(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - Oct. 7, 2016) - - - Columbia State Community College's Pryor Art Gallery will host the bi-annual juried art competition and exhibit, "From the HeART" Oct. 12 to Nov. 8, which features work from artists in the Middle Tennessee area.

"The intent of the exhibit is to recognize and showcase local artists," said Michele Wilkinson, Pryor Art Gallery curator. "It's exciting to see such a range of media and artists shown together in the same show. The multi-media art entries hang together creating a harmonious exhibit. "

The art forms include bronze sculptures, mixed media, stained glass, oils, acrylics, pencil and watercolors. The exhibit includes work from professional artists, students, hobbyists, artisans and weekend painters.

Beverly Ford Evans, "From the HeART" juror and creative artist, has been recognized with over 55 honors and exhibits. Evans chose 22 artists whose work will be showcased and awarded with cash prizes in the exhibit.

The public is invited to attend the artists reception Thursday, Oct. 13, 5 - 8 p.m. Artist awards will be announced by Evans and Wilkinson at 5:30 p.m.

The Pryor Art Gallery is in the Waymon L. Hickman Building on the Columbia Campus. The exhibit is free and open to the public Oct. 12 to Nov. 8 Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. For additional information, please visit http://www.ColumbiaState.edu/PryorGallery

"From the HeART" cash awards are provided by title sponsor, Chromatics. Merit acknowledgement gift certificates are sponsored by Jerry's Artarama.

For more information about the Pryor Art Gallery, contact Michele Wilkinson at 931.540.2883.


Photo Caption: Beverly Ford Evans, Afternoon at Colonial Lake


Photo Caption: Joyanna Mathenia, Interrupted Nap


Photo Caption: Lisa McLaughlin, Arco

Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Clifton. As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, one of the largest higher education systems in the nation. For more information, please visit www.ColumbiaState.edu.

Tennessee's Community Colleges is a system of 13 colleges offering a high-quality, affordable, convenient and personal education to prepare students to achieve their educational and career goals in two years or less. We offer associate degree and certificate programs, workforce development programs and transfer pathways to four-year degrees. For more information, please visit us online at tncommunitycolleges.org.

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