Columbia State Pryor Art Gallery Hosts Military Veterans Art Exhibit

Columbia State Pryor Art Gallery Hosts Military Veterans Art Exhibit

(COLUMBIA, Tenn. – Nov. 6, 2026) — The Columbia State Community College Pryor Art Gallery is hosting an art exhibit with works from military veterans from November through early December.

The focus of the exhibition titled “This Land Was Made for You and Me” is to highlight the range of pieces created by Tennessee veterans.

Each of these award-winning artists has served our country, seen the world and chosen to make Tennessee their home. They have also chosen to contribute to the enrichment of our state with their artwork in various styles of painting and sculpture.

“What I have always loved about the arts is the way they build community, and I can think of no better example than this exhibit,” said Tori Zemer, Pryor Art Gallery curator. “What started with a simple idea while planning the gallery’s calendar and a couple of phone calls grew into this beautiful exhibition with watercolor, acrylic, and oil paintings, as well as sculptures. One artist led me to another, then to another. To have such talented artists who all root for each other and admire each other’s work is so special. I could not be more excited and honored to have their work here in the gallery.”

An official opening reception for the exhibit will be held on Thursday, November 19, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The exhibit is open through December 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.

“That Others May Live” by Don Olea

“Mountain Majesty” by Peach McComb

“Dog Island Dories” by Chuck Creasy

“Sleigh Bells Are Ringing” by Jan Ducharme
 

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.