BrightStone Artists Shine at Gallery 48

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Gallery 48 has become a colorful location in downtown Columbia. Owner and curator Joanna Kinca established the fine art gallery with a vision to connect people through art, showcasing an inspiring collection of works by both local and international artists. As Gallery 48 continues to focus on cultural appreciation, Kinca has embraced a new initiative through a partnership with BrightStone in Franklin, Tennessee.

BrightStone came to fruition in 1999, when Brenda Hauk felt led to start the non-profit. Hauk, a special education teacher in Williamson County, saw a critical need for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) after high school, recognizing that more than 70% of adults with IDD were unemployed, living at home, and had limited opportunities for ongoing education and community engagement.

When BrightStone opened its doors, there were four students in donated space at The People’s Church in Franklin. Today, it has grown into a thriving organization with an enrollment of 60 adults. It is supported by 30 full-time employees, including a registered nurse and five teachers with master’s degrees in special education. Additionally, BrightStone’s 23,000-square-foot Center for Learning, Art, and Enterprise provides vocational training, academics, computer instruction, health and wellness programs, art, music, and recreational activities that empower participants to lead fulfilling, enriched lives.

Kinca first met BrightStone representatives Susan Sistrunk, Director of Programs, and Missy Naff, Senior Development Manager, in February 2026 at a business event in Spring Hill. When Kinca learned about BrightStone’s art classes, she immediately wanted to visit and see the art the students were making. “After listening to the story about BrightStone, I knew I would love to meet their students and see their pottery pieces,” Kinca said. “I visited BrightStone twice and fell in love with their pottery and the story behind it.”

While Kinca toured the facility, she met students in the ceramics program. She learned about a special project led by Emma Fletcher, BrightStone’s lead ceramics teacher, and vocational coordinator Lindsay Wommer. Together, the two have been helping longtime student Justin launch his own pottery business, fittingly named Pottery by Justin. “BrightStone’s day program offers a ceramics class that provides students with meaningful, hands-on work that promotes creativity, independence, teamwork, and confidence,” Fletcher said. “Each student participates in the process, from rolling and shaping clay to glazing and barcoding finished pieces. Students create unique ceramic pieces all year round.”

Kinca was so impressed, she wanted to showcase the students’ art at Columbia’s First Fridays in May. As the partnership began, Wommer, Fletcher, and Kerri Bryant, Marketing and Communications Manager, were instrumental in coordinating with Kinca to feature BrightStone artists as Gallery 48’s artists of the month and helped plan the opening reception at the gallery.

“[They] have been given the opportunity to showcase their artwork at Gallery 48. Through this partnership, students gain valuable vocational skills, pride in their accomplishments, and opportunities for personal growth,” Fletcher said. “Community partnerships help expand these opportunities by increasing product visibility, supporting sales, encouraging inclusion, and creating real-world experiences that strengthen student confidence and connection to the community.” 

The opening reception in May was a great success. Gallery 48 highlighted the handmade pieces by the group from BrightStone’s ceramics class, and several students, including Justin, were happy to attend the opening reception and talk to customers about their ceramics. Kinca also featured individual pieces made by Justin for his business, Pottery by Justin, as well as ceramics made by Nina, another student in the ceramics class. “This is the first time that their artwork has been displayed and sold in a fine arts gallery!  It was very exciting,” said Wommer. “It was an honor that Joanna chose them as her artist of the month!”

What began as a one-month exhibition has now evolved into an ongoing partnership. Kinca has committed to regularly carrying a selection of BrightStone ceramics and Pottery by Justin pieces at Gallery 48. “This partnership is a perfect example of how our vision is being fulfilled,” Wommer said. “Joanna has recognized the talent of BrightStone artists. She is respecting them and valuing them as the fine artists that they are.”

As the partnership continues to grow, BrightStone artists are enthusiastically working on their contributions for Gallery 48’s celebration of the United States of America’s 250th Anniversary Art Show on July 3 during First Fridays in Columbia. “It is a fabulous opportunity for their work to be included as fine art and recognized for the beautiful pieces that they are,” concluded Wommer. Kinca has invited each gallery artist to create commemorative pieces inspired by the historic milestone, with all pieces on display throughout July.

Kinca’s partnership with BrightStone has created a new opportunity for its students to support creativity and share their artistic talents with the public. The collaboration not only provides a meaningful creative outlet for BrightStone’s artists but also supports the organization’s mission to empower individuals, celebrate their abilities, and enrich lives through opportunity, inclusion, and connection.

For additional information about the gallery’s curated art collection, visit gallery48.art or learn more about the BrightStone mission at brightstone.org. Follow them both on social media @gallery48.art and @brightstonetn.