[Keith Norrington]

The annual "Fall into Art" exhibition at the Howard Steamboat Museum opened yesterday with a nice reception (featuring wine, cheese, cider and all sorts of delectable goodies!) and a good attendance. This year the exhibit features the art of Norman Kohlhepp, who was the husband of Frances Howard Kohlhepp, one of the daughters of Clyde Howard, builder of the 22 room mansion which now houses the museum. Many of Mr. Kohlhepp's works feature steamboats and use rather unique color schemes, etc. Louisville sculptor Ed Hamilton, a longtime friend of Mr. Kohlhepp, presented a heartfelt talk about him yesterday to an appreciative audience which filled the library and music room areas of the first floor as well as the wide hallway near the front door. Many of the attendees (most of whom were artists, art professors & art collectors) were first time visitors and also toured the mansion where I was "on deck" at my usual post in the second floor steamboat exhibits to answer questions and direct attention to specific points of interest. "River people" also attended and a first time visitor was a personable young man who is a towboat cook and who is writing a river cook book. It was also good, as always, to see Capt. and Mrs. Charles Lehman, who are great supporters of HSM events.

The Kohlhepp paintings, many of which are on loan from private collections, will remain on display through November 26th. Viewing the exhibition is free and guided museum tours are available at the usual admission fee. Next Sunday at 2:30 PM there will be a panel discussion about the art and artist -- and on Sunday, November 19th, artist/curator John Begley will present a talk, also at 2:30. A color catalog of the exhibition is available for purchase in the museum gift shop.

The new back porch visitor reception/gift shop area renovation project is coming along, slowly but surely, and we all look forward to its completion in the near future. During the construction work, visitors should enter the museum by the side entrance. Signs have been posted to point the way from the parking lot.

For further information visit the museum website at www.Steamboatmuseum.org