CLARKSVILLE, TN – Here are the events upcoming at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center in May.
Exhibits
Tennessee Wild Side, May 3 – June 22 | Bruner & Orgain. Galleries Learn about the wildlife of Middle Tennessee with this hands-on look at rivers, caves and other local habitats. Check out the bats in Dunbar Cave, identify animal footprints and more!
Society of Animal Artists: The Animals of North America, May 5 – June 26 | Crouch Gallery. The Society of Animal Artists is devoted to promoting excellence in the artistic portrayal of domesticated and wild animals in art. This year’s special exhibition celebrates the creatures found here in North America with over 50 artworks from artists around the world.
Remembering Frank Adkins, through June 26 | Lobby. Lieutenant Colonel Frank Adkins was the most decorated Montgomery County resident to have served in World War II. This collection of photographs, documents and other artifacts illustrates the courage of this hometown hero.
Bold Expressions: The Art of Stephanie J. Brown, Through May 29 | Harvill Gallery. Stephanie J. Brown is an empowered artist, activist and author who shines a light on self-awareness, survival and pride through her work. “I love to represent the African diaspora by painting faces and accentuating our bold features. I include bold colors, which spiritually represent chakras.”
Breaking Through: The Rise of American Women Artists, through May 29 | Kimbrough & Jostens Galleries. This juried show features over 100 paintings and sculptures by members of American Women Artists (AWA) from across the country. AWA is an organization that aims to increase the number of professional opportunities for women in the visual fine arts.
Explorers Landing: Exploring Our Town, Open Now on the Lower Level. New Memories, New Adventures, New Explorers Landing! Explore our town with timeless favorites like the Bubble Cave and McGregor’s Market and new discoveries like the Landing and Car Ramp. It’s an adventure for all ages.
Events
The Big Payback, May 4, 6 p.m. – May 5, 6 p.m. The Museum is participating in The Big Payback, a 24-hour online giving day for Middle Tennessee nonprofits. The Museum aims to reach at least $10,000 in total donations during the fundraiser. All donations support the Museum in creating educational programming for children and adults, preserving our historical collection and maintaining our award-winning exhibitions. Early donations open on April 27 at 6 p.m. and the donations can be given online through May 5 at 6 p.m. at https://www.thebigpayback.org/CustomsHouseMuseum.
¡La Gran Payback! Fundraising Event, May 4, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. To celebrate the Big Payback, the Museum is hosting a fiesta-style event that is FREE and open to the public. Join us for Taqueria Lo Arado Jalisco food truck, drinks, festive music and free Museum admission! You will be able to donate to The Big Payback at the event.
First Thursday Art Walk, May 5, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. The Museum will offer free admission during First Thursday Art Walk Clarksville from 5 p.m. – 8 pm. Vansauwa’s Tacos & Vegan Eats food truck will be serving up delicious eats in the Courtyard.
Jazz in June: An Evening with Cindy McElroy, June 11, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. The Museum welcomes local musician Cindy McElroy, accompanied by well-known Nashville musicians Regi & Joseph Wooten, to the second annual Jazz in June fundraiser. Enjoy a night of soulful jazz, food, drinks and dancing! Tickets go on sale soon – keep an eye on the Museum’s website for more info!
Programs
Family Art Saturday: Fork Painting, May 28, drop by between 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 2 – 4 p.m. |Ages 3+, with adult Free with membership or paid admission | Family Art Studio. Artists may use more than brushes to paint – sometimes they use other objects such as string, sponges and even forks! Let’s use forks to paint bears and other animals like those found in the exhibit Society of Animal Artists: The Animals of North America. Some paints may stain, please dress accordingly. 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.
F&M Bank Huff & Puff Express Model Trains, Exhibit open daily | Trains run Sundays, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. 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.