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Columbia State Showcases Late Professor’s Artwork in Special Exhibition

Issue #363

25 Feb

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🌤️ Columbia’s Wednesday Weather - Partly cloudy w/ high of 72 & low of 48

🎨 Columbia State Showcases Late Professor’s Artwork in Special Exhibition

📰 TDOT Requests $1.18 Billion in Funding—Here’s How It Would Be Spent

📌 March 7-9: Building Block School for the Arts Presents “The Outsiders”

📰 City of Columbia Swears in New City Prosecutor

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

⛑ Looking For Ways to Help Victims of Hurricane Helene? Click Here

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

Upcoming Local Events

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

Wednesday, February 26th

  • Vet 2 Vet Meet Up at McCreary’s Irish Pub - 5:30 - 7:30 PM

Thursday, February 27th

Friday, February 28th

Saturday, March 1st

Sunday, March 2nd

Columbia State Showcases Late Professor’s Artwork in Special Exhibition

A new art exhibit has just opened at the Pryor Art Gallery at Columbia State Community College. Altered Pieces: The Art of the Late Clifford Gordon will be on display from now until March 14th.

Mr. Gordon was an associate professor of art at Columbia State Community College from 2008 until 2024. While on a study trip with students on the coast of Brazil, Professor Gordon was struck by a wave and swept away. His body was recovered a few days later. No students were seriously injured in the accident.

Mr. Clifford was also a talented artist and had numerous exhibitions throughout the state. Clifford was known for producing amazing works of collage and painting to draw the viewer into a world informed by various ideas, traditions and modern discourses. In addition, Clifford traveled to Brazil many summers and taught himself how to speak Portuguese.

Clifford held an Associate of Science degree in art from Chattanooga State Community College, a Bachelor of Science degree in art from Tennessee State University, and a Master of Fine Art degree in studio art from the Memphis College of Art.

This exhibit may be viewed during the gallery’s open hours which are Monday-Thursday 8am-7pm and Friday 8am-4pm.

TDOT Requests $1.18 Billion in Funding—Here’s How It Would Be Spent

Tennessee’s Department of Transportation (TDOT) outlined how it would allocate the $1.18 billion included in Gov. Bill Lee’s proposed budget, focusing on maintenance, repairs, and accelerating existing projects rather than new construction. If approved, TDOT would receive an additional $80 million in recurring funds, mainly for pavement and bridge preservation, expanding roadside assistance in rural areas, and increasing litter and mowing crews.

Officials noted that pavement conditions have steadily declined since 2012, and aging bridges require ongoing repairs. To address this, TDOT will use $775 million in one-time funds to expedite long-term projects and support local road initiatives. Some lawmakers expressed concern that the recurring funds would not add new projects, but TDOT emphasized the need to maintain existing infrastructure before taking on additional construction.

With revenue from gas and vehicle registration taxes leveling off and Tennessee avoiding debt for road projects, officials stressed the importance of prioritizing available funds. The General Assembly will review and potentially modify the proposed budget before a final vote.

March 7-9: Building Block School for the Arts Presents “The Outsiders”

The Building Block School for the Arts proudly invites the community to an unforgettable production of The Outsiders on March 7th and 8th at 7 PM, with a special matinee on March 9th at 3 PM. Performance experiences will be held at 1309 S. Main Street, Columbia, TN.

This production is more than a show, it’s an experience for the whole family and is a testament to youth empowerment, creativity, and leadership. Not only does it feature talented teen actors bringing S.E. Hinton’s classic story to life, but it is also directed by a remarkable teen leader. As a senior and soon-to-be graduate, our teen director, Milly, has taken the reins to manage every aspect of this production, showcasing dedication, passion, and leadership.

Tickets are just $12 and can be purchased at www.buildingblockarts.ludus.com.

Food and concessions will also be available to further support our vibrant theater program.

Through this performance, The Building Block School for the Arts continues its mission to “ignite the spark” of creativity, leadership, and community in young artists. Join us to celebrate this powerful story of friendship, courage, and resilience while supporting the next generation of performers and leaders.

Let’s build a stronger community together, one play at a time.

City of Columbia Swears in New City Prosecutor

From the City of Columbia, TN - Government’s post…

The City of Columbia is pleased to announce the swearing-in of Wes Bryant as the new City Prosecutor.

Wes was born and raised in Columbia, Tennessee. After earning his degree from Ole Miss in 1999, he went on to attend the University of Tennessee College of Law. During his time there, he served as the Student Materials Editor for the prestigious Tennessee Law Review. After graduating with his Doctorate of Jurisprudence in 2002, Wes returned to Columbia to practice law.

The City of Columbia welcomes Wes to this important role and looks forward to the expertise and dedication he will bring to our city.

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Wednesday, February 26th

Makayla Lynn, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM
Open Mic, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM

Thursday, February 27th

Todd Ciprian, Tito's Spring Hill, 6-9 PM
Josey Clay, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM
Kirwan, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM

Friday, February 28th

Open Mic, Grinder's Switch, 6-8 PM
Yonder Grove, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Hobo Cane, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Jacob Frish, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, March 1st

Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Bella Lam & Company, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Nashville Yacht Club Band, The Mulehouse, 8 PM

Sunday, March 2nd

Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

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