APSU to Expand footprint in Historic Downtown Clarksville with New Art Gallery and Museum
February 21, 2014
Clarksville, TN – Austin Peay State University is moving forward with plans to have a stronger presence in downtown Clarksville with the recent $500,000 purchase of a building at 103 Strawberry Alley.
The 15,000-square-foot building, which previously housed the nightclubs Joe B’s and Bar 103, will likely include an art gallery and museum on the third floor, housing APSU’s impressive folk art collection. The pieces in that collection were donated to the University by Ned and Jacqueline Crouch and Dr. Joe Trahern.
A rendering of the renovated building provided by Gilbert McLaughlin Casella Architects.
Austin Peay State University to exhibit newly donated folk art collection
March 7, 2013
Clarksville, TN – In a small storage room in the basement of Austin Peay State University’s Harned Hall, Marilyn Monroe is making things a bit awkward for President John F. Kennedy and his wife Jackie.
First off, the president and first lady are dressed formally, while Marilyn has opted to wear a red polka dot bikini. Then there’s that big smile of hers, which seems to mock the uncomfortable expression on Jackie’s face.
Two folk art sculptures that are part of the Crouch Folk Art Collection. (Photo by Beth Liggett/APSU)
Ned and Jacqueline Crouch donate folk art collection to APSU
September 5, 2012
Clarksville, TN – The artist, a Civil War veteran and 19th century dentist, carved the peculiar little figurines out of wood. He placed the musicians with their instruments in the back row, and up front, connected to metal wires, stand the dancing couples. Other macabre figures, such as a thin man playing bones and a woman spanking a baby, populate the dioramic scene.
When a crank is turned, a series of pulleys cause the pieces to move and dance in an awkward, dreamlike manner.
“The Circus” is one of several folk art pieces recently donated to APSU by Ned and Jacqueline Crouch. (Photo by Beth Liggett/APSU Staff).
Doughboy re-dedication kicks off the 2010 Rivers and Spires Festival
April 16, 2010
The 8th Annual Rivers and Spires kicked off today with the unveiling the refurbished Doughboy statue honoring World War vets. The Statue was rededicated in a ceremony in front of the Clarksville Transit Station on Legion Street where the statue will remain on display.
The Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle led the drive to raise the funds needed to renovate the badly damaged statue. Current publisher Andrew Oppmann welcomed the crowd to the ceremony, then after the posting of the colors and the playing of the national anthem, former publisher Gene Washer took over at the podium.
Washer said “I made the initial inquiries about restoring the statue, and that was the quickest way to be given the job.” to which the crowd laughed.
The Doughboy Statue after the unveiling
