"This heart exhibit is not for lovers as one would expect from the icon," said Michele Wilkinson, Pryor Art Gallery curator. "It is about the effects of love and the lack of it in many ways. The stories and visuals are powerful and evoke strong emotions - many call it cathartic and healing."

The exhibit, comprised of 33 pieces of dimensional art, was made as a collective sharing of the heart, carefully crafted to stir up, provoke, and possibly heal. The pieces are not limited to the artist's personal story, but instead take on the broader burden of the human experience - even ones some may not want to talk about or look at.

The story of each titled piece is presented under cover, allowing the viewer to appreciate the work from their own experience first, then, to lift the veil to engage the works through the lens of another's experience, if they so desire.

There will be a table of blank journals for those that wish to share their story with others, as well as art materials for those that wish to express their story visually. Along with inviting the general public, students, faculty and staff, the exhibit is also designed for the audience of the clinical psychology and counseling fields, as well as recovery and rehabilitation programs.

Wilkinson explained that everyone has a story to share and can truly identify with different titles of the works. She also commented that this experience may not be for the faint of heart.

"We want this exhibit to engage thought and conversation. The intent of this exhibit is to create a dialog recognizing the emotional challenges of others and ourselves," Wilkinson said. "Come and be a part of the conversation."

The body of work was created by the late Annette Johnson of Franklin. An artist and partner at Legacytree Foundation, Johnson worked in the non-profit field as well as serving on the board of directors for Feed America First. For more information about the project, visit www.annetteshearts.org.

For detailed information related to the exhibit, please contact Wilkinson at 931.540.2883 or mwilkinson2@ColumbiaState.edu.

The Pryor Art Gallery is in the Waymon L. Hickman Building on the Columbia Campus, located at 1665 Hampshire Pike. 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.

Photo Caption: Shattered

Photo Caption: Wedding Heart

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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