Clarksville’s Customs House Museum February 2024 Exhibits, Activities
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
Gateway Chamber Orchestra Unveils a Spellbinding Rendition of The Nutcracker
Clarksville, TN – The Gateway Chamber Orchestra (GCO) is proud to announce an extraordinary production of the timeless holiday classic, The Nutcracker, showcasing a mesmerizing blend of musical styles.
Set against the backdrop of the Mabry Concert Hall at Austin Peay State University (APSU), this extraordinary concert on December 9th and 10th, 2023, promises a night of transcendent music, pushing the boundaries of tradition while celebrating this holiday classic.
Gateway Chamber Orchestra “The Nutcracker”. (Mark Haynes, Clarksville Online)
Red River Breeze presents “Make a Joyful Noise!” holiday concert at the Roxy Regional Theatre, December 10 th
Clarksville, TN – In what has become an annual holiday tradition, Clarksville’s own acoustic Celtic band is bringing their unique brand of Christmas cheer to the corner of Franklin and First in historic downtown Clarksville for the eighth year.
Performing traditional holiday tunes and carols with a Celtic flair, Red River Breeze will present “Make a Joyful Noise!” at the Roxy Regional Theatre on Sunday, December 10th, 2023, at 2:00pm.
Tickets are already going quickly for this much-anticipated follow-up to the group’s previous concerts at the Roxy, which have consistently sold out.
Red River Breez
The Last Ride: Austin Peay State University’s final Percussion Ensemble Halloween Concert to be held October 27th
Clarksville, TN – The Austin Peay State University (APSU) iconic Percussion Ensemble Halloween Concert has been selling out shows and shaping seasonal traditions for decades, and this year, the ensemble is bringing the community along for one last ride.
The 39th and final Percussion Ensemble Halloween Concert will feature back-to-back performances on Friday, October 27th at 6:00pm and 8:00pm in the George and Sharon Mabry Concert Hall. Admission is $5.00 or two cans of food donated to Loaves and Fishes.
Austin Peay State Univeristy’s David Steinquest, professor of percussion, during the 2022 Percussion Ensemble Halloween Concert. (APSU)
Customs House Museum & Cultural Center Presents American Watercolor Society 156th Traveling Exhibition
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
Riverfest announces Headlining Acts for Saturday Night
Clarksville, TN – Prepare for an unforgettable evening of country music as Country headliners Little Texas & Tyler Rich with special guest Ryan Griffin take the stage at Riverfest on Saturday, September 9 at McGregor Park.
Little Texas, Tyler Rich, and Ryan Griffin are set to perform on the Publix Stage, with each artist bringing their unique style and energy to the spotlight.
Little Texas to headline Riverfest
Roxy Regional Theatre announces Registration going on now for Fall 2023 School of the Arts
Clarksville, TN – Registration is now open for the Fall 2023 session of the Roxy Regional Theatre’s School of the Arts.
Since 1995, the Roxy Regional Theatre has been introducing youth to the experience of live theatre and expanding their knowledge of the craft through the School of the Arts.
In the Fall 2023 semester, the School of the Arts will continue with a larger group class setting for ages 8 to 18, focused on acting, dance, and improv, culminating in a holiday showcase on the final day.
Roxy Regional Theatre School of the Arts students performing Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, Jr.
Visit Clarksville Announces ‘Create at Collinsville’ Event Series
Clarksville, TN – The Clarksville Arts & Heritage Council, Two Rivers Society of Painters, Downtown Artists Co-op, and Visit Clarksville will host Create at Collinsville, a weekend celebration of traditional Tennessee arts in September 2023. Artists are invited to participate in events throughout the next several months, including workshops, a Plein air paint-out, a community quick draw, and a photography contest.
Two free workshops will be held on Saturday, September 16th at Historic Collinsville Pioneer Settlement. Award-winning artist, Kitty Harvill, will conduct a plein air workshop from 10:00am until 4:00pm.
Plein Air Painting
Fort Defiance Civil War Park to hold March to the Past this Saturday
Clarksville, TN – Have you ever wanted to experience life in the 19th century? Look no further than Fort Defiance Civil War Park and Interpretive Center’s upcoming event, March to the Past. On Saturday, May 13th, 2023 from 10:00am to 3:00pm, visitors can step back in time and get a glimpse of what life was like during the Civil War era.
Partnering with The Friends of Fort Defiance, this event promises to be an immersive experience with 19th-century living history demonstrations. Attendees can witness Civil War camp life, watch musket and artillery firing, learn about period cooking, and even participate in fun children’s activities.
Flintlock musket firing demonstration at Clarksville’s Fort Defiance Civil War Park and Interpretive Center. (Mark Haynes, Clarksville Online)
Downtown @ Sundown kicks off season May 5th featuring Matt Stell, Dalton Dover
Clarksville, TN – This Friday, May 5th, 2023, Downtown @ Sundown is returning for the sixth year with Matt Stell and special guest Dalton Dover beginning at 7:00 pm! Matt Stell is an American country music singer, guitarist, and songwriter.
His song ‘Prayed for You’ and ‘Everywhere But On’ landed him in the top 10 of Billboard’s Country Airplay charts in 2019 and 2020.
Special guest and opener, Dalton Dover appeared on season 16 of ‘The Voice’ and most recently had his Grand Ole Opry Debut in December of 2022. Dover’s top songs include ‘Baby I Am’ ‘You Got a Small Town’ and ‘Giving Up On That.’
