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(COLUMBIA, Tenn. – July 29, 2026) — The Columbia State Community College Pryor Art Gallery will soon host a new exhibit titled "We Contain Multitudes," beginning in early August.
Contemporary Collective is a Nashville-based group of abstract artists who formed in 2012. Pryor Art Gallery Curator Tori Zemer, who was already familiar with the work of several of the Collective's artists, welcomed the opportunity to host the exhibition after connecting with group member and local artist Kim Sanderson.
Though the pieces shown in the gallery are by separate artists, when viewed as a whole, the works of the Contemporary Collective reveal the multitudes within each artist and convey a range of human experiences and expressions.
Artists include:
• Carol Williams, Nashville
• Donna J. Wisener, Columbia
• Erin Johnson, Murfreesboro
• Gail Blane, Hopkinsville (KY)
• Ginger Oglesby, Nashville
• Karen Johnston, Nashville
• Kim Sanderson, Columbia
• Linda Butler, Brentwood
• Lisa McLaughlin, Nashville
• Mary Miller Veazie, Murfreesboro
• Mildred Jarrett, Nashville
• Pam Austin, Franklin
• Patty Burks, Murfreesboro
“We represent a variety of ages, styles, approaches and motivations for painting,” said Karen Johnston, president of the Contemporary Collective. “Our paintings are not representations of what we see but rather living descriptions of what we feel. Through color, texture, energy and skill, our thoughts and emotions are intuitively transferred onto canvas. The painted results capture the essence of what cannot be touched by words. Alone, each piece is an independent work of art. Displayed together, our collection of paintings invigorates the viewer with an excitement for difference. The Contemporary Collective offers an expanse of original experiences rooted in creative, personal expression.”
The exhibit’s opening on Wednesday, Aug. 3 marks the first exhibit for the 2026-2027 season.
“This exhibition is a jewel box of abstract art,” said Tori Zemer, Columbia State Pryor Art Gallery curator. “It is full of big paintings, and there is so much passion, energy and color. Each piece on its own is beautiful, but as a whole, these works are breathtaking.”
An official opening reception for the exhibit will be held on August 5 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The exhibit is open through September 2.
The Pryor Art Gallery is in the Waymon L. Hickman Building on the Columbia Campus, located at 1665 Hampshire Pike, and is open Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission is free.
For more information about the Pryor Art Gallery and upcoming exhibitions, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/PryorGallery or Facebook at ColumbiaStatePAG.
About the Pryor Art Gallery:
Located at Columbia State Community College, the Pryor Art Gallery serves as a cultural hub for students and the community, offering diverse exhibitions throughout the year.
Caption: “District Blu” by Lisa McLaughlin
Caption: “Many Fathoms Deep” by Karen Johnston
Caption: “Somewhere In Between” by Donna Wisener
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Columbia State is a comprehensive community college serving southern Middle Tennessee, dedicated to nurturing success and positively changing lives through teaching, learning and service. Established in 1966 as Tennessee’s first community college, Columbia State has grown to five campuses, including Columbia, Williamson, Lawrence, Lewisburg and Clifton. The college was named the 2021 Community College of the Year at the annual TBR SOAR Awards, and was recognized as a finalist in 2020 and 2023.
Columbia State has also been recognized by the American Association of Community Colleges as a finalist in their Awards of Excellence in the following categories: Outstanding College/Corporate Partnership, 2022 and 2018; Advancing Diversity, 2020, 2018, and 2014; and Student Success, 2018. In addition, the college was named one of the Top 150 U.S. community colleges by the Aspen Institute for 2019 and 2017. Visit ColumbiaState.edu to learn more.
The College System of Tennessee is the state’s largest public higher education system, with 13 community colleges, 24 colleges of applied technology and the online TN eCampus serving approximately 140,000 students. The system is governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.
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