CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – (CLARKSVILLENOW) Endurance in Form: A Retrospective, Tom Rice’s exhibition at the Customs House Museum, is a visual history of his growth as a Tennessee artist.
Included in the extensive show are pieces created from high school to the present, encompassing his experiences and influence of studying abroad, being mentored by the late Olen Bryant, through a 25-year teaching career. Works created using metal pins that have been removed from his back are also on display, casualties of working with heavy mediums.
Born in Olympia, Washington, Tom Rice grew up in Tennessee and Illinois. After graduating with a BS from Austin Peay State University and an MS in Art Education from the University of Tennessee, he taught in the public-school system. He continued his art education through a residency with Japanese master potter, Shiro Otani; a Fulbright to the Netherlands and Belgium; an art exchange program in Switzerland; and at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts.
Tom works with a range of media including limestone, wood and clay. He recycles the stone from torn-down buildings, stone mills, and even discarded tombstones. Found objects often appear in his sculptures, alongside his signature stylized birds. Rice explains, “My interest in birds goes back to when I was a child. I went out walking in nature, finding bird feathers, and observing birds. A bird feather is perfect.”
Tom’s work has been recognized internationally and 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, the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center, and the Nashville Airport.
Endurance in Form: A Retrospective will be on view at the Customs House Museum through January 7. Located at the corner of Second and Commerce Streets, the Customs House Museum is the second largest general museum in Tennessee. For more information on above exhibition contact Terri Jordan, Exhibits Curator, at 931-648-5780 or terri@customshousemuseum.org.