2 minute read
Member Spotlight
JAMIE DURRETT
Jamie Durrett has been a Museum member for over ten years, served on the Museum Guild as President and Flying High Chair and became Chair of the Museum Board of Trustees in 2021.
S&C: What has inspired you to be so involved in Clarksville’s arts community?
JD: I think it goes back to my family’s involvement in the arts. My grandmother was an art teacher, and my grandfather was also an artist... I grew up with the idea that art is important. As I got older, I wanted to find ways to give back. I’ve been around the Museum since I was young, and thought that working with them would be a good way to give patronage to the arts community.
S&C: How have you seen the arts and culture community in Clarksville evolve throughout your time here?
JD: I think it has become more important to Clarksville in general – not just the Museum, but having The Roxy, the new performing arts center, the Downtown Artists Co-op, the DBO Gallery and more all downtown too. I think there is a lot more support on a local government level than there used to be. People are starting to see Clarksville as an artist hub. People want to be involved, and they want that community connection now more than ever. As we move forward, I think people are going to seek out these connections while artists find new and creative ways to show their skills and how they view things. I think we will continue to see our arts and culture community grow.
S&C: What are your favorite Customs House Museum memories?
JD: I have wonderful memories of the Customs House from a young age when I attended Junior Cotillion and enjoyed the many youth activities at the museum. My favorite recent Museum memory is planning Flying High in 2015. I loved getting to work with all the great vendors and artists, as well as the Guild members and Board members. Getting to see it all come together and having a great time supporting the Museum and raising money – it was really special.
The Customs House Museum is more than an architecturally beautiful building with galleries. It is an opportunity to look at the community and world with new eyes and renewed passion for history and the arts. The Museum has been a wonderful place for me to grow, learn, develop and volunteer. It’s rare to find a museum in a town this size that has the depth and the breadth of the kinds of exhibits found here, and the positive reputation across the country.
Interested in becoming more involved with the Museum? Join the Guild! The Customs House Museum & Cultural Center Guild is a group of talented volunteers who promote awareness and support for the Museum by creatively developing, organizing and funding various special events throughout the year, including the signature Flying High and Champagne & Chocolate fundraisers. For more information on how to join, please contact Stacy Mobley at stacy@customshousemuseum.org.
