CLARKSVILLE, TN – An exhibition of works by the late Tom Malone is to be shared with the Wade Bourne Nature Center through mid-November. The suite of multi-media paintings and sculptures come from the collections of the artist’s family and friends. Included in the exhibit are soft-hued birds, beloved cats, vibrant fields of flowers, and abstracted landscapes.
Tom Malone studied at Austin Peay State University from 1971-1972 and continued art classes in 1974-1975. His mentorship under Olen Bryant is evident in the show’s fish sculptures, with their smooth flowing lines carved into the wood and stone, creating a serene sense of movement. Guests will also be treated to a selection of unfished pieces and tools used by the artist that visually illustrate his process. Malone had assisted on Bryant’s well-known sculpture, “The Green Man,” which sits in the center of campus next to the Morgan University Center. His family established the Tom Malone Endowed Memorial Scholarship at Austin Peay shortly after his death. The award is presented annually to aspiring students of Studio Arts.
Tom Malone produced a large body of work of paintings, drawings, sculptures, jewelry, musical instruments and furniture during his career.
“In contrast to the boldness we see in the artist’s figurative work, there is a tenderness to the nature themed paintings that Tom created,” says Terri Jordan, Exhibits Curator at the Customs House Museum. “ The pieces in the show are moments in time and homages to the things Tom loved most.”
The exhibition “Tom Malone: Works on Nature” will be on view from September 21 through November 21. The Wade Bourne Nature Center is located at 2308 Rotary Park Drive in Clarksville, Tennessee. The center is open Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m.