CLARKSVILLE, TN – Here are the events upcoming at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center in November.
Exhibits
Visual Songs, Many Verses: Multimedia Exhibition by Jim Diehr, Nov 3 – Jan 30 | Crouch Gallery: Jim Diehr is a ceramic artist in Clarksville working with oil, acrylic, watercolor, wood, stone and clay to create works based on life experiences. This extensive multi-media exhibition is a mixture of new pieces and familiar favorites, including a new collection of cloud paintings and several whimsical sculptures.
Journeys: Photographs by John Guider, Nov 9 – Jan 30 | Orgain & Bruner Galleries: In 1779, John Donelson set out on a river journey that would lead to the founding of Nashville. John Guider followed 240 years later, capturing contemporary images of Tennessee’s waters in a boat of his own making. Photographs from his journey show us where we come from, and where we might be going.
Customs House Christmas Village, Nov 16 – Jan 1 | Lobby: This large collection of porcelain pieces was assembled by Jimmy and Sue Drye of Clarksville and donated to the Museum by their children in their honor. A model train makes its way through the lights and moving parts of the village.
Interactions: Paintings by Judy Lavoie, Through Jan 2 | Jostens Gallery: A wide variety of themes inspire Judy Lavoie to paint. Interesting textures inspire her, as do delicate colorful flowers and brightly lit landscapes. “By exaggerating colors, or sometimes altering them from reality, I aim to preserve a moment in time, recreating the subject in my own way.”
Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope, Through Nov 7 | Lobby: Hispanic Heritage Month begins on Sept. 15 and pays tribute to the history and culture of the Hispanic and Latin American communities. This year’s national theme is “Be Proud of Your Past, Embrace the Future.” This exhibit features a variety of Hispanic and Latin American cultural objects, clothing and traditions.
Still: Ceramics by Anne Beyer, Through Nov 28 | Harvill Gallery: Anne Beyer’s work is inspired by the relationship between the natural world and the human psyche. In this exhibit, she explores the relationship between handcrafted wood-fired ceramic forms and digitally designed 3D-printed objects.
Start Your Engines! A Celebration of Racing in Montgomery County, Through Dec 31 | Kimbrough, Hand & Memory Lane, Sponsored by Tri-Star Beverage and MPG Transport: The Museum expands its Challenge & Champions exhibit with this multi-gallery exhibition showcasing Montgomery County’s auto racing history and the local legends that formed the sport. Start Your Engines! highlights race cars, art, historical memorabilia and video footage of personal stories from locals who established auto racing in the area.
Events
First Thursday Art Walk, Nov 4, 5 – 8 pm: The Museum will have free admission during First Thursday Art Walk Clarksville from 5 – 8 pm. Tacos Azteca food truck will be set up in the Courtyard.
Noel Night, Dec 2, 5 – 8 pm: Celebrate the holidays with fun and special discounts at Seasons: The Museum Store! Enjoy holiday treats, live entertainment, a take-home activity and a very special guest from the North Pole.
Programs
Little Explorers: Ocean Explorers, Nov 5, 12, 19, drop by between 10:30 am – 12:30 pm | Ages 2 – 5, with adult, Free with membership or paid admission | Hudson Room: What ocean creatures will you find in the Water Beads Sensory Bins? Examine and touch a real starfish, and have fun “fishing” for images of underwater creatures. Plus, make a paper plate fish to take home.. All parents are expected to participate with and supervise their children. Activities may include items that are a choking hazard.
Discovery Saturday: Dissect an Owl Pellet, Nov 6 & 20, drop by between 1:30 – 3:30 pm | 1st grade and above, with adult, Free with membership or paid admission | Family Art Studio: Become a scientist as you dissect an owl pellet and examine what it ate. Use a bone diagram to identify the animals you find; discover skulls, leg bones and more! The owl pellets are sterilized, safe for human handling and do not smell. All parents are expected to participate with and supervise their children.
Family Art Saturday: Art We Walk On, Nov 27, drop by between 10 am – 12 pm & 2 – 4 pm | Ages 3 and above, with adult, Free with membership or paid admission | Family Art Studio: Some art gets stepped on or jumped on every day! Find this type of art by looking at the bottom of your shoe. Join Ms. Sue to create some unique images with the soles of old shoes. Dress appropriately – washable paint will be used, but some paints can still stain. All parents are expected to participate with and supervise their children.
Museum Discovery Quest, Free with membership or paid admission | Developed for school-age children, Free Take It N’ Make It Activity: Explore Museum exhibits with your family in a creative way with Museum Discovery Quests – entertaining, self-guided “scavenger hunts” that pique kids’ curiosities and captivate their attention. Several different themes are offered, and all of them include a free Take It N’ Make It activity packet for kids to make a fun project at home. Sign up for a Perks Pass to win a free prize from Seasons: The Museum Store after finishing three Quests.
Huff & Puff Express Model Trains, Exhibit open daily | Volunteer Train Crew members run trains Sundays, 1 – 4 pm and Wednesdays, 10 am – 12 pm: Enjoy one of the largest model railroad layouts in the region boasting a miniature castle, UFO and scenic landscape. Interact with the miniature world by making automobiles move and helicopters fly. The model train exhibit is open daily and themes change every season.
Closures
Explorers Landing, Closing Nov 1: Explorers Landing will close Nov. 1 for renovations. It will reopen January 2022. Kid’s play items will be available in the Coca-Cola Café while Explorers Landing is closed. The Family Art Studio will remain open during this time and children’s programs will also continue.
Thanksgiving, The Museum will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 25 to celebrate Thanksgiving.