The Muse // Winter 2025

THE

The Columbus Museum Quarterly Magazine

Winter 2025-2026

The Columbus Museum invites you to celebrate creativity and culture through the experience of American art, regional history, tranquil gardens, and more. As a destination for people of all interests and ages, the Museum has something for everyone – from the art enthusiast to the history buff, the nature lover to the leisure visitor – it’s free, and it’s all in one space.

THE COLUMBUS MUSEUM: 1251 Wynnton Road Columbus, GA 31906 706.748.2562 comuga.org

MUSEUM HOURS: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Closed 10 AM – 5 PM 10 AM – 5 PM 10 AM – 8 PM 10 AM – 5 PM 10 AM – 5 PM 1 PM – 5 PM

MUSEUM SHOP HOURS: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Closed 10 AM – 4:30 PM 10 AM – 4:30 PM 10 AM – 7:30 PM 10 AM – 4:30 PM 10 AM – 4:30 PM 1 PM – 4:30 PM

ON THE COVER: Thomas Addison Richards, River Plantation, 1855–1859, detail, Oil on canvas, Courtesy of the Morris Museum of Art, Augusta, Georgia

2 // THE MUSE WINTER 2025–2026

Letter from the Director As we look ahead to winter at The Columbus Museum, I’m excited to share that two new exhibitions will open alongside a season full of festive and engaging programs. From the return of Winter Wonderland and Heist! to our February Family Festival, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at COMU. We’ll kick things off on December 1 with the 36th annual Master Circle Dinner, co-chaired

by Bob Vardaman and Betsy Leebern. This year’s event takes inspiration from our third-floor exhibition, Daily Special: The Art of John Miller, and promises to set the tone for the holiday season in true COMU style. We’re deeply grateful to Betsy and Bob for their creativity and leadership in planning such a special evening for our Circle level members.

Later in December, the Museum will once again transform into a Winter Wonderland, complete with holiday activities, delicious food, local vendors, and – of course – pictures with Santa. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the season with family and friends.

Opening January 31 in the Yarbrough Gallery, The Puzzle of Politics: Calvin Smyre in Service, 1975– 2025 highlights Smyre’s extraordinary 50-year career in the Georgia House of Representatives and his unwavering commitment to public service. Twice named Columbus’ “Citizen of the Year,” Smyre has played key roles in community initiatives, including the Fountain City Classic and Leaders of Today and Tomorrow. A lifelong puzzle enthusiast, he will also share examples from his impressive personal collection.

In March, we’ll debut Georgia’s Fall Line, an exhibition exploring this important geographical boundary and the communities that lie along it – including Columbus, Augusta, and Macon.

The Alma Thomas Society, established in 2017, plays a vital role in strengthening the Museum’s

collection by supporting the acquisition of works

by African American artists. Through annual dues, members contribute to the purchase of significant artworks selected collectively during a special evening event each February. In addition to the annual acquisition gathering, the Society offers members opportunities for engagement and learning throughout the year, including curator-led programs and exclusive art experiences. With the next Purchase Party scheduled for February 24, this is an excellent time to consider joining this dedicated group and taking part in its meaningful contributions to the Museum’s mission.

From all of us at COMU, I wish you a joyful holiday season surrounded by loved ones – and I look forward to seeing you soon at the Museum.

New On View January 31 – March 1, 2026

The Puzzle of Politics: Calvin Smyre in Service, 1975–2025 Calvin Smyre first took office in the Georgia House of Representatives in 1975. Over the next 50 years, he became a respected and powerful leader, well-liked by colleagues on both sides of the aisle.

1

This exhibition explores Smyre’s decades of service and his role in high-profile legislation, such as making Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday a state holiday, replacing the 1950s-era state flag, construction of the Georgia Dome, and passing a hate crimes law.

Smyre’s advocacy for Muscogee County issues and causes is highlighted, including his role in bringing the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts to life and his long-running involvement with the Fountain City Classic and Leaders of Today and Tomorrow. His dedication to public service is matched only by his zeal for jigsaw puzzles, and the exhibition features his reflections on puzzles as stress relief and memory preservation.

19 Thursday

The Puzzle of Politics Public Reception 5:30 – 8 PM // FREE Registration required. Space is limited.

Celebrate COMU’s newest exhibition at this memorable event.

View the exhibition and enjoy a moderated conversation between Calvin Smyre and James H. Blanchard about his political and civic career. Light snacks and a cash bar will be available.

2

3

4

Images: 1. Jigsaw puzzle of Calvin Smyre posing by his portrait in the Georgia State Capitol with consultant Lee Hughes, 2025, Courtesy of Calvin Smyre 2.-3. Letter from Calvin Smyre to James H. Blanchard, 1972, Courtesy of Calvin Smyre 4. Fountain City Classic commemorative football, 1998, Courtesy of Calvin Smyre

THE MUSE WINTER 2025–2026 // 3

New On View March 3 – August 2, 2026

1

Georgia’s Fall Line Columbus sits at the southeastern United States’ fall line, a geological boundary marked by rapid changes in elevation. Near rivers, this natural feature results in rapids that southern entrepreneurs have sought to harness for more than 200 years.

Georgia’s fall line cuts the state nearly in half, running from Augusta south through Macon and Columbus. The effects of this feature generated economic and cultural similarities that continue to be seen today, even as each city sought to forge its own path.

Georgia’s Fall Line spotlights Georgia’s Fall Line cities, highlighting the key role that manufacturing, textile mills, and the U.S. military played in each community, as well as the importance of trade and transportation networks in economic development.

Once seen only as industrial cities, the exhibition situates Georgia’s Fall Line communities and their contributions within the state’s broader history. In addition to spotlighting The Columbus Museum’s collection, it features objects and images from institutions throughout the state such as the Augusta Museum of History, the Morris Museum of Art, and the Middle Georgia Archives.

Images: 1. Lewis Wickes Hine, Doffer boys in Bibb Mill No. 1, Macon, Ga., 1909, gelatin silver print, Museum purchase, The Columbus Museum G.1985.79.11 // 2. Headgates at the Fall Line of the Savannah River Near Augusta, ca. late 1800s, Image courtesy of the Augusta Museum of History 3. Spiker and Bash, “A Skirmish” - 1st West Virginia Volunteer Infantry at Lover’s Leap along Chattahoochee River, 1898, gelatin silver print on cardboard, The Gladys Dudley History Fund, The Columbus Museum G.2024.33.2 // 4. “Industry and Business marketing material for Columbus, Georgia” magazine, ca. 1955, Gift of the Family of Angelo Franco, The Columbus Museum G.2023.34.87 5. “Columbus, Georgia’s Newest Port City” promotional guide, 1964, Gift of the Family of Angelo Franco, The Columbus Museum G.2023.34.88 // 6. Thomas Addison Richards, River Plantation, 1855–1859, Oil on canvas, Courtesy of the Morris Museum of Art, Augusta, Georgia

4 // THE MUSE WINTER 2025–2026

2

3

4

5

5

THE MUSE WINTER 2025–2026 // 5

New Acquisitions Winter 2025–2026

Unique Works on Paper by Athena Tacha Athena Tacha is a Greek-born sculptor, landscape architect, and educator. She studied at the National Academy of Fine Arts in Athens and matriculated at Oberlin College in Ohio on a Fulbright scholarship in 1960. Tacha continued her education at the Sorbonne, University of Paris, where she completed her PhD on the role of light in contemporary sculpture. Returning to Oberlin, she became assistant curator at the Allen Memorial Art Museum in the mid-1960s and later taught sculpture at Oberlin College until 1998.

Tacha began her art career exhibiting throughout Ohio–including at the annual Cleveland May Show at the Cleveland Museum of Art–before gaining national recognition. In the 1970s, she shifted her focus to largescale environmental public sculpture, using materials such as brick, LED lighting, plants, steel, stone, and water. Her commissioned works can be found on the campuses of the University of Arizona–Tucson and the University of Wisconsin–Madison, as well as in Cambridge, Massachusetts; Louisville, Kentucky; and multiple sites in and around Washington, D.C. These new acquisitions are welcome additions to The Columbus Museum’s collection, strengthening COMU’s holdings of Second Wave Feminist art, unique works on paper, and objects by women artists addressing themes in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). COMU is proud to help preserve and share the legacy of this groundbreaking artist.

2

1

3

Images: 1. Athena Tacha, Untitled [Fingers], 2005/2015, color photograph, Gift of the artist, The Columbus Museum G.2025.44.4 // 2. Athena Tacha, Dark Energy #11, 2002, silicone on black paper, Gift of the artist, The Columbus Museum G.2025.44.3 // 3. Athena Tacha, Untitled, 1989/1990, mushroom spores on paper, Gift of the artist, The Columbus Museum G.2025.44.2

Study 041018 by Robert Jerome (Jerry) Walden, Sr. After serving in the Air Force in the early 1960s, Jerry Walden made a name for himself as an artist and brought the new abstract styles of New York to the rural South. Walden became skilled in figure drawing and realistic representation during his early studies at Auburn University, but he eventually became curious about the newer trends of formalist design, conceptual art, and minimalism.

Pursuing an MFA at the University of Georgia provided Walden the opportunity to experiment with multiple styles and materials.

In 1971 he began teaching at the university level in Mississippi and South Carolina. As an art educator and practicing artist, Walden continued to explore a range of media and subjects, from conceptual self-portraits to hard edge painting. With the artist’s hallmarks of “overlapping” shapes, clean lines, and sophisticated colors, this work is a quintessential late example of Walden’s own version of geometric abstraction.

Image: Robert Jerome (Jerry) Walden, Sr., Study 041018, 2018, acrylic on gessoed Rives BFK paper, Gift of Robert Walden, The Columbus Museum G.2025.36

6 // THE MUSE WINTER 2025–2026

Museum Receives First Non-Army Military Uniform The Columbus Museum recently acquired its first uniform worn by a member of a United States military branch other than the Army. Staff worked with Vulcan Park and Museum in Birmingham to facilitate the transfer of a World War II uniform worn by a local man who grew up in both Columbus and Phenix City. The Museum is pleased to expand its collection of military uniforms and hopes to use this gift to begin sharing the stories of Chattahoochee Valley residents who served in all branches of the armed forces.

Born in 1921, Hubert L. Taylor grew up in Columbus as the son of a millworker and the youngest of three siblings.

He attended Central High School in Phenix City before moving to Atlanta and enrolling in John Marshall University, which specialized in law and accounting studies.

Taylor was working as a clerk at Lane Drug Stores in Atlanta when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in July 1942. He was quickly sent overseas and seems to have been deployed with a division of Marines. Taylor served in both the Atlantic and Pacific, achieving the rank of Storekeeper Second Class as he managed ship supply inventories.

On December 11, 1944, Taylor was killed when the USS Reid was attacked by Japanese kamikazes and sank off the coast of Leyte in the Philippine Sea. The Columbus Enquirer published the news of his death the following month, and his mother, Mamie Bohannon Taylor, received a flag in her son’s memory during a September 1945 American Legion ceremony honoring Russell County’s war dead.

Images: 1. – 2. Hubert L. Taylor’s World War II dress uniform and dog tag, 1942/1944, Gift of Vulcan Park and Museum, The Columbus Museum G.2024.46

1

2

THE MUSE WINTER 2025–2026 // 7

Upcoming Programs Winter 2025–2026

December 1 Monday

Master Circle Dinner 6 PM // Circle Members Only Celebrate a special evening with our esteemed Circle Members. This breathtaking black-tie event features culinary delights, spirits, and exquisite decor. Mark your calendars for this highly anticipated event, co-chaired by Betsy Leebern and Bob Vardaman.

11 Thursday

18 Thursday

5 – 7:30 PM // FREE

4 – 7:30 PM // FREE

Volunteers and docents are invited to an early preview hour from 4 – 5 PM. No registration required.

(Pictures with Santa end at 6:45 PM)

Sip & Shop

Enjoy festive shopping with gourmet food tastings, a cash bar by Uppity Lush, and complimentary gift wrapping for your purchases.

Explore one-of-a-kind finds from Sally Denham’s glasswork and Lindsey Richard’s Common Link permanent jewelry, enter for door prizes, and take advantage of exclusive in-store specials.

13 Saturday

Winter Wonderland at COMU Celebrate the season with a magical evening of holiday fun at COMU! Families are invited to enjoy storytime in the galleries, a festive scavenger hunt, and holiday card making in the Galleria. Capture the moment with pictures with Santa, sip hot cocoa, snack on fresh-baked cookies, and enjoy live holiday music that fills the Museum with cheer.

Guests can also enter raffle drawings for a chance to win fun prizes throughout the night!

Yoga at the Museum 10:30 AM – Noon $5 Members/$10 Non-Members Registration required. Space is limited.

9 Tuesday

After School Art Break 2:30 – 4:30 PM // FREE

De-stress with a yoga class at COMU, surrounded by art and history! Start with a short mindfulness-focused gallery experience, then relax with a gentle, all-levels yoga session led by Sue Tomkiewicz. Some yoga mats are available on a first-come, firstserved basis.

Elementary students & caregivers. Drop-in event.

No registration required.

26 Friday – 28 Sunday

Join us in the Studio for art making! Each month, take inspiration from an object in the COMU collection and experiment with new materials.

10 AM – 5 PM // FREE

Holiday Sale

No registration required.

Wrap up the year with incredible savings!

Enjoy up to 75% off holiday merchandise plus special discounts throughout the store on other great finds. It’s the perfect time to stock up for next season or treat yourself to something special.

11 Thursday

Garden Volunteer Work Day Bradley Olmsted Garden 8:30 AM – Noon No registration required.

Drop-In Tours: Celebrating the COMU Collection Every Saturday // 2 PM // FREE Drop-in event. No registration required.

Join a COMU docent for a guided tour highlighting our permanent collection. Learn about American art and regional history through this hour-long tour of some of our most beloved collection objects.

8 // THE MUSE WINTER 2025–2026

16 Tuesday

COMU Lifelong Learners: John Miller 12:15 PM // FREE

January 8 Thursday

Garden Volunteer Work Day

Optional Gallery Experience at 11:30 AM Registration required. Space is limited.

Bradley Olmsted Garden 8:30 AM – Noon

Join us for our monthly lunch lecture series highlighting topics related to objects and exhibitions currently on view at COMU! In December, COMU Director Marianne Richter will give a talk about the exhibition Daily Special: The Art of John Miller. Participants have the option to purchase lunch from the Museum’s Café or bring their own.

No registration required.

10 Saturday

Yoga at the Museum 10:30 AM – Noon

20 Tuesday

COMU Lifelong Learners: Making Bank

$5 Members/$10 Non-Members Registration required. Space is limited.

12:15 PM // FREE

10 Saturday & 13 Tuesday

Join us for our monthly lunch lecture series highlighting topics related to objects and exhibitions currently on view at COMU! In January, Jack Schley will talk about the exhibition Making Bank: Money and Columbus Financial Institutions. Participants have the option to purchase lunch from the Museum’s Café or bring their own.

Artful Babies

10:30 – 11:30 AM // FREE Ages 6 - 24 months & caregivers. Drop-in event.

No registration required.

Explore books, hands-on objects, and an art activity for children and caregivers to enjoy together.

Optional Gallery Experience at 11:30 AM Registration required. Space is limited.

20 Tuesday & 24 Saturday

February 6 Friday

Members & Friends Bus Trip to Atlanta 8 AM – 6 PM $95 Members/$115 Non-Members Registration required. Space is limited.

This trip offers a visit to the High Museum of Art, home to a world-class collection. Afterward, enjoy lunch at Politan Row, a vibrant food hall featuring a variety of culinary options. The afternoon continues with a tour at the Chastain Art Center showcasing works by artist Kevin Cole.

Mini Makers

10:30 – 11:30 AM // FREE Ages 2 - 4 years & caregivers. Drop-in event.

No registration required.

Learn about art through story time, games, and more! Each session includes exploring new materials and creating mini masterpieces to take home.

13 Tuesday

After School Art Break 2:30 – 4:30 PM // FREE Elementary students & caregivers. Drop-in event.

No registration required.

17 Saturday

Family Saturday

24 Saturday

Adult Workshop: Junk Journals 10:30 AM – 12:15 PM $30 Members/$40 Non-Members Registration required. Space is limited.

Join COMU staff to learn about the art of junk journaling! Start the new year with a new mindful practice to capture your memories and unleash your creativity.

10 AM – Noon // FREE Drop-in event. No registration required.

Stop by COMU every month for new activities exploring the Museum’s permanent collection and temporary exhibitions.

31 Saturday

Heist! Sponsored by the Young Art Patrons 5:30 – 8 PM $15 Members/$25 Non-Members Registration required. Space is limited.

Join us for a night of crime-solving at COMU! A work of art has suddenly gone missing, and we need your detective skills to crack the case— complete with a cash bar, tasty snacks, creative artmaking, music, and more throughout the evening!

7 Saturday & 10 Tuesday

Artful Babies

10:30 – 11:30 AM // FREE Ages 6 - 24 months & caregivers.

Drop-in event. No registration required.

10 Tuesday

After School Art Break 2:30 – 4:30 PM // FREE Elementary students & caregivers. Drop-in event.

No registration required.

12 Thursday

Garden Volunteer Work Day Bradley Olmsted Garden 8:30 AM – Noon No registration required.

13 Friday & 14 Saturday

Valentine’s Rush Sale 10 AM – 5 PM // FREE No registration required.

Find the perfect last-minute Valentine’s gift!

Discover specials throughout the store and enjoy complimentary gift wrapping to make your thoughtful surprise complete—just in time for Valentine’s Day. continues on next page ...

THE MUSE WINTER 2025–2026 // 9

Upcoming Programs Winter 2025–2026 21 Saturday 14 Saturday

Yoga at the Museum 10:30 AM – Noon $5 Members/$10 Non-Members Registration required. Space is limited.

14 Saturday & 17 Tuesday

Mini Makers

10:30 – 11:30 AM // FREE Ages 2 - 4 years & caregivers. Drop-in event.

No registration required.

Learn about art through story time, games, and more! Each session includes exploring new materials and creating mini masterpieces to take home.

February Festival: Celebrating Black History Month 10 AM – 2 PM // FREE Drop-in event. No registration required.

Join us for a day of creativity, community, and celebration of Black History Month! Enjoy hands-on art making inspired by works in the Museum’s collection, take part in a fun scavenger hunt, and connect with local organizations sharing their talents and stories.

This year’s festival will feature special activities with community partners like the Carver High School Art Club, live entertainment, and delicious food available for purchase from a local food truck.

piece. The winning artwork will be revealed at the end of the evening.

Not an Alma Thomas Society Member but want to attend? Contact us at membership@ comuga.org or call 706.748.2562 ext. 5430 to join today. Membership in the Alma Thomas Society is an add-on to museum membership—secure your spot now to be part of this dynamic, art-focused support group.

27 Friday

The Art of Glassmaking Workshop – Decorative Paperweights 1, 3, & 5 PM $75 Members/$80 Non-Members Registration required. Space is limited.

Learn to make your own glass paperweight in one of three different styles with Kelly Robertson of Calvary Glass. All materials are provided. No experience is necessary.

28 Saturday & 1 Sunday

The Art of Glassmaking Workshop – Decorative Paperweights 10 AM, Noon, 2 PM, 4 PM, 6 PM $75 Members/$80 Non-Members

17 Tuesday

COMU Lifelong Learners: Columbus’s Black Schools 12:15 PM // FREE Optional Gallery Experience at 11:30 AM Registration required. Space is limited.

Join us for our monthly lunch lecture series highlighting topics related to objects and exhibitions currently on view at COMU! In February, Dr. Judy Purnell will be discussing the history of Columbus’s Black schools. Participants have the option to purchase lunch from the Museum’s Café or bring their own.

19 Thursday

The Puzzle of Politics Public Reception

All materials are provided. No experience is necessary.

24 Tuesday

Alma Thomas Society Purchase Party 5:30 – 7 PM // FREE for Alma Thomas Society Members ($500) Registration required.

Join us for the 9th Annual Alma Thomas Society Purchase Party, where you’ll get to vote on which work will join the Museum’s collection, thanks to the support of the Alma Thomas Society and the Fund for African American Art. Consider the options on view as Curator of American Art Dr. Jonathan Frederick Walz discusses each potential

5:30 – 8 PM // FREE Registration required. Space is limited.

Celebrate COMU’s newest exhibition at this memorable event. View the exhibition and enjoy a moderated conversation between Calvin Smyre and James H. Blanchard about his political and civic career. Light snacks and a cash bar will be available.

10 // THE MUSE WINTER 2025–2026

For event information and tickets, visit our website or contact: Membership at 706.748.2562 ext. 5430 or membership@comuga.org

Education Impact

Images: Students at Lonnie Jackson Academy make art inspired by Jeffrey Gibson’s Upstream.

Pre-K Art & Literacy Program Relaunches in Muscogee County The Columbus Museum, in partnership with the United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley, has relaunched the Museum PALS (Pre-K Art & Literacy in Schools) program in twelve Muscogee County schools in the 2025-2026 school year.

Museum PALS began in fall 2019 as a way to bridge the gap in art education for Georgia Pre-K students. Over the next five years, the program grew to serve every student in Muscogee County. After a one-year hiatus, PALS has returned to serve 32 classrooms in twelve schools thanks to the generous support of UWCV’s Resilient Chattahoochee Valley grant.

Participating classes receive an hour-long monthly visit from an educator focused on an object in the Museum’s collection. Sessions start with a group discussion about an object, followed by reading a related story, and culminating in a hands-on art making experience. Each lesson practices language skills that contribute to kindergarten readiness while engaging students’ creativity and problem-solving skills.

In a recent lesson, students began by looking at Jeffrey Gibson’s painting Upstream and discussing the colors and shapes they saw. The session facilitator then read The Perfect Square by Michael Hall, and the group discussed how shapes are used to create art. Finally, students used colorful tissue paper to create their own shape masterpieces. Each month, classroom teachers are gifted with program materials – including art supplies and picture books – to continue the learning between sessions and build their classroom libraries.

Museum PALS was a natural partnership for the Museum and UWCV as

both organizations value programs for young learners. The Basics, launched

by United Way in 2019, has engaged over 3,000 local families, empowering them to give their children the best start in life. The Columbus Museum also offers programming onsite for young learners and their caregivers.

THE MUSE WINTER 2025–2026 // 11

Museum Travel

2026 DETROIT AND CRANBROOK MEMBER TRIP JOIN US FOR FOUR DAYS IN DETROIT & BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MICHIGAN!

April 9–12, 2026 Discover Detroit through the lens of art and architecture on this three-night spring escape. The tour will include: Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) – Spend a full day immersed in the extraordinary collections of the Detroit Institute of Arts, recognized as one of the top six comprehensive art museums in the United States. With its stunning architecture, world-class galleries, and thoughtfully curated exhibitions, the DIA offers an unparalleled art experience.

Cranbrook – Journey to one of the most architecturally significant campuses in the United States, where art, design, and landscape come together seamlessly. Set on 319 beautiful acres just outside Detroit, the Cranbrook campus is an extraordinary blend of visionary architecture, masterful craftsmanship, and natural beauty.

Fisher Building – Often called “Detroit’s largest art object,” this landmark dazzles with marble columns, gilded ceilings, intricate mosaics, and meticulously crafted details that embody early 20th-century luxury and craftsmanship.

Guardian Building – A National Historic Landmark and Art Deco masterpiece, renowned for its vibrant tilework, geometric patterns, and breathtaking lobby, showcasing the bold aesthetic vision of its designers.

GM Renaissance Center – Detroit’s modern skyline icon, where panoramic views of the city and the Detroit River provide a striking perspective of both contemporary architecture and urban life.

Additional Architectural Landmarks – Encounter other historic skyscrapers, civic buildings, and architecturally significant sites along the way.

COST: $6,200 (single occupancy); $5,900 (double occupancy) TRIP INCLUDES:

Hotel accommodations with daily breakfast.

Dining at exceptional restaurants, daily breakfasts, two lunches and three dinners.

Transportation between all itinerary stops and venues NOT INCLUDED: Flights to and from arrival and departure cities.

Airport transfers.

Travel insurance.

CAPACITY Space is limited and spots will be filled on a first come, first serve basis.

For full trip details and to reserve your spot, please contact JB Jones at jbadventuresinart.com

12 // THE MUSE WINTER 2025–2026

Museum News

Upcoming Volunteer Perks Volunteer & Docent Preview Sip & Shop December 11 // 4 – 5 PM // FREE Volunteers and docents are invited to an exclusive holiday Sip & Shop at the COMU Shop! Enjoy light refreshments, special discounts, and a first look at our seasonal merchandise. It’s our way of saying thank you for all you do throughout the year.

Volunteer & Docent Bus Trip to Atlanta February 6 // 8 AM – 6 PM As a token of appreciation, COMU volunteers and docents are invited to join the Museum’s upcoming Members and Friends Bus Trip to Atlanta free of charge.

The day includes a visit to the High Museum of Art, lunch at Politan Row, and a tour at the Chastain Art Center showcasing works by artist Kevin Cole. Space is limited, so early RSVP is encouraged!

RSVP by January 15 at membership@comuga.org or 706.748.2562 ext. 5430.

Gift Shop & Garden Café News The COMU Gift Shop popped up at several events this fall! We brought the Gift Shop to Steeplechase at Callaway, Racing for the Arts 2025. We were also seen at The Wynn House Sip & Shop with an array of holiday gifts.

Volunteer News The Museum has welcomed teen volunteers from Columbus High School this fall to help at our various events. The students have put in over 300 hours making workshops and education programs run smoothly.

THE MUSE WINTER 2025–2026 // 13

Meet the Staff

Meet the COMU Custodial Team The Columbus Museum’s galleries, classrooms, and event spaces shine thanks to the care and dedication of our custodial team – Shakeem Riggs, Dorothy Walker, Alice Holmes, and Rita Palm. Their work plays an essential role in the Museum’s mission, ensuring that every visitor steps into a space that feels welcoming, safe, and cared for. From preparing galleries before the doors open to transforming event spaces after hours, this small but mighty team helps keep COMU running smoothly every single day.

Shakeem Riggs, Lead Custodian and the newest member of the team, came aboard in August 2025 and has already expressed how much he enjoys being part of such a special and close-knit crew.

Dorothy Walker, who joined the team in 2017, finds the greatest joy in seeing school tour students and Fall Festival families explore the Museum. Watching children experience art and history within the building for the first time reminds her of the lasting impact COMU can have on young visitors. Alice Holmes, who also began in 2017, and Rita Palm, who joined in 2022, both recall the Museum’s grand reopening as their favorite memory – seeing everything come together and welcoming the community back into the reimagined space was a moment of pride for them both. It was such

14 // THE MUSE WINTER 2025–2026

a collaborative project for all members of staff and one that will stay with them. Beyond their individual strengths, this group’s teamwork and shared commitment create a ripple effect throughout the Museum. They are often the first to arrive and the last to leave, preparing the building for school groups, public programs, and special events that draw thousands of visitors each year. Their behind-the-scenes efforts make it possible for guests to focus on the art, the stories, and the experiences that define COMU—without ever having to think about all the work that goes into maintaining such a dynamic space.

While their work often happens outside the spotlight, its impact is seen and felt in every polished floor, every ready gallery, and every successful event. Their dedication helps safeguard the collection, enhance the visitor experience, and uphold COMU’s reputation as a welcoming community space. We’re deeply grateful to this hard-working team for the pride and professionalism they bring to their work each day – helping make COMU a place where everyone truly feels at home.

Image: (from left to right) Alice Holmes, Shakeem Riggs, Dorothy Walker, and Rita Palm

Museum Impact

Inspiring the Next Generation: Aspen’s Story At The Columbus Museum, the impact of your support can be seen not only in our galleries but in the lives of young people who discover their passions here. Through programs like the Teen Exhibition Council (TEC), local high school students gain hands-on experience in museum work, learning how creativity, history, and community come together behind the scenes.

One such student, Aspen Kingsley, shared how her experience with TEC shaped her future: “When I joined TEC as a junior in high school, I had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. Over six months, I met several members of the staff who explained their roles in the museum. From curation to building exhibits, I suddenly wanted to do it all. I walked away from that experience with the passion to pursue a career in the museum world. Now, I’m getting my degree in art education at CSU, where I am planning on studying art history abroad in Italy this summer. Two years ago, I never would have expected my life and studies to pan out this way, but I am so grateful that they did.”

Aspen’s journey is just one example of how your gifts to The Columbus Museum open doors for the next generation of artists, educators, and cultural leaders. Your year-end donation helps us continue offering transformative programs that inspire curiosity and creativity in our community’s youth.

OUR STORIES. OUR COMMUNITY. OUR MUSEUM. At COMU, every exhibition, program, and event is designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and connection. Free admission ensures that everyone in our community has access to the transformative power of art and history.

As the year comes to a close, your gift helps sustain these vital experiences – from engaging school tours and family programs to groundbreaking exhibitions and dynamic community partnerships.

Together, we can keep inspiring new generations, sharing our stories, strengthening our community, and celebrating our museum – a place where everyone feels at home.

Give online at comuga.org/support/donate

THE MUSE WINTER 2025–2026 // 15

Members & Contributions

July 1 to September 30, 2025 The Columbus Museum is grateful to recognize our President, Director, Collector, Master Circle, & Patron level members. Those who joined or renewed within the last quarter are in bold print.

PRESIDENT CIRCLE Mr. & Mrs. Daniel P. Amos** Mrs. Donald F. Broda, Jr.** Mr. & Mrs. Robert G. Hecht** Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth M. Henson, Jr.** Helen Jordan Hobbs** Mr. & Mrs. John C. Martin II** Mr. & Mrs. W. Michael Ogie** Mr. & Mrs. Alan C. Ramsay, Jr.** D. Steven Sharp** DIRECTOR CIRCLE

Mrs. Lovick P. Corn** David Durant Mr. & Mrs. Kerry W. Hand** Dr. & Mrs. Thornton F. Jordan** Mr. & Mrs. Mason Houghland Lampton** Mrs. Cherry N. Pease** Dr. & Mrs. Richard S. Robbins** Maxine R. Schiffman** Mr. and Mrs. Asa V. Swift Bobsie Carlton Swift** Katherine & Wright Waddell** COLLECTOR CIRCLE Mr. & Mrs. Richard Y. Bradley** Ed & Suzanne Burdeshaw** Mr. & Mrs. Stephen T. Butler** Judye S. Harris** James G. & Kathryn A. Hillenbrand Gail B. Greenblatt** Marjorie & Jerry Newman** Mr. & Mrs. Otis J. Scarborough** Mr. & Mrs. D. A. Turner III Dr. Chip & Audrey Tillman** Mrs. Davis Ronald Watson** Mr. & Mrs. Ronald L. Wilson** Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Woodruff Rebecca K. & Sidney H. Yarbrough III, M.D.** MASTER CIRCLE Mr. & Mrs. Thomas E. Adams, Jr.* Dr. & Mrs. A. C. Alvarez** Dr. & Mrs. David P. Antekeier

16 // THE MUSE WINTER 2025–2026

**Continuous member for 20+ years // *Continuous member for 10+ years

Fred & Catalina Aranas Family Foundation Nancy Elizabeth Arrington Ms. Betty L. Auten* Bo Bartlett & Betsy Eby* Mr. & Mrs. Donald W. Beck, Jr.** Catherine & Rennie Bickerstaff** Mr. & Mrs. Robert R. Bickerstaff Mrs. James J. W. Biggers** Mr. & Mrs. James H. Blanchard** Thomas R. Bowden & Troy P. Mann Minnie R. Bradley** Ms. Sara B. Bradley Mr. & Mrs. Jeremy Brewer* Dr. & Mrs. Philip L. Brewer** Mr. & Mrs. Lance Brooks Nancy Sullivan Burgin* Ms. Patricia A. Butts Florene Calvin-Dawkins Mr. & Mrs. Gill Cargill* Dr. Kia L. Chambers Mr. & Mrs. R. Keith Chambless Mrs. Forrest L. Champion, Jr.** Dr. & Mrs. Hunter Champion Rhonda Pritchett Clippinger Bonnie & Leslie Cohn** Craig & Traci Courville** Mr. & Mrs. Robert Mack Dixon, Jr. Ms. Brooks Dykes & Mr. Eugene Dykes Mr. & Mrs. J. Robert Elliott, Jr.** Mint & Robert Flowers** Cindy & Spencer Garrard Nora & Gardiner Garrard** Mrs. Sally Q. Gates** Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Goldsmith** Mr. & Mrs. Clay Gullatt James E. & Kelli Hall* Mr. Christopher R. Harman** Dr. & Mrs. Ed P. Helton Robbie Keith Holt** Darren & Becky Horne Mrs. Lula Huff** Mr. & Mrs. Jack Hughston Mr. & Mrs. John H. Irby Mr. & Mrs. Randolph B. Jones III* Dr. William P. Kendall** Mrs. Erwin D. Key** Mr. & Mrs. Jack B. Key III** Dr. & Mrs. Edward B. Kinner** Mr. & Mrs. Mason Hardaway Lampton* Drs. Francye & Joseph Largeman* Mrs. Donald M. Leebern, Jr.** Mr. & Mrs. W. Fray McCormick** Mrs. R. Scott McGurk**

Mrs. Marquette McKnight Ms. Marsha E. Mason** Mr. & Mrs. L. Pierce Miller Mr. & Mrs. Virgil Miller Mr. & Mrs. W. Bradley Mullins Marjorie & Jerry Newman** Dr. & Mrs. Douglas Pahl* Dr. & Mrs. Robert M. Patton* Mr. & Mrs. William Roland Peek** Thom Pegg, Black Art Auction Mr. & Mrs. Ben B. Philips** Ms. Sally Phillips Dr. & Mrs. Andrew W. Pippas* Mr. & Mrs. Robert S. Poydasheff, Jr. Ms. Marianne Richter* Mr. & Mrs. Chandler Riley* Mrs. Kathy J. Riley** Mr. & Mrs. Alan F. Rothschild, Jr.** Mrs. Benno G. Rothschild** Ms. Melanie Slaton & Mr. Ben Holden* Dr. & Mrs. J. Lacey Smith Celia Solomon* Dr. Eva Sperk Mr. Frederick Spitzmiller Ms. Rose H. Steiner** Ms. Jeanne R. Swift** Elizabeth A. Taylor** Patty Kimbrough Taylor** Jim & Melissa Thomas Beth Thrift Mr. & Mrs. Wade H. Tomlinson III** Townsend Wealth Management Mr. & Mrs. James Trotter, Jr.** Dr. Amandah S. & Mr. John T. Turner* Mr. & Mrs. William B. Turner, Jr.** Mr. Robert H. Vardaman, Jr. Dr. Thomas A. & Sherry F. Wade** Mr. Travis F. Wade* Mr. & Mrs. John W. Walden, Jr.** Whitni & Mulford Waldrop Mr. & Mrs. Harrison Wallace* Chris Weaver** Mr. L. Rexford Whiddon** Mrs. Cecil Whitaker** Susan Smith Wiggins* Pat & Jack Wilensky** Mrs. Brevard House Windsor** Kay & Billy Winn** Bob & Liz Wolverton Keith & Susan Wood Mr. & Mrs. Joel O. Wooten*

PATRON Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey G. Adams Mrs. Julia S. Alexander** Drs. Karin & Champ Baker III* Susan Berry Mr. Reynolds Bickerstaff Mrs. Marjorie B. Bickerstaff** Mr. Mrs. Alfred O. Blackmar Mr. & Mrs. Gary O. Bruce** Helen J. Burgin Garrett & Shawn Burns Ann P. Burr** Ms. Jan Carter** Elizabeth & Shaun Conlin Scott & Pam Cotter Dixie Crymes** Sherricka Day Mrs. Frank S. Etheridge III** Mr. & Mrs. Frank D. Foley III** Mr. & Mrs. Keith Frakes Andy & Dana Freeman** Rich Godfrey & Kim Dodd Mr. & Mrs. Lee R. Grogan, Jr.** Mr. & Mrs. Madden Hatcher, Jr.** Mrs. Richard Hallock Mr. & Mrs. William C. Huff** Mr. & Mrs. Charles D. Johnson** Mr. & Mrs. Miles Jordan Dr. Ronald E. King Mr. & Mrs. Seth L. Knight III** Mr. & Mrs. R. J. Krieg* Betty Krulik Ashok & Mary Kumar* Mr. & Mrs. Larry Lewallen Mr. & Mrs. Anthony D. Link** Drs. Kevin T. & Amanda McPherson* Mr. & Mrs. Roy E. Martin III** Dr. & Mrs. Michael Metry Mr. William Morgan & Mr. Steve Morse Mr. & Mrs. Richard Olson** Mr. & Mrs. J. Donald Peek** Larry & Kate Rosenstrauch The Honorable & Mrs. William C. Rumer** Dr. & Mrs. Lloyd Sampson** Edith H. Satterwhite** Ms. Charlotte Alexander Saunders** Mr. Claude G. Scarbrough III** Mr. & Mrs. Jack Schley Kenneth A. Shaw** Mr. & Mrs. Bobby Springer Mrs. Nancy Stephens* Mr. & Mrs. Thomas P. Swift**

Mr. & Mrs. John P. Thayer* Mr. Kenneth H. Thomas, Jr. Anita & Philip Tomlinson** Mr. & Mrs. Jack G. Turner** Rick & Jan Ussery Mrs. W. David Varner, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. J. B. Vaught Mr. Elliott Waddell** Mr. & Mrs. Mal Waldrep Mrs. Jessie G. Wright** Mr. & Mrs. James D. Yancey** Mr. & Mrs. Bruno Zupan**

The Columbus Museum is grateful to recognize our Friend, Reciprocal, Family, Duo, Individual, YAP, & Civic members who joined or renewed within the last quarter.

Jessica Garden Carley & Harris Gray Christy & Ben Hubbard Mr. & Mrs. David M. Jordan** Mr. & Mrs. Larry Lewallen Dr. Henry Ngo & Dr. Nora Tan Ngo Mrs. Jean M. Puckett Tracy Smith Mr. & Mrs. John W. Springer LTC (Ret.) & Mrs. Benjamin F. Stahl III** Yien Wang Lori & William Worley DUO Mark & Elizabeth Graham Joshua May Ashley Stanley

FRIEND

INDIVIDUAL

Evelyn Fortson

Beth Adams Rita B. Boyd** Belle P. Brightwell & Thomas Ford, IV** Andra Caldwell William J. Cunningham, Jr.** Joseph Donoghue Mrs. Sherry Hinson Evans* Peggy Gindville* Mrs. Joyce W. Gosha** Colonel John House, Retired Sandra J. Larkin Debbie Levison Cecilia Lunsford Karen Mahoney Almeda Medlin** Mr. & Mrs. Eugene H. Polleys, Jr.** Gwyn P. Newsom** Celia G. Page** Sheila Reed Mrs. Billie C. Smith** Ms. Fleur Stearns** Robert D. Turman Ms. Elizabeth R. Turpin Barbara Waller

RECIPROCAL JoJo Beck** Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Carter* Kristin Fay George & Jean Flowers* Stan Floyd** Elle & Darius Ghiai Mr. & Mrs. Thomas F. Gristina* Ashley Holt Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth S. Janke, Jr.* Celia Jenkins Lisa Johnston Mr. James P. McHenry & Ms. Cheryl Yatsko** Mr. & Mrs. Travis C. Miller* Captain & Mrs. Brennan Neseralla Howard & Leslie Reiney Gerald & Jodi Saunders* Cameron & Lucy Saunders Sharon W. Self** Mrs. Lothar Tresp* Ron & Susan Wirt FAMILY Mr. & Mrs. Scott Anderson Colonel & Mrs. Archibald V. Arnold III** John J. & Patricia C. Coley Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth L. Coolik* Mr. & Mrs. Samuel W. Dismuke** William Dunlop Mr. & Mrs. Norman S. Easterbrook Mr. & Mrs. Brandon Fields Win & Joyce Fowler**

YAP Kaylene Pilkinton CIVIC Susan F. Boyter** Ms. Silvia M. Bunn* F. H. Boyd Coons Mary & Steve Goff J. Bruce Griffin*

Wesley B. Jones Mary Ann Marshall Ms. Kathleen Mullins Ms. Barbara Rivers Doris Meacham Rowe** Ms. Julia Sellers** Beverly Toland

The Columbus Museum is proud to recognize our active Alma Thomas Society members who joined or renewed within the last quarter.

Catherine & Rennie Bickerstaff Florene Calvin-Dawkins Mr. & Mrs. J. Robert Elliott, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Mason Houghland Lampton Mr. Harry L. Lindsey Mary Ann Marshall Thom Pegg, Black Art Auction Bobsie Carlton Swift Dr. Thomas A. & Sherry F. Wade

The Columbus Museum gratefully acknowledges the following contributions in honor or in memory of special friends.

In honor of Cathy Bickerstaff’s Birthday Mr. & Mrs. Richard Y. Bradley In honor of Chris Henson Mrs. W. David Varner, Jr. In honor of Leslie & Ron King Mr. & Mrs. Kerry W. Hand

The Columbus Museum gratefully acknowledges the following friends for their contributions.

Donation of artwork by Thomas Downing David Garrison in honor of Philip M. Smith Donation of artwork by Di Stovall Gift of Jonathan Frederick Walz, Ph.D. Donation of movie, Southern Open golf, baseball ephemera Estate of Eilene Wetzel Donation of Little Joe’s Party Shop women’s softball team ephemera Gift of Matthew Swindell in honor of Sara Sparks

Donation of Cyriaco Lopes artwork, All About The Town board game Gift of Pat and Jack Wilensky Donation of Athena Tacha artwork Gift of the artist Donation of miniature by Joseph Wood Gift of Thornwill Farm, Harris County, GA Donation for Susan Cochran Bus Fund Susan Berry Florene Calvin-Dawkins Linda & Michael Cavaliere Mint & Robert Flowers Dr. Susan Hrach Julie Littlejohn Mrs. Kathy J. Riley Donation for general operations Dr. Julia V. Ashley Ms. Betty L. Auten David Beltz Megan Beltz Barbara & David Brandenburgh Dr. Kay E. & Dr. William D. Campbell Mr. Timothy J. Crowley William J. Cunningham, Jr. Ian Dooley Jen Fabrick Pamela Fleming Georgia Council for the Arts Bea Haledjian Mr. James C. Kieffer Autumn Kincey Bianca Landers Mercer University Marjorie & Jerry Newman Mr. George P. Swift III The J.W. & Ethel I. Woodruff Foundation Donation for Young Art Patrons Mrs. Billie C. Smith Sponsorship of 2026 Marketing Visit ColumbusGA Sponsorship of Hadieh Shafie: Beautiful Words Ovissi Foundation

THE MUSE WINTER 2025–2026 // 17

Trustees & Staff Winter 2025–2026

Board of Trustees 2025 – 2026 James E. Hall President

Daniel P. Amos Vice President

Florene Dawkins Corresponding Secretary

Museum Staff Director

MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS

Lacey Yeend

Kristen Hudson

Marianne Richter

Assistant to the Director

COLLECTIONS & EXHIBITIONS

Director of Marketing & Public Relations

Marcolm Tatum Graphic Designer

Jonathan Frederick Walz Director of Curatorial Affairs & Curator of American Art

Cesar Colon Torres Marketing & PR Coordinator

Rebecca Bush

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Museum Director/Recording Secretary

Curator of History & Exhibitions Manager

Kimberly Beck

Tyler Townsend, CFA

Aimee Brooks

Treasurer

Collections Manager

Chris Henson

Miles Kirkpatrick

Marianne Richter

Immediate Past President

Daniel P. Amos, Kathelen V. Amos, Mary B. Bradley, Kay Broda, Lance Brooks, Lark Champion, Brad Clements, Florene Dawkins, Ivey Evans, Mint Flowers, Gail B. Greenblatt, James E. Hall, Pace Halter, Donna S. Hand, Chris Henson, Helen Hobbs, Thornton F. Jordan, William P. Kendall, Tricia Llewellyn Konan, Elizabeth Lampton, Mary Lu Lampton, W. Fray McCormick, Becky Miller, Stephen Morse, Dionne Rosser-Mims, Elizabeth C. Ogie, Gwendolyn H. Ruff, Jack Schley, Bobsie Swift, Tyler Townsend, Thomas Wade, Jr., Whitni Waldrop, Elizabeth Wolverton, Blair Woodruff

Ex-officio MCSD Representative

LIFE TRUSTEES: Phillip L. Brewer, Elizabeth T. Corn, Judye S. Harris, Robert Hecht, F. Clason Kyle, Betsy T. Leebern, Jerry B. Newman, Rebecca K. Yarbrough

Paula Evans Accounting Specialist

Associate Collections Manager

Brooke King

Matthew Swindell

Gift Shop Manager & Volunteer Coordinator

Exhibition Designer

Keith Smith Lead Preparator/Art & Artifacts Handler

Benny Weldon

Samantha Wooden Visitor Services Representative

Emily Gutowski Visitor Services Representative

Associate Preparator/Art & Artifacts Handler

Julia Wagers

EDUCATION

Rick McGowan

Lucy Kacir

Al Johnson

Director of Education & Engagement

Jessamy South Christine Hull

Deputy Director for Operations

Youth & Family Programs Manager

Rachel Vogt Academic Programs Manager

Carter Eldridge Community Outreach Coordinator

DEVELOPMENT

Visitor Services Representative Security Chief Security Deputy

Krim Hashem El Security Deputy

Matthew Thompson Horticulturist

Edward Diamond Maintenance Engineer

Shakeem Riggs Lead Custodian

Morgan Wilson HONORARY TRUSTEES:

Membership Manager

James H. Blanchard Honorable Calvin Smyre J. Barrington Vaught

Julie Garner Event Sales Manager

Landy Cartledge Grants & Sponsorships Officer

Alice Holmes Custodian

Dorothy Walker Custodian

Rita Palm Custodian

Kim Thomas Development Assistant

THE MUSE WINTER 2025–2026 // 19

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT # 65 COLUMBUS, GA

The Columbus Museum is supported in part by Georgia Council for the Arts through the appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly. Georgia Council for the Arts also receives support from its partner agency – the National Endowment for the Arts.

Home delivery of The Muse is a special benefit of membership. Columbus Museum mailings are not forwarded by the U.S. Postal Service. If your address changes, please notify the Museum at 706.748.2562, ext.5430.