Clarksville’s Customs House Museum
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 September at the Museum are: Carmen McDowell: Color Play, Always a Lady: A Women Painting Women Exhibition, Best of Tennessee Craft, Our Town: Stories Within Clarksville’s Doorways, Hands-on Activities, and Second Saturday Free Admission Day.
![Carmen McDowell - Mayans Dream Carmen McDowell - Mayans Dream](https://www.clarksvilleonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Carmen-McDowell-Mayans-Dream-480x320.jpg)
Customs House Museum Exhibits
Carmen McDowell: Color Play
September 4th – September 30th | Planters Bank Peg Harvill Gallery
Nashville native and local, Carmen McDowell has been doing art since her youth. She received an Associates and Bachelors in Studio Arts. A lover of natural things and a huge fan of bold colors, her acrylic paintings experiment with multiple elements to make a simple yet eclectic abstract piece of art. This exhibition is sponsored in part by Nashville Arts Magazine.
Always a Lady: A Women Painting Women Exhibition
September 6th – November 20th | Kimbrough Gallery
![Pamela Wilson - Hologram Girl Pamela Wilson - Hologram Girl](https://www.clarksvilleonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Pamela-Wilson-Hologram-Girl-480x320.jpg)
Seven contemporary women artists from across the United States form this annual exhibition celebrating women. The artists were chosen for their strong and unique styles. Their interpretations within the theme of figurative painting are as diverse as the many types of women in our society.
They are consistently creating, teaching, and exploring their medium with grace and respect for the subject matter.
John Baeder: The Scenic Route
September 11th – November 28th | Jostens Gallery
![John Baeder - Big Boys John Baeder - Big Boys](https://www.clarksvilleonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/John-Baeder-BigBoys-480x319.jpg)
A master of classic Americana, John Baeder is known for his successful photorealistic portrayal of roadside diners and eateries, and nostalgic Americana.
Annual Staff Art
August 3rd – October 28th | The Leaf Chronicle Lobby
See art in a variety of mediums created by the staff of the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center.
Best of Tennessee Craft
August 4th – October 14th | Crouch, Orgain, & Bruner Galleries
The Best of Tennessee Craft Juried Exhibition represents a full range of media from artisans throughout the state. Juror Kathryn Hall reviewed 172 entries to create the show that is on display through October 14th. The awards for this show are sponsored by the Ayers Foundation.
Along with the juried work, the Museum will showcase Tennessee Craft’s Master Artist Collection of craft representing the finest work of Tennessee artists. Begun in 2001 to preserve and promote excellence in Tennessee craft for future generations, the collection grows by special invitation to master artists for signature works.
Our Town: Stories Within Clarksville’s Doorways
February 28th – September 30th | Memory Lane
An exhibition of regional stories featuring photographs and artifacts from our collection, including: the jail, Trinity Episcopal Church, the Court House, the Capitol Theater, and more.
Activities
End of Summer Clearance Sale at Seasons: The Museum Store
Take 50% off already reduced clearance items at Seasons: The Museum Store through the month of September! No other discounts apply. Choose from a variety of merchandise, including jewelry, ceramics, and books.
Friday Mornings in September
10:30am – 11:30am | Explorers’ Landing
Visit Ms. Pat at your leisure every Friday in September and enjoy hands-on learning with your children. Designed for children 2 – 5 years old, these activities can be enjoyed by older children as well.
Hands-on Activities
September 1st and 15th | 10:30am – 11:30am and 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Explorers’ Landing or the Family Art Studio
Ms. Pat will direct hands-on activities that will stimulate your child’s curiosity. Activities appropriate for children 6 – 11 yrs. old, but can be enjoyed by others at the parent’s discretion. The location of each day’s activity will be posted at the Receptionist’s Desk.
First Thursday Art Walk
Thursday, September 6th, 5:00pm – 7:00pm
The museum is open to the public with free admission as part of Downtown Clarksville’s First Thursday Art Walk.
Second Saturday Free Admission Day
Saturday, September 8th, 10:00am – 5:00pm
The museum is open to the public with free admission all day from 10:00am – 5:00pm as part of our monthly Second Saturday Free Admission Day.
Let’s Build a School!
September 16th, 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Join Sue Lewis in the Family Art Studio the third Sunday of each month for an exhibit-related activity for children 6 – 11 years old and their adults. There will also be several activities for younger children to enjoy. This month we will be using cardboard and toilet paper tubes to create our own unique miniature school in the Hudson Room – across from the Family Art Studio.
This project was inspired by Roger Smith’s Merit winner “Church”, found in The Best of Tennessee Craft Juried Exhibition. Mr. Smith uses peach pits to make his creations.
For more information contact Ms. Sue at sue@customshousemuseum.org or 931.648.5780.
Closings
The Customs House Museum and Cultural Center will be closed Monday, September 3rd, 2018 for Labor Day.
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 museum. The original portion of the building was constructed in 1898 as a U.S. Post Office and Customs House for the flourishing tobacco trade. Incorporating a number of architectural styles, the original structure is one of the most photographed buildings in the region.
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, Senior 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