CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – See a list of exhbits and activities planned for December at the Customs House Museum.

Exhibits:
Tom Rice: Endurance in Form
November 2 – January 7
Orgain, Bruner & Crouch Galleries
This exhibition is a retrospective of Tom Rice’s long career as a sculptor, and features works done in stone, wood, and ceramic. Tom’s work has been recognized internationally. His sculptures can be found in private and permanent collections such as Tennessee State Museum, the White House in D.C., Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Austin Peay State University, Cheekwood Museum of Art, Clarksville Public Library, the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center, and the Nashville Airport.

The Art of the 2Rivers Society of Painters
December 1 – January 1
Planters Bank Peg Harvill Gallery
The 2Rivers Society of Painters is a group of eight artists from Clarksville, Tennessee who work together in their quest for quality art. “We are diverse, energetic and thoughtful in our art and message to others. Each has a different voice that, in the end, becomes harmonious in the language of art.”

Tamara Reynolds: Southern Route
October 24 – January 3
Kimbrough Gallery
Photographer Tamara Reynolds was born and currently lives in Nashville, Tennessee, where she has worked for 25 years as a commercial and editorial photographer for magazines and advertising agencies focusing on portraiture and lifestyle imagery. Reynolds says about her Southern Route series: “This project is about resolving my conflicted feelings I‘ve experienced as a Southerner. I love the South, but I have sometimes been embarrassed to claim it as my home. I chose to explore the South on back roads and across railroad tracks. In so doing, I found I could appreciate my home despite its failings.”

Veiled Abstractions: L.A. Bachman
October 24 – January 14
Jostens Gallery
Nashville artist L.A. Bachman’s abstract art explores family, belief, responsibility, failure, and desire, and is an arena for self-reflection. Hints of human form are veiled by an abstract layer like lace across the body, suggesting tangible objects amidst unrecognizable ones.

Helping Around the House: Toys from the Museum Collection
November 15 – January 24
Memory Lane
See a variety of toys from the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center’s permanent collection.

Doggerels: The Illustrations of Edward Gilman
November 22 – January 28
Memory Lane
Edward R. Gilman was a World War I U.S. Navy artist, painting ships while stationed at Charlestown Harbor in Boston. He moved to New York to work as an illustrator. His lithograph printing included such clients as United Fruit, Betty Crocker, and Coca-Cola. Doggerels is brought to the Museum courtesy of Jane and Gerry Gilman.

Clarksville Past
November 2 – December 31
Leaf Chronicle Lobby
This exhibit explores the history of Clarksville, Tennessee, with a focus on downtown.

Activities: Noel Night at Seasons: The Museum Store
December 7, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Seasons: The Museum Store specializes in local and regional artisans, featuring merchandise such as jewelry, pottery, art, toys, and other unique items perfect for the holidays! This annual shopping event features live music by the Hazelwood Elementary choir from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Cozy up to some hot cocoa while you shop and enjoy free gift wrapping and 10% off your purchase! Museum Members receive an additional 10% off! Purchases made at Seasons: The Museum Store help support the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center. For more information visit: http://customshousemuseum.org/calendar/noel-night

Rachel Bush: Humor is No Laughing Matter
December 13, 12:15 – 1:00 p.m.
Free Admission to Program; In the Turner Auditorium
Rachel Bush is currently an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN. In this presentation, Rachel will be talking about using humor in graphic design and its influence on creativity in visual communication. She completed her undergraduate studies in Graphic Design at Morehead State University in 2008, and obtained her Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the University of Memphis in 2014. Prior to obtaining her masters, Rachel was the sole graphic designer at the University of Charleston in Charleston, West Virginia. Rachel’s clients include the Nashville Zoo, Young Life, United States Department of Agriculture Conservation Department, The Salvation Army, Kroger Helping Hands, University of Memphis Art Museum, Prime Fitness, and the City of Clarksville. Rachel continues to study humor as an effective method of visual communication and its influence on creativity in the graphic design classroom. She completed her thesis on the subject of humor, entitled “Humor is No Laughing Matter.”

Art & Lunch: The Development of a Painting
December 13, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m.
Members from the 2Rivers Society of Painters will discuss their processes and artwork on exhibit in the Planters Bank Peg Harvill Gallery through January 1. Admission to the program is free.

Second Saturday Free Admission Decorate Your Own (Paper) Gingerbread Cookies
Saturday, December 9, 10:00am – 12:00pm and 2:00 – 4:00pm
The museum is open to the public with free admission as part of our Second Saturday Free Admission Day from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Join us in the Family Art Studio to decorate some paper gingerbread cookies from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00pm and 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. This activity is included with no charge.

DIY Catch Ball Toy
Saturday, December 16, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Try your luck with the classic catch ball toy, then construct your own using plastic cups and popsicle sticks in the Family Art Studio. This activity is included with your admission fee or Museum membership.

Holiday Model Trains
December 19 – 20 & 28 – 29, 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Our volunteer train crew will be manning the Snowflake Special model trains for special runs this December.

December Activities in the Family Art Studio: Comic Strip Art
Did you know that Charles Schulz, creator of the comic strip “Peanuts”, was stationed at Ft. Campbell (then Camp Campbell) in 1943? While he was there, he received training as a machine gunner. During some of his free time, he made sketches of life on the military installation. Visit the Family Art Studio this month and enjoy some of your favorite comic strips, such as “The Far Side”, “Calvin and Hobbs”, and “Peanuts”. Then create your own comic strip story. Adults and teens are encouraged to participate in this activity. Feel free to post your strips in the Studio. They will be available for you to pick up January 9 – 20.

All activities are free with your museum membership. Non-members pay regular admission fees. For more information contact Ms. Sue at sue@customshousemuseum.org or 931-648-5780.

Closings: The Customs House Museum & Cultural Center will be closed Sunday, December 24 through Tuesday, December 26 for the Christmas holiday. We will also be closed Monday, January 1 in observance of New Years Day.

Customs House Museum
200 S. Second Street Clarksville, TN
931-648-5780
www.customshousemuseum.org