Columbia State Community College’s Pryor Art Gallery opens its 2026-27 season with “We Contain Multitudes,” a new exhibition featuring work by members of the Contemporary Collective. Click for More Events
The exhibit opens Aug. 3 and will remain on display through Sept. 2.
Founded in 2012, the Contemporary Collective is a Nashville-based group of abstract artists representing a range of ages, styles, techniques and creative perspectives. Pryor Art Gallery Curator Tori Zemer, who was already familiar with several of the participating artists, connected with Columbia artist and group member Kim Sanderson to bring the exhibition to the gallery.
Although each work was created by a different artist, the collection is designed to reflect the many layers within each individual and convey a broad range of human emotions and experiences through color, texture and movement.
“This exhibition is a jewel box of abstract art,” Zemer said. “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.”
Participating artists include Carol Williams of Nashville; Donna J. Wisener of Columbia; Erin Johnson of Murfreesboro; Gail Blane of Hopkinsville, Kentucky; Ginger Oglesby of Nashville; Karen Johnston of Nashville; Kim Sanderson of Columbia; Linda Butler of Brentwood; Lisa McLaughlin of Nashville; Mary Miller Veazie of Murfreesboro; Mildred Jarrett of Nashville; Pam Austin of Franklin; and Patty Burks of Murfreesboro.
“We represent a variety of ages, styles, approaches and motivations for painting,” said Karen Johnston, president of the Contemporary Collective in a release. “Our paintings are not representations of what we see but rather living descriptions of what we feel.”
Johnston said the artists use color, texture, energy and skill to transfer thoughts and emotions onto canvas, creating works that offer both individual expression and a shared celebration of creative differences.
An opening reception will be held Aug. 5 from 5 to 7 p.m.
The Pryor Art Gallery is located in the Waymon L. Hickman Building on Columbia
State’s Columbia Campus at 1665 Hampshire Pike. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission is free.
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