Clarksville, TN – The Customs House Museum presents The Outsiders: Folk Art from the Hicks & Vander Elst Collections in the museum’s Orgain Gallery. The exhibition runs through September 7th, and features the work of notable artists Reverend Howard Finster, Georgia Blizzard, and Mose T, among others.
“This showing of works exemplifies the characteristics of the Outsider artist,” states Exhibits Curator Terri Jordan. “We are thrilled that Mr. Hicks and Mr. Vander Elst are sharing their treasures with us. This show is a great treat for the museum’s visitors. Our younger guests seem especially excited with the artwork.”
![Riders In The Sky By Robert Roberg Riders In The Sky By Robert Roberg](https://www.clarksvilleonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Riders-In-The-Sky-By-Robert-Roberg-480x360.jpg)
Among the 35 pieces presented is a self portrait by Finster with his explanation behind his creation of Paradise Garden.
While living in Pennville, Georgia, Finster had a vision from God was telling him to paint sacred art; and so he began the construction of what he called his “Plant Farm Museum”.
Other stand out pieces include a selection of Georgia Blizzard pots. Georgia’s roots in the Apache, Irish, and Appalachian cultures can be seen in her non-functional clay vessels. Her works frequently depicted local or family characters from her memory.
![A Vessel by Georgia Blizzard A Vessel by Georgia Blizzard](https://www.clarksvilleonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Customs-House-Vessel-by-Georgia-Blizzard-355x480.jpg)
One day he picked up chalk and drew references to scripture on the sidewalk. He noticed people stopped, looked and listened to his every word. This began his foray into expressing his religious beliefs with paint..
The Outsiders will be on view through September 7th. Located at the corner of Second and Commerce Streets, the Customs House Museum is the second largest general museum in Tennessee.
For more information on above events contact Terri Jordan, Exhibits Curator, at 931-648-5780 or terri@customshousemuseum.org
About the Customs House Museum
![Customs House Museum and Cultural Center](https://www.clarksvilleonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Customs-House-Museum1-480x319.jpg)
Located in the heart of historic downtown Clarksville, Tennessee, the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center is the State’s second largest general museum. With over 35,000 square feet of the region’s best hands-on activities and special events…people of all ages agree – the Customs House Museum is well worth the stop!
The Explorer’s Gallery is packed with fun, learning and fantasy in Aunt Alice’s Attic, McGregor’s Market and kitchen, and of course – the Bubble Cave! Finally, get “all aboard” to see our fantastic model trains. Our volunteer engineers “ride the rails” every Sunday afternoon from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.
Regular museum hours are 10:00am to 5:00pm Tuesday through Saturday, and 1:00pm to 5:00pm on Sundays. Adult admission is $7.00, Sr. Citizens and College ID $5.00, Ages 6 to 18 $3.00, and under six years 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
Map
200 South 2nd Street
Clarksville, TN 37040
(931) 648-5780
customshousemuseum.org