Nov 15, 2023 | Featured , Williamson Campus

Columbia State Displays Former Student’s Photography In Memoriam

Katherine May’s photography

Columbia State Community College recently received a long-term loan of former student Katherine May’s photography to be displayed at the Williamson Campus in memoriam.

“Penny reached out to me and sent images of Katherine’s photography,” said Lisa Hoffman, Pryor Art Gallery curator. “Katherine, a photography major, had a true eye for capturing perspectives in nature that most of us don’t even notice. It is an honor to display her artwork at the Williamson Campus where her brother Jake is currently a student. We are grateful to get her story out there. She has something more to say.”

Penny and Greg May with their daughter Katherine May’s photography, which is now on display at Columbia State’s Williamson Campus.
Penny and Greg May with their daughter Katherine May’s photography, which is now on display at Columbia State’s Williamson Campus.

 

May was a photography major at Columbia State’s Williamson Campus who transferred to Middle Tennessee State University to pursue a fine arts degree. After her death, her parents, Greg and Penny May, reached out to Hoffman to honor their daughter’s memory by donating some of her photography to be displayed at the college.

“It was a huge blessing getting to spend time with Greg and Penny as they shared the stories behind Katherine's photography,” said Tammy Rosson, Columbia State director of events and alumni relations. “She captured beauty in compelling ways, and it’s an honor to be able to share her gift with our community.”

The May family.
The May family.

 

Each photo was taken at the Mays’ home, with the raindrops taken in Katherine’s car as she looked through the sunroof.

“When Katherine was 16, we went to downtown Nashville with our phones to take pictures,” said Penny May, Katherine’s mother. “We would take the same picture, but hers would always turn out better than mine. She had a gift. Photography was always a hobby for her, but it turned into a passion.”

“We are excited and thrilled that we could display her work on the Williamson campus, where she attended,” said Greg May, Katherine’s father.

The photos can be viewed in the Administration Building at the Williamson Campus located at 1228 Liberty Pike, Franklin, TN 37067.

Penny and Greg May with their daughter Katherine May’s photography, which is now on display at Columbia State’s Williamson Campus.
Penny and Greg May with their daughter Katherine May’s photography, which is now on display at Columbia State’s Williamson Campus.