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Local Artists Take Center Stage at Gallery 48's USA 250th Anniversary Art Show

Issue #761

June 30, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤 Columbia’s Wednesday Weather - Partly cloudy w/ high of 97, low of 74

🎨 Local Artists Take Center Stage at Gallery 48's USA 250th Anniversary Art Show

📰 CPWS Announces CEO Transition, Names Interim Leader

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🇺🇸 Got 4th of July Plans? Check out Our Guide Here! 👈

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Local Artists Take Center Stage at Gallery 48's USA 250th Anniversary Art Show

Many people have probably walked past the door of Gallery 48 in downtown Columbia without realizing what's waiting inside.

Tucked away on West 7th Street, the gallery has quietly grown into one of downtown's most unique spaces, featuring everything from paintings and pottery to jewelry, glass art, woodwork and handmade pieces from artists across Tennessee and beyond.

Owner Joanna Kica opened the gallery in 2023 with just nine artists represented. Less than three years later, that number has grown to nearly 40 artists, with new pieces arriving regularly and exhibits changing throughout the year.

While many of the artists come from Columbia and surrounding communities like Spring Hill, Franklin, Pulaski and Chapel Hill, visitors will also find work from creators in other states and even Europe.

One thing that stands out immediately when you walk through the gallery is the variety. Alongside traditional paintings, visitors will find pottery, leather journals, jewelry, wood carvings, woven pieces, handcrafted gourds, copper artwork and plenty of one-of-a-kind creations that don't fit neatly into any category.

The gallery's next big event comes Thursday, July 3, with the opening reception for its "United States of America 250th Anniversary" Art Show.

The special exhibit will showcase patriotic-themed works created by local artists in celebration of America's upcoming 250th anniversary. Paintings, pottery, jewelry, glass art and other pieces inspired by red, white and blue themes will be on display throughout the gallery.

The opening reception runs from 5 to 8 p.m. and coincides with Columbia's First Friday festivities downtown. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet many of the artists behind the work, enjoy light refreshments and explore the exhibit throughout the gallery.

If you've never stepped inside Gallery 48 before, this might be the perfect excuse to open the door and take a look around.

Follow Gallery 48 on Instagram, where you can see pictures of many of the pieces on display.

CPWS Announces CEO Transition, Names Interim Leader

Columbia Power & Water Systems announced Monday that CEO Jonathan Hardin has resigned for personal reasons.

Pending approval from the Columbia Board of Public Utilities, current Chief Operating Officer Jack Baxter is expected to step into the role of Interim CEO. Baxter brings 35 years of utility experience in Middle Tennessee and will oversee day-to-day operations as well as major infrastructure projects already underway.

CPWS officials said work on the utility's long-term water supply plans, including a new water treatment plant and improvements to the Duck River intake system, will continue without interruption.

The leadership change comes as CPWS awaits a decision on its application for state financing related to the water project. A vote on that request was recently delayed until the Tennessee Local Development Authority's next meeting in July.

Read the full statement from CPWS for additional details.

My Patriot Supply Independence Day Sale

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Wednesday, July 1st

Thursday, July 2nd

Friday, July 3rd

Saturday, July 4th

Sunday, July 5th

🇺🇸 Check out our 4th of July Guide! 🇺🇸 

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, July 2
Todd Ciprian - Tito’s, 6-9 PM

Friday, July 3
TBA - The Spot: Burgers & Beer, 5-8 PM
Tommy Wheatley - Buck & Board, 6-8 PM
First Fridays with The Deltaz - Puckett’s, 6:30-8 PM
Beatles4Sale - McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7-9 PM
First Friday Block Party - Yonder Grove - Grinder’s Switch, 7-9 PM
Stars, Stripes & Southern Songs - The Mulehouse, 7-10:30 PM
MFT - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM
Live on the Square - James Carothers - Puckett’s, 8:30-10 PM

Saturday, July 4
The Vineyard Sessions - Natchez Hills Vineyard, 12-6 PM
Grasskickers - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3-7 PM

Sunday, July 5
Joey Sykes - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1-5 PM
Tommy Wheatley - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 2-5 PM

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