Clarksville’s Central Civitan, in partnership with the Clarksville Arts & Heritage Council, invites you to discover Montgomery County’s artistic community south of the Cumberland River through the second annual South of the River Tour d’Art on Saturday, September 30, from 9:00am to 2:00pm.
This free all-day self-guided tour will feature seven stops at artist studios, a Paint-in-the-Dark class, a quilt display, and plein air painters capturing the day from a cliff above the Cumberland River.
Read more to learn about the stops along the tour.
1. Sew Simple Quilt Club
>> 2269 Seven Mile Ferry Road, Clarksville
Start your tour here. Park in front of the church, and enter through the door under the awning.
Sew Simple Quilt Club was founded in 2006. “We strive to inspire our members toward their quilting goals. We enjoy sharing our love of quilts with the people around us.”
2. Mariah Cox and Jennifer Campbell
>> 812 Maple Tree Lane, Cumberland Heights
Mariah Cox has a BFA in ceramics from Austin Peay State University. She loves getting her hands dirty working in the garden and at the farm and finds her inspiration there. Recent works include colorful chalk pastels, acrylic, and mixed media pieces. She hopes the whimsy delights, inspires, and soothes.
Jennifer Campbell started creating fluid art as a form of therapy… both physical and mental. Her journey into acrylic pouring and abstract art has become a passion. She loves finding new ways to make functional art so her pieces can be used, as well as appreciated.
3. Plein Air Painters
>> Hosted by Kris and Charlie Foust, 2551 Highway 149, Palmyra
Stop by to watch and talk with plein air painters in action as they capture the magnificent views of the Cumberland River from this cliff-side property. Artists will have original oils, acrylics, and watercolors for sale as well.
4. Shipley Pottery
>> 3281 Seven Mile Ferry Road, Clarksville
Find some handmade gifts for your friends and family—or yourself! Shipley Pottery offers pottery, handwoven clothing, chain maille jewelry, and metal works.
Ken Shipley is a retired professor of art at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville. He has worked in ceramics for over 30 years.
Melody Shipley’s work has been sold and exhibited regionally, nationally, and internationally. She conducts workshops and teaches classes.
5. Leo Adames
>> 130 Mary’s Way, Cunningham
This studio location will feature works of various subject matter. There will be samplings of silkscreen prints, monoprints, still life, and landscape paintings. Formerly an art teacher for over 25 years, Leo enjoys contributing his talents to the Arts & Heritage Cultural Calendar and church celebrations.
6. Tracy Bettencourt
>> Central Civitan Building, 275 Highway 13, Cunningham
Tracy is the owner/artist of Bettencourt Originals. “I am blind. I lost my eyesight over 17 years ago and within the past 10 years began painting using my hands. Every day I wake and live in darkness, yet with my newfound skill of painting. I am able to share my unique perception of the world around me as well as conveying the unseen beauty of life. My artwork will be on display and for sale. I will also be teaching a Mini Paint-in the-Dark Workshop from noon to 1 p.m. for a maximum of five people. Cost is $35 a person. If you would like to register for this insightful workshop and would like more detail, please call 931-257-6938. Thank you.”
7. Jim Diehr
>> Longthunder Studio, 5015 Bryant Hollow Road, Cunningham
Jim Diehr has shown his paintings and sculpture locally, regionally and nationally. In 2021-22, Jim’s works were exhibited in a one-man sculpture and painting show at Customs House Museum and Cultural Center. His watercolor painting was the signature piece for Flying High in 2022. His sculptures were shown at the Nashville Airport in 2017. In 2018 the Tennessee Watercolor Society chose his work to be part of the statewide traveling tour, and a sculpture was juried into the Best of Tennessee Crafts Exhibit. His works are found in many private and corporate collections.
South of the River restaurants open on Saturday, September 30:
Wild Flour Across the River
116 Salem Road
Paul and Jackie’s Country Kitchen
1578 Zinc Plant Road
Central Pizza
1775 State Highway 48
South of the River BBQ
2300 Highway 48
The Country Diner
(cash only and closes at 1:00pm)
749 Highway 13
The Central Civitan Club was chartered by Civitan International in December 1958 with 33 charter members from the Cunningham area. The club meets the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30pm. Central Civitan contributes to more than a dozen community organizations, sponsors Scouts BSA 546 for boys ages 11 to 17, and recently hosted the 115th Lone Oak Picnic. To learn more about Central Civitan Club, visit www.centralcivitan.org or email centralcivitan2020@gmail.com.