At this point in January I'm usually making my family's winter-survival plan, when the moody weather generates a constant low-grade cabin fever in our house. I've found it's a perfect time to turn to the county's cultural sites which spread out a feast of enriching indoor events for all ages, and this year is no exception. Take note of these three very special exhibits kicking off this month.
1. Women’s Suffrage Educational Forum through Art & Discussion
Thursday, January 16, 6-8 p.m. (art show ongoing through January)
Bradley Academy Museum
FREE
Suitable for ages 14 and up, this unique exhibit and forum provides historical perspective and current views on women’s rights and roles in light of the 19th Amendment achieved in 1920. Guests will have the opportunity to take in artwork by local creatives dedicated to the topic and listen to a forum with a panel of local women leaders. Light refreshments will be served. Art will be on display at the museum for the month of January.
Contact: Vonchelle Stembridge, 615-962-8773, vstembridge@murfreesborotn.gov
2. Wedding Dresses Through the Decades
January 17-March 1
Oaklands Mansion
$10 for individual tickets
Get a one-hundred year history lesson through lace and pearls, satins and slippers in Oaklands Mansion’s annual display of bridal gowns. More than 50 dresses and yes, even a few groom’s suits, are on display in the historic home’s Maney Hall, showing fashion trends, tastes, and cultural traditions as they have developed over the last century. A new addition to the annual exhibit is wedding ring quilts on loan from community members. The exhibit will be open daily Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays 1-4 p.m.
Very young ladies can enjoy the enchanting exhibit at their own “Princess Night” on January 24 from 4-7 p.m. where they are encouraged to wear their own princess dresses and play with special crafts and activities after they see the dresses. Tickets are $10, with ages 5 and under free.
Girlfriends, moms, daughters, and sisters will love a special “Ladies Night” at the exhibit, January 31 from 6-8 p.m., where they can sip and taste refreshments and shop the spring Ruby Ribbon clothing collection with stylist Karen Whitaker. Tickets are also $10.
Contact: Mary Beth Nevills, 615-893-0022, mb@oaklandsmansion.org
3. Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice
January 25-May 10
Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center
Regular SOAC admission rates apply
Take in the magical and mysterious world of long-ago in this hands-on experience with everyone’s favorite giant lizards at the Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center. Even very young children will love getting to touch, climb, and crawl around the massive statues while learning about the prehistoric creatures’ habits and habitats. The exhibit features three sections: “Land of Fire”, “Land of Ice,” and a Field Research Station. On opening night, SOAC members can take advantage of a special preview of the exhibit with themed games, crafts, snacks, and even a fossil kit to take home!
Contact: Michelle Nicholson, (615) 459-9710, michelle.nicholson@townofsmyrna.org.
