Collierville, TN
Home MenuPast Exhibitions
Click here to view Shine a Light, our virtual exhibition honoring the 150th anniversary of Collierville.
GiddyUP! Youth Empowerment Initiative
June 18 - August 17, 2024
Explore ten entrepreneurial projects aimed at enriching the equestrian ecosystem designed by students in the GIDDYUP — BridgeUp program at Collierville’s Southern Blues Equestrian Center, displayed alongside photographs by Adarryll Jackson, Sr. and paintings by program mentor José Valverde.
Beyond the Horizon
April 30 - June 15, 2024
Collierville artist Jennifer Mannon draws inspiration for her landscape painting practice from moments spent outdoors, particularly during walks with her husband or while on the water at Pickwick State Park.
Southern Railway
January 9 - April 20, 2024
For nearly a century, the Southern Railway Company operated the line that runs through Collierville Town Square until Norfolk Southern Corporation assumed ownership in 1982. Discover the national history behind the Southern Railway Company, its lasting influence on the local community, and a creative play area featuring hands-on train activities for young visitors.
Bellevue Female College
August 22 - November 22, 2023
This exhibition is dedicated to Collierville's own Bellevue Female College (founded in 1872 and operated until 1904). Through photographs, artifacts, and interactive displays visitors are invited to explore the school's legacy in the region, how their graduates made a mark on the world, and why their experiences shaped their lives and the lives of those around them. This is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of education in Tennessee!
The Clarene Russell Collection
This exhibition is dedicated to the life and accomplishments of Collierville's Town Historian, Clarene Pinkston Russell (1926-2022). Russell's dedication to uncovering local history recently culminated in the largest donation of artifacts the Morton Museum has ever received. Discover her legacy in the region, methods of conducting research, and how she interpreted this information in her 1994 publication, "Collierville, Tennessee: Her People and Neighbors".
Gentle Awakenings: The Art of Keith Burns
January 17 - April 21, 2023
A woodworker since the early 1990s, Collierville resident Keith Burns (1948 - 2021) began experimenting with the process of woodturning in 2004. Burns produced a large quantity of work from his backyard workshop, focusing mainly on hollow forms. Burns referred to himself as a "minimalist" turner, preferring to focus on the natural beauty found in each piece of wood.
Toys, Trains, and Traditions
November 29 - December 30, 2022
Rekindle childhood memories and spark the creation of new ones with this mini-holiday display about Wonder Products toys, once manufactured in Collierville. Also enjoy a snowy, small-scale model of Collierville Town Square featuring historic landmarks, artifacts from the Museum’s collection, and images of Collierville from winters past.
On A Mission: 10 Years of Preserving Collierville History
August 6 - November 18, 2022
We're celebrating a decade of connecting with the Collierville community! How did the Morton Museum come to be? When was the building constructed? What shapes the cultural and educational opportunities being offered today? This special exhibition curated by museum staff tells the fascinating story behind how your local history museum came to be, what kinds of artifacts the Morton Museum cares for, and the exciting programs made possible by your support.
Imaginaries of the Mind (Community Art Gallery)
August 27 - October 12, 2024
A series of digital artworks by Amy Pennington-Boyce reflecting the chaos and order of human creativity.
United Streets of America (Community Art Gallery)
July 9 - August 24, 2024
Vibrant paintings by local artist Carol Coffey Clark.
My Favorite Things (Community Art Gallery)
May 7 - July 6, 2024
Juried photographs showcasing the vibrant beauty of local gardens, skillfully captured in and around Collierville by members of the Shelby East Garden Club.
Nature's Palette: Art Inspired By the Earth (Community Art Gallery)
March 5 - May 4, 2024
Oil landscape paintings by Collierville artist Wes Ashworth.
A Passionate Vision (Community Art Gallery, Adarryll Jackson, Sr.)
January 2 - March 2, 2024
Images of Collierville captured by freelance photographer Adarryll Jackson, Sr.
Tu rostro es mío, respiro tu último aliento. // Your face is mine, I breathe in your last breath. (Community Art Gallery, Nahomi Luna)
September 12 - November 22, 2023
Local artist Nahomi Luna presents a series of powerful, mixed media portraits.
Mud Huts to Paper (Community Art Gallery, Amruta Bhat)
July 11 - September 9, 2023
Madhubani painting is an ancient Indian folk-art technique using natural pigments to decorate plastered walls with geometric shapes, bright colors, and intricate details. Collierville artist Amruta Bhat offers a contemporary interpretation of this centuries-old practice by recording the people, animals, and mythological references in her daily life.
Passenger Pigeons and Ecological Tipping Points
May 9 - July 8, 2023
Experience the powerful collage art of local artist Jennalyn Speer, exploring the extinction of the once most numerous birds in North America - the passenger pigeons - and the contemporary “tipping point” bird species identified by the U.S North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI) and Cornell University's Lab of Ornithology, having lost over 50% of their breeding population since 1970.
The Things Women Dust
March 7 - May 6, 2023
A series of still-life oil paintings by local artist Sharan M. Nelson devoted to objects in the home that are collected, cherished, and passed on to future generations. Painted with meticulous detail, Nelson transforms images of fabrics, glassware, jewelry, and antique dishes into intimate vignettes of home life.
Southern Buildings
January 3 - March 4, 2023
Small-scale watercolor paintings by artist David Rawlinson depicting abandoned homes and structures in Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
Letters to Santa (2021)
November 29 - December 30, 2022
Last Christmas, Collierville community members worked hard to create earnest, appealing letters to Santa amid a lingering global health crisis. The requests ranged from traditional toys to the latest electronic gadgets, to well-wishes for the world’s population. Read along to hear just how nice (or naughty) they were, and what they hoped to see under the tree in 2021.
Heritage Through Art
September 27 - November 18, 2022
Originally born in Guanajuato, Mexico, José Valverde immigrated to New Mexico with his family at the age of 11, before moving to Colorado and finally settling in Memphis. Throughout his life, Valverde's curiosity has guided him back to the dance and visual art practices associated with his Aztecan, Comanche, and Spanish roots. With every painting, Valverde hopes to share his enchantment with Latino culture and to inspire spiritual growth.
Through The Gardener's Lens
June 10 - July 30, 2022
A diverse array of juried photographs captured by the Shelby East Garden Club offering a glimpse into the rich ecosystems of Collierville’s home gardens. Judging for the competition took place at the museum through a blind adjudication process by a panel of museum staff. Images were judged in several categories and special recognition has been awarded to the best-in-show, first, second, third, and honorable mention submissions in each category.
Five Lakes
March 1 - May 14, 2022
This stunning series of black and white photographs by local artist Houston Cofield documents the rich history and natural beauty of Five Lakes Outing Club located in Crittenden County, Arkansas - approximately 40 miles west of Collierville.
Shamek Weddle
January 11 - February 26, 2022
Enjoy the latest Community Art Gallery installation featuring artworks by local artist and educator Shamek Weddle. This series of drawings and paintings by local artist and educator focuses on portraits of the artist's family, alongside still life compositions and landscapes.