Clarksville’s Customs House Museum May 2024 Exhibits, Activities
April 17, 2024
Clarksville, TN – The Customs House Museum and Cultural Center is located in Historic Downtown Clarksville, Tennessee. Come explore an entire city block featuring large gallery spaces filled with fine art, science, and history.
Some of the events in May at the Museum include Flying High Signatures, Cindy Billingsley: The Wonderous Beauty of Birds, The Beerakudas: Art of Bill Henig, Triumphs and Treasures: Celebrating 40 Years, Wood, Paper, Paint: Collecting Art for 40 Years, History on the Rocks @ Old Glory Restaurant & Silo Park, Inside Baseball with Ryne Harper and Phil Wood.
Customs House Museum and Cultural Center
Clarksville’s Customs House Museum February 2024 Exhibits, Activities
January 19, 2024
Clarksville, TN – The Customs House Museum and Cultural Center is located in Historic Downtown Clarksville, Tennessee. Come explore an entire city block featuring large gallery spaces filled with fine art, science, and history.
Some of the events in January at the Museum include Jacob Lawrence: Tonya Fleming: Up Close Far Away, Ayana Ross: The Lessons I Leave You, From Here to There: Presented by Google, African Americans & the Arts: Celebrating Black History Month, Champagne & Chocolate, Sunday Studio: Painting with Sarah Spillers.
Customs House Museum Exhibits
Tonya Fleming: Up Close Far Away
February 1st – April 28th | Harvill Gallery
Photographer Tonya Fleming presents a series of scenic landscapes, tying together the physical distance among the images with the emotional distance felt in each work.
Rising Voices 3: The Bennett Prize for Women Figurative Realist Painters
February 7th – April 21st | Kimbrough Gallery
The $50,000 Bennett Prize is awarded biennially to a woman fine art painter whose principal artistic focus is figurative painting in a primarily realistic style. Rising Voices 3 is comprised of paintings by the 2023 Bennett Prize finalists, including Prize winner Shiqing Deng.
Ayana Ross: The Lessons I Leave You
February 7th – April 21st | Jostens Gallery
Ayana Ross collects stories. For inspiration, she draws from family, current events, history, art, her experiences growing up in the American South, and Biblical stories viewed through a contemporary lens. Touching on universal themes, Ross’ paintings offer an opening for viewers to find themselves and their own experiences. Ross was the recipient of the 2021 Bennett Prize.
From Here to There: Presented by Google
February 8th – April 24th | Orgain & Bruner Galleries
How do we move things on land, sea and ai? Through 10 hands-on interactive exhibit stations that include a hovercraft chair, a canal lock system, pneumatic air tubes, pulleys, levers and hydraulics, guests can learn more about the science of how we get from here to there.
From Here to There is a traveling exhibit developed by the Rochester Museum & Science Center of Rochester, NY and the Sciencenter of Ithaca, NY and is funded locally by a Google Data Center Community Grant.
Red Grooms: Selected Works from the Caldwell Collection
Through February 11th | Memory Lane
Born in Nashville in 1937, Red Grooms stands among Tennessee’s cultural icons. A performance artist, filmmaker, printmaker and cartoonist, he is best known for colorful pop art that captures both the grotesqueness and humor of everyday life.
His art is featured in the collections of more than 35 museums, including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art in Nashville, the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Carnegie Museum of Art and the Knoxville Museum of Art.
This exhibit features paintings and paper sculptures, and is produced in partnership with the West Tennessee Regional Art Center with contributions from the Discovery Park of America.
African Americans & the Arts: Celebrating Black History Month
Through March 17th | Lobby
The Black History Month theme for 2024 highlights the many impacts Black Americans have had on visual arts, music, cultural movements, and more. Experience the works of local artists through a diverse variety of mediums and subjects.
Anne K. Beyer & Wyatt Severs: Inhabit
Through March 24th | Crouch Gallery
Ceramicist Anne Beyer and wood artist Wyatt Severs bring together a new collection of furniture, vessels and more intimate pieces that can be found in the space we inhabit. “We create our home and make it ours with the objects that we choose to live with, and that in turn gives us agency for how we want to inhabit our home.”
Museum Events
First Thursday Art Walk
February 1st | 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Free to the public
Mark your calendars for February’s Art Walk! The Museum offers free admission during First Thursday Art Walk from 5:00pm – 8:00pm.
Champagne & Chocolate
February 2nd | 6:00pm – 9:00pm
$75.00 tickets
The Customs House Museum & Cultural Center is kicking off our 40th anniversary with our premier winter fundraiser. Invite your date or a group of friends to this evening soiree and indulge in a selection of savory and sweet bites, and of course, champagne & chocolate!
Place your bids in the silent auction packed with unique art pieces and donated items perfect for a Valentine’s Day gift for your love. Live music, as well as wine and whiskey pull, will add to the fun of the night! Tickets are on sale now at customshousemuseum.org.
Museum Programs
Sundays at 3:00
A Conversation with the Director and Cast of Thoughts of a Colored Man
February 4th | 3:00pm | Turner Auditorium
Free to the public; does not include Museum admission
Join director Deontè Warren as he leads the conversation through questions with the actors about their characters, as well as their own personal challenges and hopes as Black men and artists. Thoughts of a Colored Man runs at the Roxy Regional Theatre February 8-24.
Storytime & Craft: Celebrating Black History Month
February 1st | 10:30am | All ages, with adult
Free with membership or paid admission | Family Art Studio
Join us in celebrating Black History Month and learn about the uplifting story of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space, and Jean-Michel Basquiat, a groundbreaking young artist whose creativity knew no bounds. Afterwards, kids will have a blast creating their very own spaceships to take home.
*All parents are expected to participate with and supervise their children.
Storytime & Craft: Presidents’ Day
February 16th | 10:30am | All ages, with adult
Free with membership or paid admission | Family Art Studio
Immerse your little ones in the world of presidential tales as we read Presidents’ Day by Anne Rockwell and Go to Bed, Ted! by Shirin Yim Bridges. After storytime, get ready for a hands-on creative experience with a shaving cream art craft activity.
*All parents are expected to participate with and supervise their children.
Sunday Studio: Painting with Sarah Spillers
February 18th | Third Sunday of each month | 2:00pm & 3:30pm
Free, with registration required; does not include Museum admission
Introducing a new workshop series for adults in partnership with APSU’s Community School of the Arts! This month, we’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with a work of art perfect for couples or groups of friends.
Whether you are a beginner or have painting experience, this workshop is designed to help you develop your skills and express your creativity. This workshop is free and all materials are included, but registration is required. For ages 16+.
Registration opens January 22nd at customshousemuseum.org
Family Art Saturday: Abstract Smush Art
February 24th | 10:00am – 12:00pm & 2:00– 4:00pm | Ages 3+, with adult
Free with membership or paid admission | Family Art Studio
Get ready for a Family Art Saturday that promises a messy and marvelous adventure in creativity! Join us for an exciting smush art activity that’s perfect for all ages. Unleash your artistic side as you experiment with colors, textures and shapes through the delightful process of smushing.
*All parents are expected to participate with and supervise their children.
Homeschool Fieldtrip Day
February 6th, March 5th, April 2nd | 10:30am | All ages, with adult
Free for Museum members; $3.00 per student and $5.00 per adult for nonmembers
Every semester, local homeschool groups are invited to experience an unforgettable day of exploration and learning. For more information on how to register, contact Curator of Education Stephanie Stafford at stephanie@customshousemuseum.org
To register for the Homeschool Art Class click here.
F&M Bank Huff & Puff Express Model Trains
Exhibit open daily | Trains run Sundays 1:00pm – 4:00pm, Wednesdays 10:00am – 12:00pm, Fridays 10:00am – 12:00pm and the last Saturday of each month 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Our model train exhibit is open daily, and themes change every season – so stick around, because you never know what they’ll have in store.
Seasons: The Museum Store
Jewelry Sale
Offer expires February 30th, 2024
Treat your loved one (or yourself!) to unique, handcrafted jewelry pieces from Seasons: The Museum Store. All jewelry is 15% off; members receive 25% off.
No other discounts apply.
Holiday Schedule
Presidents’ Day
The Museum will be closed on Presidents’ Day (2/19).
About the Customs House Museum
Located in the heart of Historic Downtown Clarksville, Tennessee, the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center is the state’s second-largest general interest museum with over 35,000 square feet of exhibit space and houses hands-on activities and special events. Membership and admission information can be found at customshousemuseum.org.
Regular museum hours are 10:00am to 5:00pm Tuesday through Saturday and 1:00pm to 5:00pm on Sundays. Adult admission is $12.00 (18-64). Senior Citizens (65+), Adult Military, CMCSS Teachers, and College Students are $9.00. Children ages 3 to 17 are $5.00, and children 2 years or younger and Museum members are free.
The Customs House Museum is located at 200 South Second Street. For more information, call 931.648.5780 or visit their website at www.customshousemuseum.org
Clarksville’s Customs House Museum November 2023 Exhibits, Activities
October 16, 2023
Clarksville, TN – The Customs House Museum and Cultural Center is located in Historic Downtown Clarksville, Tennessee. Come explore an entire city block featuring large gallery spaces filled with fine art, science, and history.
Some of the events in November at the Museum include Jacob Lawrence: Three Series of Prints, Brenda Stein: A New View, Juliette Aristides & Alan LeQuire: The Figure in Charcoal & Terra Cotta, Customs House Museum Christmas Village, Storytime & Craft: Leaves are Falling, Homeschool Fieldtrip Day, Family Art Saturday: Celebrating Native American Heritage Month.
Customs House Museum and Cultural Center
Customs House Museum & Cultural Center Presents American Watercolor Society 156th Traveling Exhibition
October 16, 2023
Clarksville, TN – Through January 2nd, 2024, the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center will display artwork from one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious art societies.
Since 1866, the American Watercolor Society (AWS) has worked to advance education and foster the appreciation of watercolor painting in America. Their annual exhibition is open to all artists working in water-soluble media: watercolor, acrylic, casein, gouache, and egg tempera on paper.
John Salminen
Clarksville’s First Thursday Art Walk set for March 2nd, 2022
March 1, 2023
Clarksville, TN – Produced by The Downtown Clarksville Association, First Thursday Art Walk is a free, self-guided tour spanning a 5-block radius that combines visual art, live music, engaging events, and more in the heart of Downtown Clarksville.
The March Art Walk will be held March 2nd, 2023 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at the shops and galleries on Public Square, Franklin Street, and Strawberry Alley.
The participating businesses are listed below as well as a description of the work they will be exhibiting and services they will be offering during the event.
First Presbyterian Church (213 Main Street)
First Presbyterian Church is thrilled to participate in the First Thursday Art Walk in March 2023 and host local artist Larry Richardson.
Born in rural western Kentucky, Larry Richardson’s love of the outdoors led to a career that included an advanced degree in biology, work in parks and wildlife, art publishing, U.S. Senate and currently “a painter of where I like to be.” Larry has also written several books, the latest “Tennessee Wilderness – A Legacy Endures.”
Larry and his wife, Roberta, live in downtown Clarksville, Tennessee, within a few blocks of the Cumberland River. Many of his paintings are inspired by his surroundings, In fact, he continues to expand a series featuring the river. He is serving on the Board of Trustees at the Customs House Museum and will assume chairmanship in January 2024. He is a member of Oil Painters of America and has served as judge for numerous art contests. In 2021, he was selected as a judge for the Federal Duck Stamp contest, an honor which is bestowed only once in a lifetime. Larry’s artwork appears in several shows each year.
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“I guess you could say I’ve looked over the shoulders of a lot of great artists I’ve known, but I’ve also had formal training. I like realism, not photographic, but more toward an impressionistic style, leaving a loose edge or the gesture of a shadow, inviting the viewer to make the final stroke.”
See Larry’s artwork at www.cumberlandriverartist.com
Edward’s Steakhouse (107 Franklin Street)
Edward’s Steakhouse is proud to support the March 2023 First Thursday Art Walk and will feature the Fort Campbell Senior Art Students.
Roxy Regional Theatre (110 Franklin Street)
For those who enjoy the visual arts, the Peg Harvill Gallery, located just beyond the lobby, hosts twelve shows annually featuring locally and nationally known artisans. Shows generally open the first Thursday of each month for our First Thursday Art Walk.
During the month of March, the Roxy Regional Theatre’s Peg Harvill Gallery will feature paintings by Gail Meyer to complement the Roxy’s productions of The Violet Hour (playing on the mainstage March 9th through March 18th) and Almost Maine (playing upstairs in theotherspace March 27th – April 4th).
Art is an evolving experience for Gail Meyer. Inspired by a spiritual nature, her art reflects nature, life scenarios, Christian themes, and the abstract.
She strives for creativity and innovation in her use of color and texture. Although Gail has formal education in studio arts, she considers herself a self-taught artist. She is a member of the Downtown Artist Cooperative, Artz, the Tennessee Art League, and the Hopkinsville Art Guild.
She is represented in the DAC Gallery, Clarksville, the Tennessee Art League in Nashville, EBSQ Juried Independent Artist and ARTZ in various locations. Gail has won numerous awards for her acrylic paintings, is collected nationally and has been painting for over 25 years.
For more information about Gail Meyer and her artwork, please visit https://gailmeyer.artspan.com
Art Link (116 Strawberry Alley)
ArtLink is proud to support the March 2023 First Thursday Art Walk and will host local artist Ciarra Slifer.
“Hey there! My name is Ciarra Slifer but I also go by CJ. I own Wandern Forge Studio and I am a wife, mother, former full-time nurse, and artist. I spent a long period of 10 years consumed by nothing more than healthcare and in my free time creating.”
“It wasn’t until I began a journey to become a nurse midwife that I realized I was burnt out a bit. So I took a break and I haven’t looked back once because I am fulfilled in this moment by my artwork and my life. My mediums include drawing, painting and woodwork but I dabble in just anything.”
“I have lived in Clarksville since 2019 when the Army brought my family here. We are still an active duty family but want nothing more than to stay in Clarksville, as it has truly become a community I love. In over 4 years I have held many hats in the community.”
“From hosting events to creating Clarksville Bohomies, which is one of the largest plant groups locally. Now working for Artlink as their Social Media Director, where I truly get to be as creative as I want. I want nothing more than to build a positive community and feel more than ever now art is helping me.”
We also have 3s company the local band playing in the studio live too.
Let’s get social!
Artlinkclarksville.com
Facebook.com/artlinkclarksvilletennessee
Instagram.com/artlinkclarksville
The Customs House Museum (200 S. 2nd Street)
Museum Exhibitions
Waiting Room: A Print Series by Belgin Yucelen
March 3rd – May 30th | Harvill Gallery
Created by the artist during the 2020 shutdown, Waiting Room is a print series depicting people in isolation and their windows to the outside, beyond reach. Originally from Turkey and now based in Colorado, Belgin Yucelen’s art remains true to the desire to create meaning and beauty in subtle simplicity.
Elena Burykina: Brushed Expressions
March 3rd – May 21st | Jostens Gallery
Elena Burykina is a figurative artist based in Chattanooga. As a child in Ukraine, she received a classical art education which she used for over a decade as an architect. Now as a full-time artist, her focus is portraiture, where she seeks a connection with the model to explore their personalities, moods and thoughts.
The Poetry Around Us: Women Painting the Outdoors
March 4th – May 28th | Crouch Gallery
Capturing the beauty of the outdoors across painting mediums and geographical locations, this invitational exhibit features works of art from more than a dozen award-winning, nationally-recognized women artists.
Extracurriculars: Activities at Burt High School
Through February 26th | Harvill Gallery
Burt High School operated from 1923 to 1970 and was the only all-Black high school in Montgomery County, serving as a bedrock in the community. Take a look back at these school days, and share some school memories of your own, in this Collections Spotlight.
Maria D’Souza: From Dreams
Through March 26th | Orgain & Bruner Galleries
Using the world’s most iconic animals as the raw form, Maria D’Souza combines design, color and dimension to create beaded skull works that stylistically range from western to contemporary.
Art of the Horse
Through April 9th | Kimbrough Gallery
This invitational show features a variety of 2D and 3D works of art inspired by the equine. Artists include Jill Soukup, Mary Ross Bushholz, Sandy McDaniel, Rox Corbett, Anni Crouter and more.
A Woman’s Room
Through April 16th | Lobby
From hairpins to high heels and anything in-between, check out this selection of artifacts from the Museum collections pertaining to women’s fashion.
Museum Events
First Thursday Art Walk
March 2nd | 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Free to the public
The Museum offers free admission during First Thursday Art Walk from 5:00pm – 8:00pm. Philly King food truck will be serving up delicious eats in the Courtyard.
Downtown Artists Co-op (96 Franklin Street)
POWER ON is the premier event of EyeSmile Studio. Designed to blend traditional and contemporary display methods, this avant-garde presentation style will certainly capture the viewers’ attention.
POWER ON is more than experimental presentation; it is the gallery debut event of digital created art / digital print art. In this contemporary style, work is created in a digital environment and displayed in its printed form.
In the POWER ON experience, the viewer will enjoy a unique viewing environment interlaced with a diverse and coalesced display of Stephen’s artistic passions.
It is our hope, this event brings a smile to your eye.
EyeSmile Studio
From Stephen’s 2019 show where he remarked in his artists statement on being blessed to make the eye smile, he knew from that moment, those words would serve as the foundation of Eye Smile Studio.
The primary premise of the studio is providing digital created art and graphic design, generating a separate lane of effort from his Fine art photography. The intent of his studio is to offer visual art that makes the eye smile.
About the Artist:
Stephen Schlegel is a contemporary visual artist with artistic passions in digital created art, digital print art, graphic design, and photography. He is a retired US Army Veteran with 24 years of service.
Also, he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Austin Peay State University in graphic design, with additional emphasis in photography and studio art. Combining the art education from APSU with over 20 years’ experience with digital art, Stephen brings a unique perspective and out-of-the-box methods and techniques.
Stephen is invested in the community. He has been an active and participating member of the Downtown Artists Cooperative Art Gallery Since 2018 and he provides enduring photography and graphic design services to local non-profit organizations and businesses.
His approach to Photography is intentional and purposeful. Calculating time and light, he sets the conditions for each work, creating mood and projecting the best possible outcome of the composition. As a traveling artist, Stephen works both in studio and on location.
Stephen’s work resides in private and corporate collections throughout the Clarksville community, Nashville, North Carolina, Alaska, Ireland, Italy and Spain.
Hope to see you on March 2nd 5:00pm -8:00pm at the opening reception.
Open Thursday & Friday 12:00pm – 4:00pm, Saturday, 9:00am – 5:00pm, Sunday 12:00pm-4:00pm, and by Appointment.
Twitter – @Clarksville_DAC
Instagram – @downtown.artists.cooperative
Facebook – @clarksvilleartists
The New Gallery (732-744 Joseph Street Austin Peay State University)
The New Gallery is Austin Peay State University’s 1500 sq’ white cube contemporary art gallery operated by the Department of Art+Design. The New Gallery brings in nationally and internationally recognized contemporary artists to Clarksville for exhibitions, lectures, workshops, class visits, and studio visits with students.
Echoes: Rick Griffith – Acuff Chair of Excellence
“Rick Griffith is a graphic designer and master letterpress printer. His work is an erudite exploration of language, history, politics, science, music, and ethics—typographically-focused and relevant,” states director of The New Gallery, Michael Dickins. “Known as a passionate advocate for design, Griffith joins us this semester as the Acuff Chair of Excellence teaching a course entitled Design History Praxis.
For more information: www.apsu.edu/art-design/thenewgallery/pastexhibitions2/2022-2023b/rickgriffith.php
The New Gallery
730 Joseph Street
Clarksville, TN
** Parking– visitors can park in the Mass/Comm Building on campus and walk over to the APSU Art + Design building.
Be Sure To Stop In and See These Other Venues During The First Thursday Artwalk
- Mildred & Mables – 109 Franklin Street
- Couture Crush – 101 Franklin Street
- Hudubam Booktraders – 110 Franklin Street
- Pups, Plants & Goods – 117A Strawberry Alley
- River City Clay – 115 Franklin Street
- City Boy Country Life – 120 Franklin Street (suite 114)
Clarksville’s Customs House Museum March 2023 Exhibits, Activities
February 16, 2023
Clarksville, TN – The Customs House Museum and Cultural Center is located in Historic Downtown Clarksville, Tennessee. Come explore an entire city block featuring large gallery spaces filled with fine art, science, and history.
Some of the events in March at the Museum include Waiting Room: A Print Series by Belgin Yucelen, Elena Burykina: Brushed Expressions, The Poetry Around Us: Women Painting the Outdoors, The Odyssey of Burt High School Book Event, Storytime & Craft, Recycled Robots, Watercolor for Kids.
Customs House Museum and Cultural Center
Clarksville’s Customs House Museum February 2023 Exhibits, Activities
January 18, 2023
Clarksville, TN – The Customs House Museum and Cultural Center is located in Historic Downtown Clarksville, Tennessee. Come explore an entire city block featuring large gallery spaces filled with fine art, science, and history.
Some of the events in February at the Museum include Champagne & Chocolate, Art of the Horse, A Woman’s Room, Roger Dale Brown: Capturing the Essence, Nights & Cities: Impressions in Lithography, Storytime & Craft, Making a Difference
Customs House Museum and Cultural Center
Clarksville’s First Thursday Art Walk set for December 1st, 2022
December 1, 2022
Clarksville, TN – Produced by The Downtown Clarksville Association, First Thursday Art Walk is a free, self-guided tour spanning a 5-block radius that combines visual art, live music, engaging events and more in the heart of Downtown Clarksville.
The First Thursday Art Walk in Clarksville is the ultimate opportunity to savor and support local creative talent. And it’s great for finding one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your Christmas list!
Photography by Tony Centonze to be on display at River City Clay during the First Thursday Art Walk.
Travel the Globe with the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center’s Newest Exhibit
November 21, 2022
Clarksville, TN – From the warm red earth of Arizona to the tranquil mountain valleys of New Zealand, from the twinkling late-night lights of Paris to the bright blue skies of Peru – Lori Putnam’s newest exhibit takes Customs House Museum & Cultural Center visitors around the world through the lens of modern impressionism.
Recognized for her expressive brushwork, contemporary compositions and intelligent use of color, Lori Putnam paints small to medium-sized works en plein air and creates large paintings in her studio in Charlotte, Tennessee. Her new exhibit, Far from Home, includes 29 new works inspired by her travels.
Yorkshire Coast
Clarksville’s Customs House Museum October 2022 Exhibits, Activities
September 17, 2022
Clarksville, TN – The Customs House Museum and Cultural Center is located in Historic Downtown Clarksville, Tennessee. Come explore an entire city block featuring large gallery spaces filled with fine art, science, and history.
Some of the events in October at the Museum include Bold Expressions: Art of the Nashville Artist Guild, A Simpler Life: Photographs by Carl Wilson, Spookies from the Collection, Peripheries: New Work by Laurén Brady, Fifth Saturday Donation Day, Meet a Firefighter, Historic Greenwood Cemetery Walking Tour.
Customs House Museum and Cultural Center
