CLARKSVILLE, TN – Here are the upcoming events at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center in May.

Exhibitions

Wild side of Tennessee, May 3 – June 22 | Bruner & Orgain. Galleries Learn about the flora and fauna of central Tennessee with this hands-on overview of rivers, caves, and other local habitats. Discover bats in Dunbar Cave, identify animal footprints and more!

Society of Animal Artists: Animals of North America, May 5 – June 26 | Crouching Gallery. The Society of Animal Artists is dedicated to promoting excellence in the artistic representation of domestic and wild animals in art. This year’s special exhibit celebrates the creatures found here in North America with over 50 works by artists from around the world.

In memory of Frank Adkins, to June 26 | Lobby. Lt. Col. Frank Adkins was the most decorated Montgomery County resident to serve in World War II. This collection of photographs, documents and other artifacts illustrates the courage of this local hero.

Bold Expressions: The Art of Stephanie J. Brown, Until May 29 | Harvill Gallery. Stephanie J. Brown is a freelance artist, activist, and author who shines a light on self-awareness, survival, and pride through her work. “I like to represent the African Diaspora by painting faces and accentuating our bold features. I include bright colors, which spiritually represent the chakras.

Drill: The Rise of American Women Artists, to May 29 | Kimbrough & Jostens Galleries. This juried exhibition features more than 100 paintings and sculptures by American Women Artists (AWA) members 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: Explore our city, Now open on the lower level. New memories, new adventures, new explorer landings! Explore our city with timeless favorites like the Bubble Cave and McGregor Market and new discoveries like the Landing Stage and Car Ramp. It’s an adventure for all ages.

Events

The great return, May 4, 6 p.m. – May 5, 6 p.m. The Museum participates in The Big Payback, a 24-hour online giving day for nonprofit organizations in Middle Tennessee. The Museum aims to reach at least $10,000 in total donations when raising funds. All donations support the Museum in creating educational programs for children and adults, preserving our historic collection, and maintaining our award-winning exhibits. First donations open April 27 at 6 p.m. and donations can be made online until May 5 at 6 p.m. at https://www.thebigpayback.org/CustomsHouseMuseum.

¡La Gran Refund! Fundraising Event, May 4, 5:30-7:30 p.m. To celebrate the big payback, the Museum is hosting a FREE fiesta-style event open to the public. Join us for the Taqueria Lo Arado Jalisco food truck, drinks, festive music and free entry to the museum! You will be able to donate to The Big Payback during the event.

First Thursday Art Walk, May 5, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. The Museum will offer free admission to the First Thursday Art Walk Clarksville from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Vansauwa’s Tacos & Vegan Eats food truck will serve up delicious food in the backyard.

Jazz in June: An Evening with Cindy McElroy, June 11, 6 to 9 p.m. The Museum welcomes local musician Cindy McElroy, accompanied by well-known Nashville musicians Regi and Joseph Wooten, to the second annual Jazz fundraiser in June. Enjoy an evening of soulful jazz, food, drink and dancing! Tickets will go on sale soon – watch the Museum’s website for more information!

Programs

Family art Saturday: painting with a fork, May 28, appointment between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. |From 3 years old, with an adult Free with subscription or paid entry | Family art studio. Artists can use more than paintbrushes 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 Society of Animal Artists: The Animals of North America exhibit. Some paints may stain, please dress accordingly. All parents are required to participate and supervise their children.

Museum discovery quest, Free with membership or paid entry | Developed for school-age children. Free activity Take It N’ Make It. Explore the Museum’s exhibits with your family in a creative way with the Museum’s Discovery Quests – fun, self-guided “treasure hunts” that pique children’s curiosity and captivate their attention. Several different themes are offered, and all include a free Take It N’ Make It activity pack for kids to complete a fun project at home. Sign up for a Perks Pass to earn a free Seasons: The Museum Store prize after completing three quests.

F&M Bank Huff & Puff Express Model Trains, Exhibition open every day | Trains run Sundays 1-4pm and Wednesdays 10am-12pm Enjoy one of the largest model railroad systems in the region with a miniature castle, UFO and scenic scenery. Interact with the miniature world by making the cars move and the helicopters fly. The model train exhibit is open daily and the themes change seasonally.