"We are fortunate to showcase these Tennessee artists in the gallery," said Rusty Summerville, Pryor Gallery curator. "Both artists have unique styles that represent their own visions of artistry."

Sublett, a Kentucky native and World War II veteran, worked as an engineering draftsman, a newspaper artist and an engraving firm manager while pursuing a career as an artist. He was hired as an assistant to his professor after taking an art class at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, where he taught painting until his retirement in 1982.

"Carl Sublett, who passed away in 2008, was a Tennessee treasure," Summerville said. "He was an internationally recognized artist with a diversity of styles ranging from descriptive realism to abstract deviations of the real."

Having been exhibited for more than five decades, Sublett won numerous awards, including the Mead Corporation Artist of the Year, first prize from the Watercolor Society of Alabama and the Grumbacher Purchase award from Watercolor USA.

Hinson, a former pediatric dentist, began taking pottery classes in 2006 after suffering a massive heart attack. Hinson became intrigued by the techniques involved in the art of pottery. In addition, he found that pottery would give him the outlet needed to maintain hand-eye coordination following 30 years of hands-on patient care. Currently, Hinson produces traditional and functional stoneware and porcelain clay pieces out of his Franklin studio, Out Of My Hands.

"Pitts Hinson's ceramic works are beautiful," Summerville said. "His glazes are unique, and all who have an opportunity are invited to stop by the gallery and view his stunning pottery."

Also a Columbia State alumnus, Hinson began creating a custom platter for the college that he donates as a gift for each commencement speaker.

The Sublett-Hinson exhibit will be on display in the gallery until Feb. 25. The public is invited to a free artists' reception Feb. 6 from 5:30 - 7 p.m.

If tickets are still available, guests are invited to stay for the First Farmer's Performance Series show, "The Great White Way", featuring long-time "Phantom" star, Franc D'Ambrosio. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students and can be purchased at the box office that evening. Advanced tickets can also be purchased by calling (931) 540-2879.

The Pryor Gallery is located in the Waymon L. Hickman building on the Columbia campus. The gallery is open and free to the public Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Please visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/PryorGallery for additional information.

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, the sixth largest higher education system 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.