Clarksville, TN – Welcome to the third installment of our series about downtown businesses!

We have already heard about Ingredients and The Roxy Regional Theatre. Now we are happy to share a great member of our downtown team – Planters Bank.

I am excited to share all these with you, and hope you enjoy getting to know your downtown merchants, restaurant owners better.

Planters Bank

Owner: Elizabeth McCoy is the CEO.

Tell us about your business: Planters Bank offers five full-service branches and a mortgage office in the Clarksville area, plus another three full-service branches in Hopkinsville. We deliver a full range of products and services that provide timely solutions to consumer and business financial needs and opportunities.

What products/services do you offer to your customers: We offer a full gamut of financial products and services including checking, savings, CD’s, and money market accounts, trust and cash management services, and loans.

How long you have been open: Planters celebrated its 15-year anniversary in 2011.

Why did you open downtown?

From the beginning of its days in Hopkinsville, the founders of the bank always had plans to locate in Clarksville. Downtown, the financial center of Clarksville-Montgomery County, was simply the obvious place to start.

The emphasis on rebuilding downtown after the tornado provided the perfect opportunity from a timing standpoint. So, we were one of the first businesses to commit to build after that event, and one of the first to open anew in the post-tornado downtown Clarksville.

Most challenging part of being downtown?

We are a block or so off of the highest-traffic roads, so visibility has been a bit of a challenge. The 100 block of Franklin Street has been promoted as “Clarksville’s historic downtown,” but that’s much more to the downtown landscape beyond that single block.

Most rewarding part of being downtown?

Unlike our suburban branches, our downtown branch experiences a fair amount of pedestrian traffic from neighboring businesses. The physical proximity to a variety of other retail and service organizations makes a downtown location a rewarding experience. As well, employees have the opportunity to walk, visit customers and prospects, shop and dine, without having to drive.

Favorite part of being part of the downtown business community:

We love being involved opportunities and events that promote and create awareness for downtown Clarksville. It is the heart of our community and we hope it always will be. Many of our employees are native Clarksvillians, or spent our “growing up years” here and have wonderful memories of downtown retail, entertainment and events from decades past.

We’re thrilled to be part of the resurgence of that quality atmosphere so that our children can have those same types of experiences and memories.

Three young ladies celebrating New Years at the Gilroy on University Avenue

Live music was popular on New Years Eve. Mother Pandora rocked at the Warehouse; Tim Lynch was featured at The Gilroy; Tina Brown crooned at the new Jazz establishment Singletons; The Coup’s musical extravanganza saw performances by Vash the Stampede, The Chronic, Meth Dad, Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt, CNDYPNTS, and TEE-AYE SEE-OHH;and Mike Robinson performed The Lodge.

Other Venus featured DJ’s including Kickers in Oak Grove with the styling of DJ Butterfly, McKenzie’s Lounge at the Riverview Inn showcased the talents of DJ Jason, The Black Horse Pub and Brewery played host to DJ Attitude, while the Sidelines Sports Bar & Grill grooved with DJ Budda Fly.

Becky McLaughlin and Krystal Roberts from Studio 931 were on hand taking new years portraits at the Hilton Garden Inn.

In addition to the great music, you could find Beer Pong at the Gilroy, Karaoke at Kelly’s On Franklin Street, and McKenzie’s Lounge; a limbo contest and palm reading at the Coup; and portraits at the Hilton Garden Inn. The Pinnacle was packed with people spending New Years Eve bowling.

In Historic Downtown Clarksville the turn out for New Years Eve out was down, and according to one business owner has been going down for several years. This could be a direct result of the popularity of venues in other parts of the city.

At the Indoor Aquatic Center 15-20 young people gathered for a New Years Eve pool party. The brand new event will likely become more and more popular as the word spreads about this as a kid friendly New Years Eve destination.

Comedy on the Cumberland welcomes back one of it’s most popular performers Keith Alberstadt. He headlined the October 2010 show, and the audience fell in love with him. Joining Alberstadt is Comedy on the Cumberland favorite Brian Kiley, and Magic at the Museum stay Christy Edison.

Alberstadt grew up in Nashville, then moved to New York to pursue his dream of performing. Among his credits, he’s a writer for SNL weekend update, has appeared on Late Night with David Letterman, contributed to Jimmy Fallon, was on Last Comic Standing and was in the final four of CMT’s “Next Big Comic” contest. “He’s one of the funniest guys to perform here”, said Hank Bonecutter of Bonehead promotions. “Great to work with, and the crowd loved him.”

Kiley performed in Clarksville in July of 2010 at this event and was an overwhelming crowd favorite. Kiley describes himself as “a fat man living in a weight watchers world.” Kiley is a Nashville comedian who has worked in some of the most popular comedy clubs in the south.

Christy Eidson rounds out the line-up for this show, and has appeared on Last Comic Standing, and produces the Nashville favorite, “Girl on Girl” comedy show. Eidson has also performed in Clarksville at Magic at the Museum where she delighted the crowd with her “in your face” style of comedy.

Comedy on the Cumberland was created as a way to raise money for local charity, and to bring Clarksville a new and different event to support. Having raised over $25,000 to date, this show will support the Downtown Kiwanis Club and their children’s Christmas program.

F&M Bank presents Comedy on the Cumberland, and it’s sponsored by Wendys and Wyatt Johnson along with CDE Lightband. Media sponsors include WJZM 1400 AM, Clarksville Online, Discover Clarksville, and CDE Lightband.

Tickets are available at F&M Bank, the Roxy Theater and at the Comedy on the Cumberland website. Tickets are $30.00 each, and there will be wine and beer sold at the theater. Comedy on the Cumberland is a clean stand up comedy event and is enjoyed by people of all ages.

If you love good clean stand up comedy, then come to the Roxy Theater on December 6th, at 7:00pm. Comedy on the Cumberland,” using laughter to change our community.”

The show is produced by Bonehead Promotions. You’ll find Comedy on the Cumberland on Facebook.

Clarksville, TN – You’re invited to join the merchants of Historic Downtown Clarksville for The monthly Art Walk, on November 3rd, from 5:00pm–8:00pm.

Kendall Welsh from ARTifacts, sent us this information about November’s artistic extravaganza. Participating merchants include Ingredients, Edward’s Steakhouse, Couture Crush, ARTifacts, Fleur de leis, Hodgepodge, and many more.

ARTifacts, an Arts & Antiques Emporium

ARTifacts Emporium, 124 Strawberry Alley, will feature the sewing talents of Jessica Clark of Sew Sweet Child. Sew Sweet Child’s clothing is not only designer quality and style but handmade and practical. Jessica’s ability to place fabrics together and her eye for color, make her childrens clothes POP! You wont be able to resist dressing your Sweet Child in these fabulous clothes!”

ARTifacts Workshop Space

ARTifacts Workshop Space also at 124 Strawberry Alley, will host the Art Society of Montgomery Central High School Students. “Our Art Society promotes the arts in our school and community. We host an annual “FUEL” supper that has supported the elementary school FUEL program and recently started supporting our MCHS FUEL program. Art Society students also collect and donate art supplies to add to the Christmas Angels adopted at Montgomery Central Elementary School. Last year Art Society students helped with a first ever Elementary Art Camp for 15 elementary students at MCES. Members also are a resource for teachers helping them create bulletin boards and other creative items for their classrooms. All members have participated and/or entered local and regional art exhibitions. Several have placed in exhibitions and also have sold some of their artwork already.”

Couture Crush

Couture Crush, located at 109 Franklin Street on Second Floor above Mildred and Mabels, will be featuring two local artists during November’s First Thursday Art Walk. Scott Wise and Kay Drew will have selections of their art on display for viewing and for purchase. Both artists are Clarksvillians who have full time professional careers but continue to produce art also.

Scott Wise is a local sculptor and artist who has many stone, clay, and bronze pieces in private and public collections in Tennessee and across the United States. Scott is also a firefighter and art teacher in Clarksville. Couture Crush will have a selection of Scott’s smaller sculptures for the Art Walk visitors including his stone birds. These hand carved stone images are favorites of Kaley Drew, owner of Couture Crush. “I have several birds that were given to me as gifts in my home. I love the way Scott captures the beauty of a birds form in limestone. The form is slightly abstract but accentuates the graceful curves and lines of a resting bird.”

Couture Crush will also have a selection of watercolor and acrylic paintings by Kay Drew on display. Kay Drew is the Head of School for Clarksville Academy but she is also an artist. Kaley Drew is the daughter of Kay Drew. “This summer my Mother painted a mural on the back wall of Couture Crush for me. I described to my vision and explained the colors I wanted incorporated into it. She painted exactly what I had dreamed. She has been creating art for as long as I can remember.” Kay Drew’s art that will be on display will include framed illustrations of familiar scenes and places in Clarksville that have been featured in local books and new originals.

Edwards Steakhouse

Edwards Steakhouse, 107 Franklin Street – Lynne Griffey will be the featured artist at Edward’s Steakhouse. Lynne will be featuring her donated painting to the American Cancer Society’s Love Lights a Tree campaign. Patrons are encouraged to participate in the silent auction for this beautiful watercolor. Giclee prints will be available for purchase to support this worthy cause. Lynne continues to donate paintings for the Big Brother Big Sister Community Calendar, Salvation Army, Clarksville Rotary, the Gold Star Wives and the preservation of Smith-Trahern Mansion among others.

Fleur de Lis

Fleur de Lis, 100 South Main Street – Fleur de Lis will give your avid reader an awesome opportunity to meet and have your copy of ColorBlind personalized just in time for Christmas!

Melanie Meadow is the local author of ColorBlind, a Southern Christian fiction novel set in 1960s South Carolina. Its time period is similar to that of the current popular movie, The Help, but its spotlight on a preacher’s daughter and her dairy farmer friend takes the story of racism and church planting down a different sort of path. Meadow’s book is on sale at Fleur de Lis and is available on e-book through amazon.com.

The Framemaker

The Framemaker, 705 North Second Street – Foresight: Photography by Barger, Chisholm, Clark, Flowers and Griffin. The Framemaker proudly presents artists Rian Barger, Jon Chisholm, Synthia Clark, Amanda Flowers and Kathryn Griffin as part of Clarksville’s First Thursday Art Walk. The exhibit, titled “Foresight,” will remain on display at the Framemaker throughout the month of November during normal business hours (Monday through Friday 10:00am – 5:00pm).

Each year, the Austin Peay State University photography students are showcased at the Framemaker. The theme of the 2011 exhibit celebrates the person as a photographic subject. The group show explores a variety of visual and psychological themes: from the stranger as subject to the body as abstract figure. Artist Rian Barger states, “I took over a thousand photos of eyes…the five I chose (for the show) have a different feel, a different look, a different meaning.”

Hodgepodge

Hodgepodge, 125 Franklin Street – Sharon Cockrill and Sarah Head met seven years ago and, much to their husbands’ chagrin, soon realized they shared a passion for fiber arts. They had both been creating for years and have now joined forces to create Knit One Weave Too.

Sharon and Sarah enjoy knitting, weaving, felting, spinning and creating hand-tied yarns. They even throw in a little quilting every once in a while. Sarah had been a life-long knitter and Sharon had been crafting and creating for 30 years. They have enjoyed learning from each other as well as learning new skills and techniques.

Ingredients

Ingredients, 100 Strawberry Alley, will feature A. Heron Designs. “Creating beautiful, quirky pieces, in the hopes that someone will hold them dear, will always be one of my motivations. Jewelry has been worn for centuries, and I relish the thought that some of my pieces could stand the test of time. Every bit of the jewelry-smithing process fascinates me, whether it is the pages of sketches that I draw for one special cabochon or a precarious soldering job. Despite all the work, the greatest moment is polishing up a ring or pendant and realizing it was all worth it.”

Mildred & Mable’s

Mildred & Mable’s, 109 Franklin Street, has will have artist, Charlotte Nelms. Charlotte Nelms was born and reared in Oregon however, as a military spouse has lived and continued her art studies all over the North American and European continents. She received her Associate in Arts Degree from City Colleges of Chicago, Europe. Recently, returned from Germany she has now chosen to settle in Clarksville and is excited to portray in her favorite mediums of pastel and watercolor the American landscapes that she loves. She says of her work:
“I enjoy painting in soft pastels on sandpaper. The texture of sandpaper holds fast the many layers I use of brilliant pastel pigment. My style is realistic with a splash of impressionism. I want to portray the peace, play of light and excitement of color found in the natural landscape.

New South Coffee

New South Coffee, 110 Franklin Street, will feature Alan Goldstein. Alan Goldstein has been a professional photographer for over 40 years and has won many awards for his photography: In 1986 Alan was bestowed the honor of Master of Photography by the Professional Photographers of America for his photographic excellence and in 2006 Alan was bestowed the honor of Photographic Craftsman by the Professional Photographers of America for his contributions to the profession of photography though continuing education and the sharing of knowledge with fellow photographers to promote excellence in imagery and business practices. Alan continues to do portraits but is also involved with making fine art images specializing in large wall prints.

Rogate’s Boutique

Rogate’s Boutique, 115 Franklin Street, will feature the culinary talents of Stephanie Moore, truffle maker. “ I began making chocolate truffles for holiday treats and special desserts. Then after I started experimenting with all my different versions, my sister suggested I sell them. People soon discovered they make easy and wonderful gifts for anything from Christmas, Valentine’s Day to even a special way to say Thank You. They are available in Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Red Velvet, Strawberry, French Vanilla, Pumpkins Spice & Coconut flavors and can be purchased by the dozen. Truffle*Licious is now also available for birthday parties, showers, wedding receptions and dinner parties.”

The Roxy Regional Theatre

The Roxy Regional Theatre is located at 100 Franklin Street. The Roxy Regional Theatre’s Peg Harvill Gallery features paintings by Nathan Parker, accompanying THE WAR OF THE WORLDS, in addition to the artwork of illustrator Michelle Duckworth, complementing A TALE OF TWO CITIES, opening on Friday, November 4th, at 8:00pm.

A typical Saturday at the Roxy is already jam-packed but this particular Saturday was a little more packed than usual. The day began with our Saturday School of the Arts at 10am. We are fortunate to have close to 60 young people takes the acting portion of the program with our Artistic Director, John McDonald. They are working on a “workshop in-formance” of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream coming up in December.

Mary Nell Wooten hands out candy for the Roxy Regional Theatre at Fright on Franklin Street

After acting class, Travis Kendrick took over as 25 young people stay on to take dance class where they are learning the techniques of musical theatre dance and have just begun their choreography projects. If the Roxy does not have a matinée on Saturday, those 25 young people would then stay on for voice class currently taught by Lisa Conklin-Bishop, faculty at Austin Peay State University.

While the School of the Arts program took place inside, preparations were being made outside for the Roxy’s participation in the annual Fright on Franklin. Old Christmas Carol sets, draped with dyed tobacco close and some muslin from Hodgepodge gave a spooky feel. Ghost luminaries made out of recycled milk jugs lit the path around the table.

As dance class let out at 1:30pm, the audience for the matinée began to shuffle in to the Roxy for the afternoon performance of The War of the Worlds. After Martians attacked the earth…again…and the bow was taken, the cast quickly shifted gears into A Tale of Two Cities rehearsal for the next three hours.

I, however, was absent from that afternoons rehearsal, as I was committed to Fright on Franklin. Myself, along with Roxy board members Mary Nell Wooten, Judi Sinks, Nancye Britton and Walter Marczak manned the tent throughout the evening, handing out candy to thousands of little goblins lining the streets of Historic Downtown Clarksville. I must applaud the Parks and Recreation Department, Niki Crowe and Planters Bank for a successful event. We, at the Roxy, were able to reach a lot of people that day just because of interest in the old 1947 building that stands on the corner of First and Franklin.

At the time when most people are ready to close up shop and go home and put their feet up, the Roxy continued it’s long Saturday with the final public performance of The War of the Worlds, presented to a packed house Saturday evening. Are you tired yet?

When you look back on a jam-packed day like that Saturday you know that all the hard work and long hours are worth it. We get to reach 60 plus young people every Saturday, molding and teaching them in the arts. We were able to reach close to 250 audience members coming into the Roxy and supporting live theatre. But most importantly, on that particular Saturday, we were able to reach thousands of ‘Clarksvillians’ through Fright on Franklin and bring awareness to the live-professional theatre that has been on the corner of First and Franklin for the last 29 years. It makes it all worth it.

This week A Tale of Two Cities continues performances on Friday, November 11 at 8pm and Saturday, November 12 at 2pm and 8pm. Performances continue that following week on Friday and Saturday at 8pm.

Click here to view the embedded video.

See you at the theatre!

Clarksville, TN – This Saturday, November 5th, The Downtown Clarksville Association and Downtown merchants will be hosting a Holiday Open House during our regular business hours.

Participating businesses include: ARTifacts Emporium, Hodgepodge, Ingredients, Rogate’s Boutique, Fleur de Lis, Creative Corner at Hodgepodge and more.

Santa Claus will make an appearance at the Roxy Theatre from 3:00pm-5:00pm and carolers will be singing along the streets.

This is a fun family event and a great time to start your Christmas shopping!!

Clarksville, TN – Downtown Clarksville’s 6th annual celebration of the arts, “Frolic on Franklin” will take place Saturday, September 17th. Hosted by the Downtown Clarksville Association, the event will showcase the works of 30 local and regional artists along the 100 block of historic Franklin Street.

A variety of original artwork and crafts will be on display including jewelry, pottery, water colors, woodwork, ceramics, glass items, photography and more. Items will be for sale with prices ranging from $2.00 – $2,000. Several artists will also provide demonstrations of their work throughout the day including painting and decorating glass ornaments, making wooden items with lathes, and various types of painting.

6th Annual ‘Frolic on Franklin’

Beyond Clarksville, artists hail from Smyrna, Burns, Springfield, Ashland City and Nashville, TN, as well as Fort Campbell and Trenton, KY.

Participating vendors include: Jennifer Reverri, Ed’s Clocks and Rocks, Keith Fehrman, Ronnie Thorton, Louis Toth, Curious Cases/A Heron Design, Visions2Images, Original Wood-Works, Dr. Johnnie ABC, Tuckessee Woodturners, Classical Stone Carving, Gynell West, Yvonne Wheeler Hiett, Carolyn Rogers, Twisted Creations, Made with Love, That Creative Touch, Creative Cutters Corner & Crafts, Wooden Things, Clarksville Academy Photography Department, Captured by Grant, Rocking Horse Class, Country Cousins Crafts, Mia’s Creations, Michael D. Hughes P hotography, Two Branches, Artwork by Elizabeth Hadden, DREGstudios!, NSRVampChicks Designs and Friends of Photography.

In addition to artist booths, staged entertainment is scheduled throughout the day, including a first-ever Roxy Idol Contest. Singers, dancers, comics –whether group or individual–can register by sending an e-mail to . The winner will receive a special prize and have a cameo appearance that evening in “Beehive: The 60′s Musical Sensation.” Registration deadline for the Roxy Idol Contest is September 15th.

• 9:30am – Cumberland Winds’ Jazz Project
• 10:45am – Northeast High School Exit One
• Noon – Austin Peay State University Opera Workshop
• 1:15pm – Yesterday!
• 2:15pm – Lydia Walker
• 3:00pm – First Roxy Idol Contest

Shops and restaurants along Franklin and throughout the downtown district will also be open, as will Downtown Market until 2:00pm.

Frolic on Franklin is free and will be held from 9:00am-4:00pm.

The evening will culminate with a ticketed Roxy Gala auction, dinner and show.

For more information about Frolic on Franklin or Roxy Gala tickets, please contact the Roxy Regional Theatre at 931-645-7699.

Clarksville, TN – You’re invited to join the merchants of Historic Downtown Clarksville for the monthly Art Walk, which will be held this month on September 1st, from 5:00pm – 8:00pm. Kendall Welsh from ARTifacts sent us this information about September’s artistic extravaganza.

Participating merchants include Ingredients, Downtown Artist Co-Op, Mildred & Mabel’s, Hodgepodge, and more.

Participating artists include Rachel Ison, Patsy Dollar, Cumberland Winds Woodwind Quintet, Mackenzie Coffman, Pamela Whinnery, and more.

The Austin Peay Downtown Gallery

At the APSU Downtown Gallery, opening on Thursday, during artwalk, will be the September artshow for paintings by Gwendolyn Rodriquez and Lynn Griffey.

ARTifacts Emporium

ARTifacts will be featuring Patsy Dollar & Sharla Adams.

When asked about her art, here is what Patsy Dollar shared: This year has been very eventful for me as I pursue my art and the expression of it. I have moved into different mediums of expression and not been as active in others. This show is titled “Multifaceted Perceptions by the Loose Potter”. In this presentation I have attempted to show my growth within by presenting art that is as multifaceted as I am. New examples of Face Pots with more abstractions, and free form faces that peer out at you, and the addition of Crystalline glazes to add depth to the perceptions of art forms and their functionality. Also this year I am introducing experiments with charcoal and pastel chalks as well as acrylics. I have also brought 2 dimensional art forms into my experience.

Sharla Adams is an arts and crafts designer who is a native of Clarksville. She specializes in jewelry design. She works for the Clarksville Montgomery County School System. Jewelry started off as a hobby for Sharla and now her goods can be found at Artifacts Emporium, in Strawberry Alley in downtown Clarksville. Her inspiration is from nature and from art seen while traveling throughout the world. The biggest compliment is to see someone that you don’t know wearing a piece that she has created. For more information about Sharla and to see some of her previous designs, please visit www.designsbysharla.net.

Downtown Artist Co-Op

Downtown Artists Co-op The show opening during the September ArtWalk will be the Annual DAC Membership Exhibition.

Fleur de Lis

As a part of September’s Art Walk, Fleur de Lis is introducing Amanda Slay and The Petal as an extension of Fleur de lis.

The Framemaker

The Framemaker proudly presents artist Greg Sand as part of Clarksville’s First Thursday Art Walk .
Greg Sand is an artist and photographer who explores the issues of existence, time and death. He works primarily with digital photography to produce work that addresses the nature of photography and its role in defining reality. Sand received his BFA in Photography from Austin Peay State University in 2008. He has won the acclaim of both jurors and audiences, winning numerous awards and honors. In 2009, Sand was selected by critic Catherine Edelman and the Griffin Museum of Photography as one of “the most exciting new artists emerging in the world of photography.” Sand currently produces work in Clarksville, Tennessee, and exhibits across the United States.

Greg Sand states, “Remnants is a series about recollection and remembrance. Each ‘remnant’ in the series is composed of three found photos–each from a different point in the subject’s life–that have been cut into strips and woven together to form a portrait of a person who has passed away. Remnants uses cloth as a metaphor for memory.”

The Framemaker is located at the corner of North Second Street and Georgia Avenue, across from The Clarksville Academy.

Hodgepodge

Hodgepodge will feature Miranda Herrick. Miranda was born in Vicenza, Italy in the 1970’s, an ARMY brat. After returning to the US, she attended eight different schools in four states before her father’s retirement settled her family in Clarksville, TN in the early 1990’s. She started drawing for art’s sake around the age of four. After being restored by her mother’s reassurances from an existential crisis at the age eight, Miranda has spent all of her spare time with a pen in hand.

Miranda received a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art from Austin Peay State University in the fall of 1999. Her studies concentrated on ceramics and drawing. Since that time she has pursued a career in the picture framing industry and the fine art field while also indulging an interest in curating and displaying art objects.

The Creative Corner @ Hodgepodge will feature Kimberly Santiago’s creative Art Journals, journal kits, and supplies for journals.

Ingredients

Ingredients – Ingredients will be hosting a Cookbook Signing by Pamela Whinnery, author of Country Goodness, Recipes of Tennessee Celebrities. After an early retirement as a quality control lab analyst for USEC in Paducah, KY, she decided because of her love for cooking, cookbooks, and recipes she would start compiling celebrity cookbooks. Please stop in and meet Ms. Whinnery,

L&N Train Station

Austin Peay State University President Tim Hall will read from his book about marriage, “The Labor of Love” at 5:30pm at the L & N Train Station, where art historian and quilter Dr. Dixie Webb is also exhibiting her quilts.

The Arts and Heritage Development Council and Montgomery County Historical Society are teaming up to offer this artistic exploration of Clarksville’s heritage as an extra element for First Thursday ArtWalk.

Mildred & Mabel’s

Mildred & Mable’s artist will be Mackenzie Coffman. Mackenzie is a sophomore at Austin Peay State University double majoring in Art and Business. After winning the Montgomery County District Art Competition, she received the opportunity to meet John Tanner in Jackson, TN. During her freshman year she was accepted in the student art show. When asked about her art she says, “I absolutely love photography and after I receive my masters in art, I plan to be a published photographer and own a gallery in New York City.”

Rogate’s Boutique

Rogate’s is pleased to present Rachel Ison of Appealing Jewelry Designs. Favorite jewelry techniques are wire wrapping and wire sculpturing. I like the way beads, stones and wire come together and enhance each other.”

Train Station Whistle Stop

Author Billyfrank Morrison will talk about his book on Clarksville through postcards at 5:00pm at the L & N Train Station, where visual artist Jim Hancock is also exhibiting his latest photographs.

The Arts and Heritage Development Council and Montgomery County Historical Society are teaming up to extend the First Thursday ArtWalk to Clarksville’s historic train station.

Cumberland Winds Woodwind Quintet

The Quintet consists of Mike Noland on French Horn, Jeanette Zyko on Bassoon, Gary Heagren on Clarinet, Amanda Schmitt on Oboe, and Beth Ryan on Flute. We all play in the Cumberland Winds community band. Our quintet can perform at many different functions, and we hope to bring some good listening music to the art walk on September 1st.

Clarksville, TN

Next week, starting on Thursday the 14th, Rivers & Spires will kick off the three day festival with the Patchwork Premiere event from 4:00pm-8:00pm at Commerce and Hiter Street. And for those who have a need for speed, Mr. Speed will be paying tribute to the 70’s favorite make-up clad band KISS. They will be on the Public Square Stage Thursday at 8:00pm. Then watch as the Historic Downtown Clarksville transforms into a shopping, dining and music filled destination. There will be an array of activities for kids and kids-at-heart. For those who have never attended, be prepared to have non-stop fun and be amazed at all that Clarksville-Montgomery County has to offer.

Last year the Rivers & Spires festival saw a record breaking 42,000 people pass through the streets of Downtown Clarksville.

On one of the six stages during the festival you will find a band that caters to your taste in music. From country and rock to jazz and Christian, you can check out the complete line up on www.riversandspires.com. Be sure to make plans to see Here Come The Mummies at 9:00pm on Friday night and headliner Clint Black at 9:00pm on Saturday night. Both acts will be performing on Public Square Stage on their respective nights.

In between all that music and free activities, you are sure to get hungry, so good thing that at the festival you will find a multitude of food vendors that will be serving favorites like funnel cakes, onion rings, frozen lemonade and giant turkey legs among other treats. All of the other fine dining and casual restaurants famous for their cuisine will be open downtown if a sit down atmosphere is what you are looking for.

You simply cannot come to Rivers and Spires without getting some shopping in. During the fun-filled three days, you will have the opportunity to purchase unique gifts and novelties that you won’t find anywhere else. From dresses, sunglasses and home décor, The Marketplace at Rivers & Spires Festival has everything you could imagine. Artisans from all over the country come to Clarksville to show off and sell their handmade artwork, jewelry and woodwork in the Artz Galore area. Take time to browse the booths in search of the special something to take home as a souvenir from your Rivers and Spires adventure.

Before you get Downtown, be sure to sign up for the text club. Text SPIRES to 68255 to get all of the up to the minute information about what is going on during the festival. Messaging and data rates may apply.

The Rivers & Spires festival hopes to see you Downtown next week enjoying everything there is to offer. Visit us online, become a fan of us on Facebook and follow us along on Twitter @riversandspires.

Participating merchants include ARTifacts Emporium, The Framemaker, Front Page Deli, Hodgepodge, Ingredients, the L&N Train Station, Planters Bank, The Peg Harvill Gallery in the Roxy Regional Theatre, and Rogates Boutique.

Participating artists include Anna Heron, Allison Lee, Wendy Mitchell, Tony Yang of Fujiyama, Ulrike S. Proctor, Eleanore Williams, Beverly Parker, and KC’s Handcrafted Designs

ARTifacts Emporium

Featured at ARTifacts is metalsmith Anna Heron. “I love every step of the metalsmithing process…even the boring nitty, gritty sanding and clean-up. The hope of the finished product is a thrill more overwhelming than I can describe. Having someone purchase and wear one of my pieces has got to be the greatest compliment I can receive. Everyone has that one piece of jewelry that they treasure and pass down through their family.”

The Framemaker

The Framemaker is proud to present original illustrations by graphic designer Allison Lee. In regard to how her work is created, Lee notes: “Printmaking and computer technology seem to be at different ends of the spectrum, but I use both traditional and digital methods to create my illustrations and prints. Understanding the traditional process and applying that knowledge in my digital illustrations allows me to maintain a constant retro feeling throughout my work.”

Front Page Deli –

This is going to be a very unusual art show for Clarksville. Featuring artist that are all very accomplished artists working with different subject matter but in a style that is complimentary. The cohesive factor that brings it all together is that their work is so wildly imaginative. There will be works in oil, acrylics, pastel, water color, colored pencil and others that we haven’t identified but suspect might have a military surplus background. All with a captivating energy running through them.

Hodgepodge

Hodgepodge will feature the artwork of Windy Mitchell. When asked about her art, Windy said, “My Song Birds are about the fullness and the love of family.”

Ingredients

Fujiyama, a Japanese Steak and Sushi restaurant will be sharing culinary delights at Ingredients. Fujiyama is located at 2257 Wilma Rudolph Blvd next to the Mulligan’s Package Store. Mr. Yang has been cooking for around 20 years and trained in the art of cooking in New York City at the Sakura & Mizu restaurants and came to Clarksville to work with his brother, who was the first owner of China King Restaurant on Lowes Drive.

Ingredients will also host artist Ulrike S. Proctor. Ms. Proctor’s parents exposed her early in life to a great variety of vibrant cultures and traditions and she began to develop a love for drawing and painting pictures at the age of eight. Her peers around her commented on her sense of vivid imagination and her use of color. Ms. Proctor says “I love using color, contrast and playing with shadows and need to be sure I fall in love with the object or the image I am about to paint.”

L&N Train Station

County Historian Eleanor Williams will read humorous episodes from her book, “Worship Along the Warioto,” at 5:30pm at the L & N Train Station, where visual artists Lynne Griffey and Greg Williamson are also exhibiting photographs and watercolors of historic sites in Clarksville. The Arts and Heritage Development Council and Montgomery County Historical Society are teaming up to offer this artistic exploration of historic Clarksville as an extra element for First Thursday ArtWalk.

Planter’s Bank

Planters Bank is giving away a quilt by Susan Schaaf for Patchwork Premiere during Rivers & Spires. The quilt, Churn Dash with a Twist, will be on display at the bank’s Commerce Street office April 7th-14th during regular banking hours. Individuals may register to win at the branch or during the event the evening of April 14th.

The Roxy Regional Theatre’s Peg Harvill Gallery

The Roxy Regional Theatre’s Peg Harvill Gallery will showcase the works of photographic artist Beverly Parker. While at the theatre, be sure to reserve your tickets for the final three performances of the new play about the Lewis and Clark Expedition, BEA(U)TIFUL IN THE EXTREME, and the upcoming musical THE CIVIL WAR, opening April 22nd.

Rogate’s Boutique

Rogate’s is hosting the artistics designs of KC’s Handcrafted Designs. This duo makes unique greeting cards, featuring specialty paper art techniques, and adding their touch of original twist on a greeting card with a jewelry pendant.