayed through Jan. 10.

Cernan, Ron Evans and Jack Schmitt embarked on the mission Dec. 7, 1972. The lunar rover's fender protected astronauts from moon dust kicked up by the vehicle's wheels.

"What makes the Apollo 17 display rare is this may be the only opportunity for people to see these exhibits," said Cosmosphere marketing director Karen Siebert.

The painting, titled "Tender Loving Care," was commissioned by Barry Schartz and his wife, Charlotte, after they met Bean, who paints space art as a hobby.

Barry Schartz was one of two Kansas residents chosen for the 1985 Challenger project that allowed a teacher to participate in the space program. Christa McAuliffe died aboard the space shuttle when it exploded shortly after launch in 1986.