Artist Reception Scheduled for Evening of Sunday, May 23

Columbia State Community College will host the art work of artists Shon M. Hudspeth and Paul Fly during May and June.

"The Pryor Gallery is pleased to exhibit works by sculptor, fabricator, and designer, Paul Fly and painter and designer Shon Hudspeth. The works stem from similar loves of art and creativity driven by what is within both of these men," said Lucy Kuykendall, curator and director of Columbia State's Pryor Art Gallery. "Enjoy the warmth and color of spring and summer and visit the Pryor Gallery."

The exhibit consists of a variety different medium including acrylics, mixed media and oil paintings created by Hudspeth and several sculptures created by Fly.

Fly pursued a life in the arts earning a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from Austin Peay State University. He is the lead sculptor for Animax Designs which is headquartered in Nashville.

"Paul has created set and film characters for scores of projects. He has been juried and awarded throughout the South since he graduated from college in 2005," said Kuykendall. "His creatures and phenomenal balancing acts are guaranteed to put a smile on your face."

Hudspeth, who earned a degree at Lee University in Cleveland, TN, has contributed artwork to benefit the Ete du Vin, "Share our Strength," ARTAGEOUS, the Nashville Symphony, the T.J. Martell Foundation, Monroe Caroll, Jr. Children's Hospital, The American Cancer Society and others. His work can be seen at the Acorn Restaurant, the Bound'ry, Adelphia Coliseum, ASCAP and other locations in Nashville.

"Shon's swirls of color and minimalist portraits will 'bless' you, as he says, with the 'solace, energy, joy, and peace' that radiate from his paintings," said Kuykendall.

There will be an artist reception held at the Pryor Art Gallery on Sunday, May 23 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Both artists will have pieces priced for sale.

Pryor Art Gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., and on Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. The gallery is also open on weekends during special events. Both the exhibit and the artist reception are free and open to the public.

Pryor Art Gallery is located in the Waymon L. Hickman building on Columbia State's Columbia Campus.

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.